This! This 1969 big-block powered, short-bed “Action Line” Chevrolet pickup truck is the hot ticket with collectors today. It’s not in Chevelle SS396 territory – those have hit astronomical price levels these days, and that’s one of the reasons that trucks such as this Blaine, Washington example have become so popular. We have Rocco B. to thank for this tip and interested parties will find the listing here on craigslist where it’s available for $34,444.
In a nutshell, these Action Line C-10, half-ton pickups, were offered in three different wheelbase lengths, 115″ (such as our subject), 127″, and 133″. The shorties are in such demand today, that some enterprising souls have found ways to shorten, or section, the longer frames to accommodate aftermarket short cargo beds. Anyway, our subject appears to be original and non-modified and looks splendid in its Olive Green finish. There is no indication of fade, rust, creases, or crash damage. The chrome still shines and the Custom Sport Truck (CST) package-included side moldings are sharp and not droopy.
Inside, we see more of the CST appearance package on display with custom vinyl upholstery and door cards. It’s not stated in the listing but I imagine that the interior has experienced a redo at some point in its 55-year-old life – it just looks too good, especially in white, to have withstood age and any significant use. Speaking of use, the odometer registers just 39K miles but no authentication is offered or claim made to that recording.
Under the hood, we find a 310 gross HP 396 CI V8 engine backed up by a Turbo-Hydramatic, three-speed automatic transmission. The power rating is down by 15 HP compared to a standard SS396 Chevelle (325 gross HP) due to a lower compression ratio (9.0:1 for this truck vs. 10.25 for the Chevelle). The seller adds, “The truck runs and drives wonderfully.” Of note is the conversion of the front brakes to power disc from drum.
The seller tells us, “Excellent condition, same owner for last 20 years being sold out of a collection” and he is that one owner. This is probably the nicest C-10 that I have reviewed for BF and the only additional thing I would like to see is the condition of the cargo bed – not that I have any reason to doubt its condition. I started this post by mentioning the stratospheric pricing achievements that a ’69 SS396 Chevelle has managed to reach and alluding to these C-10s as being a cheaper alternative. That’s true but…the $34,444 ask for this truck did momentarily take me by surprise. This is an exceptionally nice C-10, no doubt, but $34 large worth of nice? What’s your thought?
Nice interior. Front disc upgrade always a good call. Looks like a fun and plenty powerful rig. Would look great towing a metallic dark green bass boat to the lake J.O 🎣
The color notwithstanding, this is one of the best looking vehicles GM ever built. That had a lot to do with us buying our ’72 Blazer.
The truck market is insane especially C-10’s ! I have just restored a 73 low mileage Ford P/U ,short box ,3 speeds. column shift and a 302 V-8. With factory A/C. It is almost 100 % original. Other than all new exhaust, I lowered a little and a Mustang spoke steering wheel. The paint is original and it was one owner and in storage for at least 35 years, A nice truck but I have $35,000 in it. So I think the number for this C-10 is reasonable. The question becomes do you just want a truck or do you want a real nice truck. The very nice ones cost more, just like anything else.
I like it, but the sloppy tape job around the radio and knobs, and the pop-riveted on fender emblems, make me wonder how many other corners were cut during the paint job ??
Considering how the SPID label reads on the glove box door, that’s not original except for drivetrain. Guaranteed the dash gauges were upgraded and so was the radio. It was 71 when GM not only finally offered disc front brakes but also the am/FM radio. Dad was a district sales manager for Chevrolet from 53-90. I remember looking at the different order sheets on that vintage of car & truck.
I think disc brakes were std. in ’71 as every tailgate I saw had the emblem upper left side that said “dic brakes” all capital letters.
Those small items are fixable. Ask yourself where do you find a short bed with 396??? That truck at Barrett Jackson would break the bank !
I completely agree with Greener!
Probably $50k plus in Scottsdale where the real appreciaters are!
Just my opinion.
The perfect Chevy truck.
If it were a ‘67 it would be perfect…
At age 35 I would have bought a beater and put $10k worth of parts, paint and elbow grease into a restore. At age 75 I’m happy to find an example like this for $34k that only requires “tinkering”.
I have a ’67 C10 stepside FOR SALE, new 350 engine, new paint light blue (all rust eliminated), new tires, new bed, disc brakes on front, A/C added, power steering, split bench seat(s).
Make offer.
Paul