Fundamentally, a truck should get you and whatever you need to haul to your destination. If a truck can do that and look good at the same time, even better. Massaging leather seats and wireless Apple CarPlay are nice, but there’s nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned classic pickup, such as our Pick of the Day. You can find this 1961 Chevrolet C10 Stepside listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Grapevine, Texas. The video below shows an exterior/interior tour and driving footage.
In its previous generation of trucks, the “Task-Force” line, Chevrolet gradually incorporated four-wheel drive. For years, NAPCO had been offering aftermarket 4×4 conversions, then Chevrolet began offering the NAPCO Powr-Pak 4×4 system as a factory option in 1957. The debut of the first C/K generation of trucks in 1960 changed everything, from the frame and design to the cabs and suspension. According to Chevy, they were its first models based on a dedicated truck chassis. Models with the “C” prefix channeled their power through the rear wheels; “K” trucks were equipped with GM-designed four-wheel drive.
As a ’61 model, this C10 benefits from those updates as well as a nice configuration. The design of these early C/Ks is already distinctive, thanks to the double hood humps that house the turn signals, and the quad round headlights. White paint makes those areas, along with the grille, bumpers, roof, and hub caps, stand out even more against the upbeat shade of blue paint on the body. Cruises to the local car show, ice cream parlor, or hardware store should be more comfortable on the Hankook Optimo H724 radials. The Stepside bed with newer wood planks adds both utility and style.
The “Comfort-King” cab is simple and straightforward. Everything is manual, including the windows, steering, three-on-the-tree shifter, and brakes. The AM radio can provide news and entertainment during longer drives.
You may notice something that’s a little out of place, but you’ll be glad that it’s there: Right above the radio are the controls for the Vintage Air A/C system.
The cabin’s simplicity extends to the engine bay, which has no turbos, Displacement on Demand, or even computers to worry about. There’s just a 235.5ci OHV Thriftmaster 6, which means there’s only one valve cover gasket to replace whenever the time comes.
This 1961 Chevrolet C10 covers the basics of what a truck should be, but does it in style — while offering the comfort of modern air conditioning. You can make it yours for $37,000.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
