Worlds Finest Restored C10 Long Bed Pickup 350 4 Speed

It's no secret that Chevrolet builds some of the best trucks on the planet. From the Advance Design series to the GMT900s, every generation has transformed a solid clientele of buyers into a devout following of gearheads. Last week, when Chevy debuted its new Colorado, we couldn't help but think about all the great milestones the brand has enjoyed. And this high-riding C10, part of the marque's long-running C/K Series, is truly in a class by itself. The beneficiary of a fresh, zero-mile restoration, this authentic piece of Americana wraps a stout 350/4-speed drivetrain and sky-scraping 4x4 capabilities in enough blue-collar chic to turn heads anywhere. If you're ready to experience a truck that hasn't forgotten how to be a truck, take a long look at this pristine Chevy!

As far as styling goes, few vehicles have aged better than late 60s and early 70s Chevrolets. In fact, toeing the line between rock-solid and refined, the Action Line C/K is probably one of the best looking trucks ever built. Making the best of that model's extended proportions, this Fleetside C10 seals correct white paint under a glossy clearcoat shell. That slick two-stage highlights a laser-straight body, which is the result of a lot of time and, more than likely, a significant chunk of money. That body's small amount of metal work is, from the outside of its panels, completely undetectable. And best of all, those panels remain just as GM designed them, with nothing shaved, frenched, filled or altered in any discernible way.

Speaking of GM Design, it's that division's detail work which really makes this truck pop. Bill Mitchell's team began with a familiar crossbar grille, which hangs small parking lamps, stainless-trimmed headlights and a broad “CHEVROLET” script above a beefy chrome bumper. Behind that grille, a squared and bowtie-branded hood leads the eye to like-new glass that's centered between satin stainless wipers and small, chrome mirrors. At the sides of that glass, chrome door handles float among bright marker lamps, a simple gas cap and correct “C/10 4 WHEEL DRIVE 8 350” emblems. And at the back of the truck, an embossed tailgate centers a bold “CHEVROLET” script between fresh tail lights and a second chrome bumper.

When it comes to Chevrolet V8s few stand for reliability quite like the ubiquitous 350. What started as a run-of-the-mill Camaro option has evolved into the most versatile, best bang-for-the-buck engine on the planet. The variant found in this pickup wears a “TBC” suffix code which shows the block to be a 1970 truck engine that was originally paired with a manual transmission. It's a strong foundation to build upon but, for now, the bay remains a relatively stock affair. Naturally, the mill is dressed in an attractive coat of Chevrolet Orange skin. A familiar Quadrajet carburetor rides between a single-snorkel air cleaner, stamped steel valve covers and a fresh stainless fuel line. Fires are sequenced by a traditional points distributor and 7mm Premium Super Max plug wires. The front of the engine turns a modern power steering pump behind a pulley-driven fan, while an OEM-style radiator cycles coolant through GM hoses and new tower clamps. Spent gases spiral through cast iron manifolds to big, true-dual pipes that are fitted with dual-chamber, Flowmaster-style mufflers. And, while this isn't some concours, too-nice-to-touch restoration, a mixture of new hardware, satin horizontal surfaces and bright white paint adds up to a visually pleasing display of factory fresh goodness.

Crawl under this rig and you'll find a fully restored undercarriage that hasn't even been assembled long enough to amass its first layer of dust. Nearly everything wears a fresh coat of Satin Black paint, which looks great against the orange engine and silver drivetrain components. In the center of that drivetrain, a rugged 4-speed transmission makes the best of the small block's power. That transmission feeds a freshly rebuilt transfer case, which divvies up torque between beefy axles and familiar Warn hubs. Modern power steering makes quick work of turns while heavy duty drums bring everything to a halt. The truck's powdercoated suspension has some extra ground clearance thanks to a 6-inch Skyjacker lift. That lift clears tall 315/75R16 Mickey Thompson Baja MTZs, which wrap around 6-lug Ion Alloys. And overall, a combination of proven factory equipment and modern off-road accessories makes this Chevrolet an absolute pleasure to wheel.

In the 70s, trucks were about utility – not glitz, glitter and navigation systems. That's why it's so refreshing to hop in the cab of this stalwart C10. The star of the show is a firm green bench that provides stylish seating for no less than three adults. Below that bench, a low-maintenance floor mat is stretched tight between fresh stainless sill plates. Above those sills, attractive green and white doors found plush armrests and chrome handles below new stainless trim. Steering is channeled through a green, bowtie-branded wheel while simple shifters keep tabs on the 4-speed and transfer case. And at the front of the cockpit, a padded dash hangs an impressive array of gauges between new foot pedals, a refreshing radio delete and a correctly decaled glove box.

Thanks to timeless good looks these pickups have earned the nickname “Glamour Trucks” in certain circles, but there's no denying the rugged appeal of this serious C10. With its bulletproof drivetrain, slick body and classic, bare-bones interior, this $40K 4x4 is a good buy from any angle. If you're ready to rise above the crowd in classic GM style, clear out a few extra feet in your garage and give your friends at RK Motors Charlotte a call!