2014 Detroit Autorama First Place C10 Pickup Lingenfelter EFI 383 V8 6 Speed

It's no secret that Chevrolet builds some of the best trucks on the planet. From the Advance Design series to the C3XXs, every generation has transformed a solid clientele of buyers into a devout following of gearheads. Last week, when Chevy debuted the Tahoe Z71, we couldn't help but think about all the great milestones the brand has enjoyed. And this low-slung C10, part of the marque's long-running C/K Series, is truly in a class by itself. The beneficiary of a professional, frame-off restoration, this award-winning piece of Americana wraps a stout LS6/6-speed drivetrain and neck-breaking curb appeal in enough blue-collar chic to convert fans anywhere. If you're ready to experience a truck that puts the “T” in TOUGH, take a long look at this super cool 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 most attractive trucks ever built. Making the best of that model's extended proportions, this Fleetside C10 seals slick black paint under a glossy clearcoat shell. That sinister 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 seamed body's small amount of metalwork 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 major way.

I say “any major way” because, admittedly, there are some cool details that really make this build pop. The 2011 reboot began with a clean billet grille which hangs bright halogen headlights above a broad chrome bumper and LED parking lamps. Behind that grille, a tasteful cowl induction hood anchors flowing “Fuel Injection” scripts in front of tinted glass that's centered in silver wipers and straight stainless frames. At the sides of that glass, chrome door handles and vivid Chevrolet emblems float among a frenched antenna, LED marker lamps and veneered profile trim. And at the back of the truck, a “C H E V R O L E T” branded tailgate hides a custom wood bed between LED tail lights and a second chrome bumper.

When it comes to V8s, few can match the storied performance and rock-solid reliability of GM's Generation III small block. What started as standard Corvette fodder has evolved into some of the most versatile, best bang-for-the-buck power on the planet. And the variant found under this pickup's hood is a hotted up LS6 crate engine that's been punched out to 383 cubic inches by the great John Lingenfelter. At the top of the motor, a chromed Weiand intake feeds matched, ported and polished heads. At the sides of that intake, GM's familiar fuel rail covers display custom, Cheyenne-themed graphics over glossy red paint. In front of those covers, a chromed billet serpentine system spins a chrome alternator and AC compressor above a polished water pump. In front of that pump, a polished Street & Performance air box features a big, reusable filter element. That element breathes thanks to ceramic-coated headers, which mix ample sound with ample torque. There's a polished aluminum radiator that's fitted with two efficient puller fans. Charcoal metallic fenders combine with braided fluid lines, a chrome master cylinder and sleeved Super Conductor plug wires to detail an otherwise purpose-built performer. And the truck's tidy block sports a thick coat of brilliant red paint that perfectly contrasts, black flex hoses, a black firewall and a body-matched core support.

Crawl under this rig and you'll find a fully restored undercarriage that's barely been assembled long enough to amass its first layer of dust. The floors wear a fresh coat of black undercoating, which looks great against the red engine and silver drivetrain components. At the center of that drivetrain, a hydraulic clutch funnels torque through a modern, 6-speed transmission to a Currie 9-inch that's equipped with beefy, 3.73 gears. Fluid power steering makes quick work of turns while power-assisted discs bring everything to a quick halt. The aforementioned headers dump spent gases into ceramic-coated side pipes, which employ an X-shaped crossover and burly Borla mufflers. The truck's powdercoated chassis rides long, lean and low thanks to tough drop spindles, thick sway bars and traditional traction bars. That stance clears 20-inch Foose wheels, which spin 255/50 Hankook Ventus AS in front of 295/45 Hankook Ventus AS. And a stainless, relocated fuel tank rounds out a roster of very impressive hardware.

In the '70s, trucks were all about comfort and utility – not DVDs, wireless and navigation systems. That's why it's so refreshing to hop in the cab of this purposeful but nicely appointed Cheyenne. The stars of the show are Saddle leather buckets that definitely up the style quotient. Below those buckets, stain-free carpet is stretched tight between Dynamat insulation, billet foot pedals and low-maintenance floor mats. Above that carpet, wood-trimmed door panels found big Infinity speakers beneath clever power windows and reliable power door locks. Opposite those doors, a wood-trimmed console backs a curved Hurst shifter. Opposite that console, a stainless-trimmed headliner rides behind a clean chrome mirror. Steering is channeled through a polished and half-wrapped wheel, which spins around a tilting Ididit column. And at the front of the cockpit, a stylish dash hangs fully digital gauges beside modern air conditioning and an MP3-compatible Alpine head unit.

Even though this Chevy's sale does NOT include trophies, its major accolades are definitely worth mentioning:

* Outstanding Truck at the 2014 Detroit Autorama in Detroit, Michigan
* Street Achievement Award at the 2014 Detroit Autorama in Detroit, Michigan
* First Place in the Mild Pickup Class at the 2014 Detroit Autorama in Detroit, Michigan

Thanks to timeless good looks and a first class restoration, there's no denying the wicked allure of this sweet C10. With its bulletproof drivetrain, slick body and classy leather interior, this award-winning resto-mod is a good buy from any angle. If you're ready to stand out from 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!