It’s the understatement of the decade to say that Chevy’s square body pickups are hot right now. Although, lately it seems like it’s easier to list what vehicles aren’t popular with collectors than those that are. The seller has this 1978 Chevrolet C-10 Silverado short-bed pickup listed here on eBay in Danielsville, Georgia and the bids are at $8,600 but the reserve isn’t met yet. Yes, these trucks are hot right now.
One thing that always threw me a little bit is that the world’s squarest pickup trucks – other than the Tesla Cybertruck – are known by GM as the “Rounded Line” series of trucks. As if life wasn’t hard enough to understand. To make matters even more confusing, they’re also known as Square Body trucks. How can they be both?! COME ON! This is a great-looking truck whatever it’s known as.
A few of you own similar trucks (lookin’ at you, Howard), and some of them are even cooler (looking at you again, Howard) with bigger engines and 4-speeds, but there is no denying the current valuation of this truck. Hagerty lists a #3 good condition example as being worth $13,600 so there’s a reason the reserve isn’t met on this auction. The seller basically gives no information other than some standard eBay language such as “This 1978 Chevrolet C-10 is an original. The owner has had it for 1 year. The vehicle runs great and is mainly used for weekend drives.”
It’s hard to tell if there is any rust but after over four decades, presumably in Georgia, I would guess that there is at least surface rust underneath. Cap’n Obvious strikes again. The short bed looks solid and the interior needs a little help but almost every part and piece should be available from aftermarket suppliers to bring this Silverado back to its former glory.
This truck has a four-barrel-equipped 350 cubic-inch V8, or it would have when it rolled out of the factory. It appears to have been modified a bit with headers and possibly a new carb so who knows now but it would have had 165 horsepower. Any thoughts on this truck or on why “square body” trucks are also known as the “rounded line” series?
I knew it was you from the Facebook opener, Scotty!
Ha, you know me too well, sir.
Who? Talkin’ to me? Always refreshing to start the day knowing I have quite a nest egg accruing out there,as if. It’s okay, and BF’s posts these, not as a stick in the eye, but like the author sez, one simply can’t deny what’s “hot” today. Mustangs, Chevelles, Corvettes, and yes, squarebody GMs. ( whistles) Quite an impressive list to rub elbows with. For reasons stated over and over( primarily by me), there seems to be a shift back to simplicity, and the climbing value of these are a true indicator of that. Don’t by any means, think they are rare, I see a different one every day out here.
This is an okay find, probably better shape than mine body wise, but once again, underneath and inside, it’s a tired horse. As time rattles by, and costs soar, I think of selling mine, until I drive it, and think, I’d never be able to replace it, and if all goes to Hades, and there’s every indication it will, that pickup with camper shell could pull the Jeep no problem and could come in mighty handy for that undisclosed hideout location( Scotty knows where). Thanks, SG for the shot in the arm,,I feel better already,,
I believe the Rounded Line nomenclature by GM came from the fact that the cab area has the typical rounded fuselage type styling. I’m guessing Squarebody is an enthusiast term due to the squared off wheel openings and generally squared up body lines everywhere else.
square bodies were 73-87 models new body 88 up were sometimes called round face chevy trucks…never knew 87 down were called round line series… guess i am learning something…
Nice looking truck. Surprised to hear it only has 165 HP
This is an alright unit, but it’s been pieced together, it has a 75/76 grille and a steering wheel from 73 to 77. There are better ones out there.
Always get a chuckle out of’flipperguy’! This one? New air cleaner ,dirty filthy engine room! What a guy. Hilbilly rebuild! Sorry not #3, maaaybe 4? All there needs everything breathed on bought $5500 lookin’ for the moon!
How about “wideside” from the 1982 truck line brochure What part of these trucks are square?
I believe they we thinking the bed as square…
Auction update: this one made it to $9,300 and no sale.