We’ve recently seen a few classics at Barn Finds that don’t immediately make a positive impression. However, taking a closer look at this 1981 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne reveals a project Pickup loaded with promise. It spent its life in a dry climate, meaning rust repairs won’t form part of its restoration. It is a turnkey proposition, but the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve may make it irresistible. You will find the C10 listed here on eBay in Wittmann, Arizona. Subdued bidding has pushed the price to a mere $2,600, but there is time remaining in the auction if you decide you like what you see.
The 1981 model year brought a major refresh to Chevrolet’s Third Generation C/K Series. The company employed a wind tunnel to improve aerodynamic efficiency as it sought better fuel consumption figures. Our feature Pickup is a C10 Cheyenne that was ordered by its first owner in classy Carmine and Light Silver. The baked paint is a sign of the life this C10 has led, spending its days plying the roads of Texas and Arizona. Both locations almost inevitably exact a heavy toll on paint, but it is ideal for preserving steel. The seller confirms that this gem is rust-free, making any form of cosmetic refresh relatively straightforward. The panels are generally straight, and the lack of dings and dents in the bed suggests the vehicle hasn’t been abused. What can be seen of the trim looks pretty good, and the glass is clear.
Lifting the hood reveals one feature that sets this C10 apart from many Pickups of this era. The first owner elected to skip popping a V8 under the hood, teaming a 250ci six with a three-speed manual transmission. The company’s Sales Brochure confirms that this engine should produce 115hp and 200 ft/lbs of torque, and although neither figure is startling, hauling light loads or sitting at 70 on the open road should be within this Pickup’s capabilities. While some readers might be tempted to swap the six for something more potent, it is worth noting that this gem has a genuine 76,000 miles on the clock. The robust nature of the mechanical components should allow it to provide years of reliable and relatively fuel-efficient service, which might be a pretty compelling reason to leave this C10’s drivetrain as-is. The vehicle runs and drives well, with no identified mechanical needs or shortcomings.
This Pickup’s interior surprised me because I was expecting it to look quite baked. It isn’t perfect, but is undeniably serviceable. UV exposure has taken a toll on the door trims and some plastic components, but the seat, dash, and pad, are in impressive condition for their age. It would be worth treating the interior to a deep clean, because I believe that the overall presentation would improve markedly as a result. The other surprise for me is the lack of air conditioning, particularly considering where this classic has spent its life. The only creature comfort the buyer receives is a radio, although this is inoperative. The same is true of the horn, but the remaining features work as they should.
I am quite surprised that this 1981 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne has only attracted three bids because I would typically expect more from a solid Pickup of this caliber. We can speculate why this has happened, and it might be the lack of a V8 under the hood that is partly to blame. However, rectifying that potential shortcoming would be easy and inexpensive if potential bidders wished to give the vehicle performance credentials. As previously stated, the low odometer reading might be enough to convince some to leave the drivetrain unchanged. That is especially true if someone is considering transforming it into a shop truck because the six will provide a more fuel-efficient proposition than a V8. Otherwise, it is the sort of project candidate that is ideal for a rookie or someone wishing to be hands-on. The listing’s view history suggests that the action could intensify in the final hours, but are you tempted to be among those making a serious play to take this Pickup home?
This is very unique. The two tone silver over burgundy is very classy. It has the typical for the day silver paint peeling which was common on all GM vehicles back then for certain colors. Whats unique is, its a Cheyenne package, nice interior, ugraded steering wheel, carpet, yet a 250 straight 6 with a 3 speed stick on the column. I thought for sure a 305 V8 and an automatic would’ve been under the hood of this one. It has just an AM radio too. I really think someone ordered this one with a certain direction in mind. But I like it. The sheetmetal looks pretty good from what I can see. If it were mine, I’d paint it the original colors for sure. This was a sharp little half ton in its day. And I know I may get some flack for this but I’d also keep the optional full wheel covers and have whitewalls on it too. Don’t know why, but I like it like that. Great truck.
As of now the high bid is $4,450 with 5+ days left in the auction. If the price doesn’t go to high it looks like will make a for good project which will likely include drivetrain and suspension upgrade.
Steve R
Classic work truck configuration. 🛻🔨
The integral head on the 250 was the Achilles Heel on these. Manufacturers were dealing with emissions quotas and served us up some real turds as a consequence. Body styling was actually pretty good considering how bad the engines were. I agree with Driveinstyle , freshen it up and enjoy.
To echo what Driveinstile said, yes, this is very unique. I don’t recall seeing anything but a V8 in pickups of this vintage. 6-popper & 3 on the tree. Very cool!
Almost hard to believe the seat, dash, & carpet survived in the climate this pickup lived in & still look this good.
My Dad’s ’78 Scottsdale had the same wheel covers. Cloth interior & 2-tone green exterior. He used to drive me nuts taking that beauty out in the woods to chop & haul wood. That 305 (I think) had a fuel gage that moved faster than the figures at the gas pump!
Anyway, although I’d be tempted to add in a/c & a tilt wheel, I’d probably just leave this one alone except for a strip & repaint and fix the horn & radio. Too rare & special.
Had a ’78 GMC with this same drivetrain. Ran like the winded. Still, I couldn’t complain about the gas mileage – usually got near 20 in town, a little better on the highway. The one upgrade from my old truck and this one came in the form of that aerodynamic look. It likely didn’t do too much in terms of making it more streamlined, but it did help to resolve much of the “bent hood” problems from the heavy duty springs that always seemed to rust. I took those springs off eventually, and just propped the hood open with a old shovel handle. If it were sitting in my driveway, I’d echo the options mentioned above, especially adding A/C and giving it a new coat of paint. But I think I’d keep the drivetrain as is – nobody makes them like this anymore.
I know the “put an LS in it” mantra is kind of old….but it would be cool with a run of the mill 5.3 liter. Leave the 3 on the tree. Add AC and leave the rest. A guy at work has one very similar to this. It is (or was) the same colors and came with a 6 cylinder but it is 4wd. It had a 4 speed in the floor, but I’m not sure that’s what it came with. It now has a 6.0, 4L60E auto, a stepside bed, AC, a suspension lift, and new paint. He went with solid gray and red pinstripes. I don’t think he could make the 2 tone work with the stepside bed. It’s a good looking truck, very well done.
Unusual as it is somebody put some thought into ordering this truck. Radio, gages, two tone, wheel covers with the standard drivetrain. Last year for the Cheyenne trim level which had become redundant by the Scottsdale and Silverado packages. Obviously the dash pad has been replaced as you now have air ducts in place of a blocking plate. Cool and unique find.
The bid is over 7 K now! C-10, short box 2-WD, are these trucks desirable or what!