Black Plate Survivor: 1961 Chevrolet C-10 Pickup
Sometimes a classic vehicle will appear on the desks here at Barn Finds, and I find myself to be strangely attracted to it. This 1961 Chevrolet C-10 Pickup is a perfect example. I can’t think of one tangible reason why I like it, but I just do. This is a solid old girl, and what little rust it has would be easy to address in a home workshop. It is said to be mechanically sound, meaning that the next owner could drive and enjoy it immediately, and then undertake any restoration work as time and circumstances allow. Located in Alhambra, California, you will find the C-10 listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has now reached $6,500, and at that price, the reserve has been met.
Trying to rationalize why you are attracted to a certain classic can sometimes be a difficult thing to do. All that I can come up with is that having grown up in Australia, we weren’t exposed to many of these types of vehicles. We saw plenty of light pickups similar to the Ranchero or the El Camino, but seeing a pickup of this type was something of a rarity. Maybe it comes down to being attracted to something that I simply couldn’t have. Anyway, this C-10 is a solid example, even if the paint does look quite tatty. Rust problems are inconsequential, with small spots in the bottoms of both front fenders appearing to be about it. The floors and frame look really good, and the fact that the vehicle has spent its entire life in California has no doubt helped this in some way. It even still wears its original black plates, which is a great touch. Under that pretty ordinary Dark Blue paint, we can see the original Tartan Turquoise. Apparently, the original owner felt like a bit of a change, so treated the Chevy to a repaint some years ago. As you can see, the preparation for this repaint wasn’t done to a high quality (or at all!), and now the Dark Blue paint is falling off the vehicle at a great rate. It would be interesting to hit that paint with a pressure cleaner to see how much of it could be “encouraged” to fall off. Even if it doesn’t all come off, I would be inclined to strip the panels and treat the C-10 to a repaint in its original color, because I believe that it would look pretty nice. One stand-out feature is the external trim, which is not only complete but is in excellent condition. The side trim, in particular, can be quite susceptible to physical damage, so to find it looking so good is a real bonus. The original hubcaps are missing, but sourcing a replacement set should be a fairly easy task.
The history of this C-10 is quite interesting because it had been a one-owner vehicle up until only a few months ago. When the current owner purchased the Chevy, he was told that the 283ci V8 under the hood is “believed” to be original. Apparently, the engine required some major work many years ago, and the first owner was a bit uncertain as to whether the engine was rebuilt, or replaced. One thing is certain, and that is that the transmission has most definitely been replaced. Originally equipped with a 3-speed manual, the C-10 now sports a 3-speed Turbo 350 in its place. When the current owner purchased the Pickup, it had been sitting unused since 1990. He chose to change all the fluids, replace the water pump, clean the fuel tank, flush the brakes lines, and treat the vehicle to new plugs and tires. It is now said to run and drive nicely, although he does suggest that the carburetor is in need of some attention. If this has remained largely untouched since the Chevy was revived, then a rebuild would probably make a world of difference to the carb.
The C-10’s interior is essentially original, right down to the seat cover. It would benefit from a refresh, but as is the case with the rest of the vehicle, this is a task that could be classed as non-urgent. The seat cover does have some rips in the vinyl, and these have been addressed by the use of that great old cure-all, duct tape. I’d like to get a look at what is under the tape because if the tears aren’t too bad, a good upholsterer might be able to blind-patch them. Then it would be a case of cleaning the cover and re-stretching it, and it could look nearly as good as new. There is some wear on the doors and the wheel has a couple of cracks, but it appears that reviving the interior could be another one of those tasks that could be attacked successfully in a home workshop.
I’ve talked in the past about the rising popularity of classic pickups, and this 1961 C-10 does not appear to be an exception to that rule. It has a lot of promise, and if I was to buy it, I would restore it to its original glory. Whether you would do the same would be a matter of personal preference, but regardless of what path the next owner chooses to follow, they should wind up with one cool classic.
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Comments
A ’61 Eyebrow, this is my ultimate favorite of this body style! My dad had a ’61 only it was rather basic, with a 235/3speed. It was also a long wheelbase with stepside box. I just loved that truck and wanted one like it. It was dark blue, similar to what this one was painted. A neighbor had one with a custom cab similar to this. His ran a 283/Powerglide. He and his boys ran the wheels off of it. But, like Dad’s truck, it eventually got traded and left the region. A local farmer across on the other side of the region had an ultra-rare 4×4 which he pretty much reserved for hunting. It also had a custom cab. About the time the paint was scorched on the exhaust manifolds he traded it for a ’63 model and every two years upgraded accordingly. I often wonder if the front hubs were ever engaged. I certainly hope that this truck is preserved/restored and kept original. With the exception of the one local farmer with the succession of 4x4s, these were used up and suffered the ultimate humiliation of being scrapped…
Best looking truck ever from that era. I wonder why 2 tree air fresheners are hanging. Maybe a stray cat or wet moldy interior. Imagine finding one if the 348 was offered in C 10
What, in the 1st photo, is that a chunk of aqua that fell off? My old man was a building contractor, and had a mason buddy with a truck similar to this. He’d borrow it sometimes, to say it was a bare bones, rough riding rattle trap, would be an understatement. These prices are clearly because they are so few, and not for it’s outstanding vehicle attributes. People that spend this kind of money on old pickups, are in for a rude awakening.
I think that’s a blue street reflector marking a fire hydrant,
I had one of these in maroon, with the custom cab and chrome body trim and grille. It had a 283 and a four speed with compound low, and ran like a champ. It’s one of the many vehicles I wish I still had. I used to let my girlfriend drive it to school when I rode to work with my dad. She didn’t manage to wreck it, so I decided I might just as well marry her. In August it will be 30 years.
This is not a “C10,” it is a final-year Apache 10. The C10s started in 1962.
Apache 10. I wish still owned it. Bought off a farmer who never registered it for the street. Made for interesting situation when I went to register. The clerk at the registry asked me to take a pencil rubbing of the vin because it did not come up as valid. It cleared up once I mention the farmer story. Mine was a short box with the straight six. The original rear end failed, bolt sheared off one axel inside the housing near the ring and pinion. That started the process of pulling the power train and installing 350/350 combo. One important thing to consider: torsion bar front suspension needs to be replaced if you don’t it will limit your brake choices.
“This is not a “C10,” it is a final-year Apache 10.”
THANK YOU!!!!
My son and I have a SWB Stepside and after I sent this listing to him, his reply was it bugged him that they made this mistake. It’s not a C10 just like the 1958 Apache wasn’t a 3100 either.
I had a ’61 GMC ‘burb and I regret letting it go .I find too many swap the ’60-’61 hood for a ’62-’66 hood . That ”cat’s eye” hood adds so much character….
Sweeet Apache. Sure would looks sweet with the orig Aqua back on it, I’d add a car 4 or 5 speed, but the auto is nice also, looks like they hooked the TH350 to the column shift. Love it. Good luck to the new owner!!
Stay safe and Wash your hands
Cheers
GPC
A neighbor of mine had a GMC truck from around this time. I always knew when he was coming and going with that unique sounding v6.
A lot of people were disappointed to see that ballsy V8 replaced by that ‘boat anchor’ V6. But the V6 more than redeemed itself…
I have a ’65 C20 with the 283 and three on the tree. No way would I replace the trans with an automatic. No need to, I really enjoy the column shift. I also have a ’66 F100 with three on the tree. Yeah, I love my old trucks, drive them every day, one or the other. This sweet ’61 Apache looks like something I’d drive. Love it.
That would be a very cool shop truck.
Interesting to see the side trim still on this one. Even in the 70’s it seemed rare
I wouldn’t touch the exterior, drop an LS under the hood, snag a bench seat out of that Mexican Carry All, and roll. Awesome truck.
Sure. Go ahead. But why?
My dad had a 61 short just like this one. He drove it until he died in 78, then it went to my brother, he kept it for about ten years before letting it deteriorate in Georgia. Finally, he sold it to someone who wanted to restore it. It was originally two tone white over Coral, but dad let my nephew paint it green as a high school shop project.
God bless America
I’d love to have this truck, but already have a 57 Chevy pickup and don’t have time/space/money for another toy. I’m surprised that no one mentioned that early sixties Chevy pickups had a unique torsion bar front suspension. Apparently it was not satisfactory and only lasted for a few years.
They actually worked well, my Dad’s ’61 Apache 10 never had any issues and had a nice ride. I seem to recall that it was a cost issue, more expensive than coils.