Chevrolet C10s for Sale

After offering a number of dedicated truck chassis models since 1918, Chevrolet introduced its first pickup model in 1931. It was offered with the landmark overhead-valve inline-six engine that would be known as the â€œCast Iron Wonderâ€ and â€œStovebolt.â€...

After offering a number of dedicated truck chassis mode...

Design and capabilities evolved through the Thirties and early-Forties, along with the post-war Advance Design generation (1947-‘54), Task Force generation (1955-‘59) and the introduction of the C/K designation, in 1960.

The “C” indicated 2WD models and “K” designated 4WD models, and along with that came “10,” “20” and “30” series designators that indicated half-ton, three-quarter-ton or one-ton weight ratings. Therefore, a Chevrolet C10 was a two-wheel-drive half-ton model.

The C/K designations would be used on Chevy trucks through 1998, when Silverado would replace them as the overall name for of the brand’s full-size trucks, but the C10, C20 and C30 naming convention would be used only through the third generation.

The launch of the C10 in 1960 also introduced significantly improved comfort and driving dynamics in Chevy trucks, including an independent front suspension on 2WD models. Four-wheel-drive model continued to use a conventional leaf-spring front suspension. The truck also offered greater weight distribution characteristics, with increased load capacity on the front axle.

Additional refinements came in the second-generation trucks (1967-‘72), which were marketed as the Action Line models. For the first time, a coil-spring rear suspension with trailing arms was available. For light-duty use, it offered a smoother, more car-like ride, compared to other trucks’ traditional leaf-spring suspension designs.

Both generations offered the C10 in conventional Stepside and smooth-side Fleetside cargo boxes, while the Suburban wagon and windowless Panel Van were also extensions of the C10 range.

The third generation of the C/K (1973-‘87), which would later be known as the “Square Body” generation, was a revolution in light-truck design and the C10 was considered by many to launch Chevy’s modern era of pickup trucks. The lineup introduced the Silverado name in 1975, as the trucks’ top-level trim. Again, Stepside and Fleetside cargo boxes were offered.

Throughout the first three generations, a variety of Chevy’s stalwart inline-six engines and a variety of small-block V-8s were offered in the C10, including the 283 and 327 in the first generation, 307- and 350-cu.in. small-block engines in the second generation, and 305, 350 and 400 engines in the third generation. There was also a small-block-based V-6 offered. Heavy-duty models offered big-block engines, including the 396, 402, and 454.

Third-generation C20 and C30 models also introduced a number of heavy-duty models that are now mainstream features for pickups, including the six-passenger Crew Cab body. Chevrolet also offered the 1973 C30 Crew Cab with dual rear wheels, creating the brand’s first “Dually” model.

For the C/K’s fourth generation (1988-‘98), which was known internally at GM as the GMT400, The C10 naming convention was dropped and replaced by the 1500, 2500 and 3500 designations, i.e. C/K 1500, C/K 2500, etc. It was also the generation that the Vortec named appeared on Chevy’s truck engines.

The C10 name was used on only three generations of models, but they represent to many the pinnacle of Chevy truck design and historic significance, as desirability with them among builders, restorers and collectors continues to increase.

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