Chevrolet C10: A Classic Pickup for the Ages

Brown Chevy C10 with white roof parked in front of a warehouse — Chevrolet C10—The long lasting Chevy pickup with tremendous style. Pictured above is a 63′ C10.
Source: Motofutura

The Chevrolet C10, an integral part of the Chevrolet C/K truck lineup, was introduced at a time when the American automotive industry was undergoing significant transformations. Spanning from 1960 to 1970, the first and second generations of the Chevrolet C10 represent a pivotal era in the evolution of pickup trucks. These trucks were designed not only for utility but also to cater to a growing market that valued style, comfort, and performance.

Paint stripped steering wheel inside of a brown interior

Brown C10 with white hardtop with smoke coming out of the back of the truck

The Chevy C10 was created in response to a burgeoning demand for light-duty trucks that could serve both as work vehicles and personal transportation. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, there was a shift in consumer preferences towards trucks that offered the ruggedness required for work, along with the aesthetics and comforts suitable for everyday use. Chevrolet aimed to capture this market by introducing the C10, which combined innovative design with practical features.

Red carburator with chrome top on an orange engine — *Source: Motofutura*

First Generation (1960-1966)

Light blue 1960 Chevy C10 parked with trees in background — Signature wrap around windscreen and dual headlights!
Source: Hemmings

The first-generation Chevrolet C10, produced from 1960 to 1966, was groundbreaking in several ways. One of its most notable innovations was the introduction of a drop-center ladder frame, which allowed for a lower cab and bed height without sacrificing ground clearance. This design made the truck more accessible and improved its handling.

Yellow 1st gen Chevy C10 parked on asphalt with clear blue sky in background — Front end facelift for this Fleetside 64′ Chevy C10, prefer the dual headlights or the single?
Source: Motofutura

Initially, the 1960-1961 models featured a distinctive “wrap-around” windshield, which was phased out in 1963 in favor of a more conventional windshield. The front grille design also saw changes, evolving from a dual-headlight setup to a single headlight on each side by 1964.

Trim	Production	Engine	Power	Transmission	Drivetrain
1st Gen	1960 – 1962	3.9 – 4.3L Stovebolt Engine Inline 6	135 – 150 HP / 136 – 152 PS / 110 – 111 kW	3/4-Speed Manual 2-Speed Automatic	RWD
1st Gen	1963 – 1966	3.8 – 4.8L Chevy Turbo-Thrift Inline 6	140 – 165 HP / 141 – 165 PS / 104 – 123 kW	3/4-Speed Manual 2-Speed Automatic	RWD
1st Gen	1960 – 1966	4.6L Small Block Chevy V8	160 HP / 162 PS / 119 kW	3/4-Speed Manual 2-Speed Automatic	RWD
1st Gen	1965 – 1966	5.4L Small Block Chevy V8	220 HP / 223 PS / 164 kW	3/4-Speed Manual 2-Speed Automatic	RWD

Approx. performance specs for the 1st gen C10

Interior of a yellow C10 with sun setting in the background

Engine options for the first generation included a range of inline-six and V8 engines. The base engine was a 3.8-liter (235 cubic inches) inline-six producing 135 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 4.6-liter (283 cubic inches) V8 was also available, offering 160 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. In 1966, a new 4.8-liter (292 cubic inches) inline-six was introduced, delivering 165 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.

side shot of a rusted C10 with a spare tire on the side of the bed along a striped wall — Somethings you just don’t paint…
Source: Motofutura

Among the notable variants of the first-generation C10 was the “Custom” model, which featured upgraded interior trim and exterior chrome accents. The Stepside version, with its distinctive rear fenders, offered a classic truck look, while the Fleetside model provided a more streamlined appearance with its smooth bed sides.