Frame Up Restored C10 CST 454ci Big Block V8 TH400 Auto A/C Bucket Seats

When this incredible C10 rolled through our doors, someone made an all too predictable comment about Black Beauty. But when you think about, while a reference to the well-known Anna Sewell novel might seem a bit cliché, it's also fairly accurate. Born in 1969, this pickup is certainly a thoroughbred of the vintage truck world. It's strong and fast, thanks to a 454 cubic inch V8 and proven Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed. Throughout its life, the truck faithfully served a few different owners. And today, in the care of passionate stewards who believe in choice restoration and excellent preservation, this Chevy retains all its all-American glory. Looking for an exquisite classic that's guaranteed to make you weak in the knees? Take a long look at this sublime piece of bowtie artistry!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Owned by one person for the first 38 years of its life, this hearty half-ton was in great condition when the second owner purchased it in 2007. That owner was looking for a quick-flip and, subsequently, introduced the pickup to its third and current owners that same year. Those folks spent the next eight years cruising their solid classic to local car shows. In 2015, the truck was finally subjected to its first and only restoration: a comprehensive, frame-up job that included removing its bed and front-clip. And today, roughly one year after its all-original body rolled out of the paint booth, this Chevy is a sizzling showstopper that consistently provides instant red carpet curb appeal!

Equipped with the Custom Sport Truck Package, this C10's trim and ornamentation remain largely as the General specified. At the front its body, a guarded CST bumper frames a stainless, “CHEVROLET” branded grille, which founds tri-bar headlights beside LED parking lamps. At the sides of that grille, CST woodgrain parallels black trim spears to frame chrome door handles, CST fender emblems, a chrome fuel cap and LED marker lamps. At the top of those handles, polished mirrors reflect tinted glass that's cased in CST frames while polished cowl mesh plants matte wipers next to a factory antenna. At the back of that greenhouse, a clean cargo lamp lights an aluminum-trimmed Ash bed that's stretched between filled stake pockets. And at the back of that bed, a “CHEVROLET” branded tailgate centers polished hinges and more CST woodgrain between LED taillights, polished exhaust tips and a second CST bumper.

ENGINE

Hoist the bowtie-branded hood and you'll find 454 cubic inches of Chevrolet big block that was painted and fully detailed during the truck's thorough restoration. Power originates when wind whips from a polished air cleaner in to a big Holley 4-barrel, which is anchored between polished fuel lines and an Edelbrock Performer 2-0 intake. That air/fuel mixture travels to iron Chevy heads, which ride under painted, Chevy Orange valve covers. Sparks get sequenced from a Delco-Remy HEI distributor to Accel Ferro-Spiral Race Wires. Spent gases roar through fully restored exhaust manifolds. Charge comes courtesy of a chrome alternator, which spins between factory power steering and a familiar Frigidaire AC compressor. A factory radiator mates a polished bowtie cap with a polished expansion tank. And details like a chrome-trimmed master cylinder, polished valve cover ties and a satin support shroud provide a little extra flash.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Behind that trusty powerplant, a trusty Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed spins a stainless-trimmed 12-bolt axle that's finished with big, 3.73 gears. Everything rolls on a factory-style suspension, which has been rebuilt to include drop spindles and lowering springs. Factory power steering uses a proven Saginaw gearbox to make parking easy and turns a cinch. Power front disc and rear drum brakes provide quick stops. The aforementioned manifolds feed fresh, 2.5-inch pipes, which employ bold Flowmaster mufflers. And power meets the pavement through painted steelies, which twist 255/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As around polished, spinner-style center caps.

INTERIOR

Swivel this cool Chevy's doors and you'll reveal a Custom Sport Truck cockpit that's classy in all the right ways. Fresh vinyl spans bucket seats and a folding buddy console. In front of those seats, a chrome-trimmed CST dash hangs factory-spec telemetry, complete with a tachometer, beside cool air conditioning and correct Delco audio. Beneath that dash, CST carpet bridges the gap between familiar bowtie sills and CST foot pedals. In front of the driver, a familiar Rally Wheel laps a tilting column. And all that hardware is framed in a trim CST headliner and ornate CST door panels.

Like most inspirational stories, Black Beauty has a happy ending. And owning this head turning half-ton seems like a great way to live happily ever after. Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte and make sure you're the front runner on this handsome Chevy!

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SUMMARY

* Comprehensive, frame-up restoration completed in 2016
* 454 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
* Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
* Factory air conditioning
* All-original sheetmetal
* 12-bolt rear axle / 3.73 gears
* Lowered suspension
* Factory power steering / Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
* 15-inch steel wheels
* Custom Sport Truck (CST) appearance package