1971 Chevrolet C10 Stepside Pickup 38330 Miles Medium Green 350 cubic inch V8

1971 Chevrolet C10 Stepside Pickup -- Description

Vintage pickup trucks are probably the smartest way to get into the "old car" hobby. They remain far more affordable than their automotive counterparts, they're available in an equally vast array of models, sizes, and configurations, and they're still trucks, which means there's a practical side to your hobby vehicle. And as hot as the old truck market is right now, perhaps none are hotter than the 1967-72 Chevrolet C/K series. Arguably the first time an automaker decided that trucks... could be personal transportation, Chevys like this 1971 Chevrolet C10 stepside were comfortable vehicles designed not just to work, but to be regular transportation. Add in a dizzying array of options, engines, colors, and bed styles and you literally get a truck that can be anything to anyone. What better place to start than with a vehicle that does so many things so well? This beautiful 1971 Chevrolet C10 pickup is a great example. It was delivered new and spent almost the entirety of its life in Reno, Nevada, and you know that means no winters and ultra-clean bodywork. It was originally powered by an inline-6 and a 4-speed manual transmission, but a few years ago it was treated to an extremely high-quality makeover that didn't change the truck fundamentally, but added things like V8 power, air conditioning, cloth seats, a tilt wheel, and more. The color is the same code 518 Medium Green it wore when it was new and if you're going to have a vintage truck, a period color is always a good choice. The ultra-straight Nevada sheetmetal needed very little work and we can see no signs of patchwork or repairs under the surface. Bulging fenders on the stepside bed give the C10 an awesome stance and for collectors, it's probably the most popular choice just because of the great look. You could get either a steel floor or a wood floor in your bed in 1971, with this truck carrying beautifully refinished oak planks that contrast neatly with the green paint. There are a few pinstripe flourishes to make it stand out and the tailgate was detailed with a custom air-brushed CHEVROLET logo that looks quite convincing. Chrome bumpers, correct '350' badges on the front fenders, and blue dot taillights round out the look. It was also delivered new with a green vinyl interior, but during the restoration it received a more comfortable green cloth seat cover for the factory bench seat, and on hot days you'll be glad to have it. Green carpets help control noise and heat (it probably had a rubber mat originally), but things like the painted door panels and green dash pad are how it was delivered new. You'll note that while this truck did not have air conditioning originally, a full factory system was installed and is virtually indistinguishable from original, right down to the built-in vents and dash controls. Nice! A factory tilt steering column was also sourced and installed, then topped with a wheel from a late-model Chevy truck, so it fits right in. Factory gauges are some of the most attractive ever fitted to a truck, and these are original to the truck and they all work properly. A modern Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo system with an equalizer provides the entertainment, and in the reasonably well-insulated cabin it sounds great. Glance behind the seat and you can see original paint, which matches what's on the truck today and blends in neatly. The original 292 cubic inch inline-6 was yanked and replaced with a proper 350 cubic inch V8, which obviously fits like it was born there. Wearing Chevy Orange paint, there's no mistaking it and the rebuilt V8 runs superbly thanks to an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor up top. It's also dressed up with Edelbrock valve covers and a matching air cleaner, but those are easy to change if you want to go back to a 100% stock engine compartment. Note the factory-style A/C system on the firewall, now using R134a refrigerant, the OEM braking system (power front disc brakes), and the ultra-clean firewall, which appears to be wearing its original paint. There's also a newer alternator, a giant radiator up front, and long-tube headers that help bolster the torque curve. Turn the key and it starts easily (there's a security system with a removable electronic "key" that fits under the dash) and idles well, and out on the road this lightweight pickup is downright quick—it's probably OK to think of it as a Camaro with a bed. The engine is backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission with crisp shifts and there's an indestructible 12-bolt rear end with 3.73 gears that make it feel quick on the street. These trucks ride and handle great thanks to coil springs and trailing arms for the rear suspension, so you don't have that stiff pickup truck ride, and with power steering, power disc brakes, and recent shocks, it goes down the road quite well. Since it's from Nevada, obviously rust is a non-issue, even in the cab corners, and it sounds fantastic exhaling through twin Flowmaster mufflers with polished chrome tips. New polished aluminum wheels dress it up and look right wearing staggered 235/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear white-letter radials. Documentation includes some original manuals and booklets. This truck is far nicer than we'd expect from a vintage pickup, delivering an excellent blend of performance and comfort, while losing none of its ability to haul stuff. Someone invested a huge amount of money to turn it into the truck we'd all want for ourselves—V8, A/C, and a comfortable interior—and the super clean western bodywork means you won't have any nastiness popping up in the future. Best of all, parts are plentiful and cheap, so you will always be able to keep it in top shape. What a great little truck! Call today!