Driver-Quality Classic: 1961 Chevrolet C10 Pickup
With older Pickups performing consistently in the classic market, it is unsurprising that tidy drivers attract attention when an owner decides their pride and joy needs a new home. Such is the case with this 1961 Chevrolet C10. It received a repaint a few years ago and still presents as a tidy classic with no immediate needs. However, its new owner could spend the remaining winter months and a few dollars to lift its appearance to a higher level. That way, it would receive nothing but positive comments when it rolls out of the shed next summer. The C10 is listed here on eBay in Brooklyn, Michigan. Bidding sits below the reserve at $13,100, but with the auction drawing to its conclusion, you may need to act fast to park this gem in your garage.
Chevrolet’s First Generation C/K Series hit showroom floors for the 1960 model year as the successor to the relatively short-lived Task Force range. This C10 rolled off the line in 1961, and its presentation is tidy and acceptable for someone seeking a driver-grade classic. The seller states it received a repaint in Cardinal Red around ten years ago and has survived the past decade remarkably well. The paint shines warmly, with no significant deterioration or issues. Rust is sometimes a problem with these classics, but prone areas like the lower cab corners and front fenders are clean. There is no mention of rust in the floors or frame, suggesting this C10 is as solid as the day it left the factory. The bed’s painted surfaces are in good order, and there is no evidence of neglect or abuse of the steel or timber. However, the finish on the wood is deteriorating. There is no rot, but treating it to a fresh coat of protective clear urethane would lift its appearance and represent an affordable and productive way to while away a few cold winter days. The trim and glass are free from problems, while the White wheels and color-matched hubcaps impart a classy finishing touch.
Powering this C10 is the company’s iconic 235.5ci “Thriftmaster” six-cylinder motor, producing 135hp and 217 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with a column-mounted shifter. It isn’t the most potent combination on the planet, but its strength rests in the low-end torque delivery. The six is a remarkably flexible engine, and while it is unlikely to threaten the land speed record, these were accomplished load carriers, workhorses, and tow vehicles in their day. The drivetrain combination is also almost indestructible, explaining why many surviving examples retain their original mechanical components. There seems to be nothing but positive news with this Pickup because it rolls on relatively new tires and is in excellent mechanical health. A simple twist of the key brings the Thriftmaster to life. The vehicle runs and drives perfectly, with the engine and transmission operating smoothly. This is a genuine driver where the winning bidder could fly in and build a relationship with it on the road trip home.
The bed timber is one identified aspect of this Pickup that would benefit from some love, and the seatcover is the other. There are no gaping holes or other problems, but the wear on the driver’s side detracts from an interior that, otherwise, presents extremely well. The painted surfaces look crisp, the vinyl floor mat is free from tears and significant wear, and the wheel looks excellent. There are options to consider with the seat, ranging from ignoring it to throwing on a blanket or slipcover to hide the problem. However, replacement seatcovers in various materials retail for under $400, and installing one would be a permanent solution that adds the ideal finishing touch to this interior. I think there may be a retro-style radio in the dash, but there are no other visible additions. The seller indicates that everything works as it should, meaning there are no odd little gremlins for the winning bidder to chase.
Life is a learning experience, which is something I can confirm. I never understood the attraction of Pickups…until I had one for a while as a daily driver. That’s when I discovered their true worth and why they are so extraordinarily popular. The secret is in the versatility, which can’t be underestimated or understated. This 1961 Chevrolet C10 is a stunning classic, but I believe its workhorse days are behind it. Its new home will probably be with an enthusiast who will continue to treat it respectfully. That way, it might still be comfortably plying our roads in another sixty-three years. That will be quite an achievement, but would you like to be part of the story that makes it a reality?
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Comments
It,,needs,,an,,automatic! Nobody, and I mean nobody today, is going to row through the gears, in a non P/S, non P/B vehicle. Truly an outstanding example of a vehicle not many cared about originally. It was strictly business, even though many were relegated to other duties, most, if not all, except for this one, were driven until they broke in half, discarded and another took it’s place with the same fate in mind. I think there could be interest in such a fine example, but again, it has to be more user friendly, and these were NOT user friendly. The test drive will surely bring that out. 55 mph, if they get that far, will seem like the world is coming apart, trust me.
That manual transmission is now a theft deterrent!! In more ways than one.
Funny how I was thinking a similar thing. Well the steering and brakes anyway. Living in a relatively rural area would allow me to drive this on most days but nobody is going to want to be behind this regardless of the transmission. However I do like it just the way it is and would be happy to turn some miles at the wheel.
3 on the tree is perfect for this truck. If you don’t know how to drive a stick, you shouldn’t criticize those of us who grew up with them in every vehicle. I still have one and I’m 76
Gee wiz Howard, if you can’t drive a stick just say so. What a fun summer cruser this would be. Maybe not in the big city, but out here on the praire oh what fun! Leave it unlocked in town. Most car thieves today wouldn’t know what to do with a standard Trans much less on on the column.
Are you sure Howard? Perhaps most people? Some people? But surely it’s not nobody. I for one would not consider any vehicle with an automatic. I did a quick tally the other day and determined that I’m on my 39th vehicle and not one was an automatic. I’m not a big fan of column mounted shifters, but on this old truck it would be just fine.
I will take some liberties here by further interpreting Howard’s comment relative to nobody today wanting to row through gears, especially without P/S & P/B. Sure there are exceptions, like the people who only drive on rural, even dirt roads. But how many of those people are even left? Most of us, most of the time sit in traffic, waiting for lights to change, accidents to clear, etc. Or on the dreaded interstates. Nope, this would be no fun in either of those scenarios. Howard, keep it coming. I always enjoy when you push peoples’ buttons.
Thanks, 370, I didn’t think I needed an interpreter, but this is the internet. “Can’t drive a stick”,,oh boy, as a truck driver for 35+ years, nope, never drove a stick, I’ve driven every kind of stick shift known to man, except an 18 speed. It’s okay, they don’t know me, and it’s not my intent to push anyones “buttons’, not here, anyway. It should be noted, in 1961, automatic transmissions were still an expensive luxury, sometimes adding another $500 bucks to the price tag, and many buyers still opted for a manual. Especially trucks. Pickups practically never had an automatic, none I remember anyways. Not until the 70s, at least. Today, column shifted transmissions are so out of place, a whole generation may not even know how to operate one. Of course, I make things out to be worse than they are( thanks, dad), and of course there’s still enough of “us” around that can drive this truck, I’m just saying, SOME luxuries, like P/S, P/B, and an automatic would greatly increase the buyers potential.
just leave it like it is!!!!! everybody loves to chop up a great classic!
Old Chevy is perfect as is…6 cylinder…3 speed is a bullet proof combination….some people….myself included…appreciate a truck for exactly what it is supposed to be…and the old Chevy checks every box for me…and it doesn’t have to be a Chevy or GMC….a Ford, Dodge or IH from that era is just as good….only thing that’d make it better if it was a 3/4 or 1ton….I don’t need power steering or brakes….as well as a lot of other people who appreciate simple toughness and reliability
Speak for yourself. Not everyone shares your prejudices. My son, when he was 15 wanted a “First Gen C-10.” Not knowing the difference, I found a 1961 APACHE 10. Through our reassembly of the project I bought we went to change it over to TBI and I expected he would want an automatic. He was devastated when I talked to him about a donor I had found. He wanted to keep it a manual trans. When we went to replace his daily driver he still wanted a stick shift. He is now 22 and loves rowing gears. If it were not for a knee that gives me grief from time to time, my 2021 Tacoma would have been a stick shift as well. So speak for yourself.
my dad had one just like this but with 4 speed on the floor. It had 16″ wheels with torsion bar front suspension and drove quite well. After he passed in 1978 one of my brothers got the truck. He let it deteriorate to the point someone came along and bought it from him for $50.00 in Georgia. It was a California vehicle from new when my dad purchased it in Redding, California where he had his 120 acre farm. I drove it many times as a teenager and had no problems with its lack of power steering or power brakes. I could put it in granny rev the engine and burn rubber for quite some distance. The 235 engine was a decent engine, but I did like the 66 he drove as a Union agent truck with 250 engine much better. I miss both the truck, the times and my dad. Rest in peace.
God Bless America
I will be the contrarian here. I put so much seat time behind the wheel of trucks like this back in the day that it would be no problem to replicate the experience with this one. Of course I’m substantially older now but I’m currently able to drive a vehicle without the automatic and power steering and brakes no bother. A truck like this is perfectly capable of handling today’s traffic and get attention at any old vehicle event. When you need to do truck things it will do the job just fine. Lots to like here. One might say that it’s true beauty is it’s versatility. Not that I’m suggesting that it’s a daily driver but it’d make a great second vehicle for someone like me who needs a pickup truck and wants a vintage vehicle. I better be careful or I might talk myself into buying this one. I’m guessing though that this one will sell for about 20K. And that’s too much for me to justify. Plus I would have to sell a couple of my current vehicles and that’s more hassle than I care to deal with. GLWTS.
Agree with you 100% Carbob! Glad to see there are others here with common sense.
You sound like me.
https://imgur.com/DALwB8I
I did exactly this: bought a ‘65 pickup, spent the first year sorting the mechanical issues, second year doing the body; manual everything, column shift, had the bed rhino-lined; sits outside and is perfect for hauling.
Howard’s correct: these old trucks are ‘rustic’ (i.e. real work to drive) but fine for short-haul jaunts & local car shows.
When I was in the air force (1979-83) I had a roommate with one of these. Dark green, step side and the nostrils were aluminum (or chrome?)
Beautiful truck he put a 327 in.
Loved it so much I’ve thought about it often over the years
Being 65 and having been tumbled in lifes washer AND dryer, I wouldn’t be able to drive one unless it was restomodded.
My first truck was a ’66 C10, SWB, 283, three-in-the-tree. The only thing I didn’t like about it was the coil spring rear end. Otherwise, it was a nice truck.
My first vehicle was a 53 with this transmission and 235. I would love to drive one of these again. All ya need is a hound dog in the seat beside ya!
Man, I hear some softies in the comments these days. If the vehicle does not shift itself, does not have power steering, power brakes and it does not have seats that warm your tush, fuuuhgeddddabout it. Like Bob said, this truck would make a great second vehicle for someone that desires a classic and had needs for a truck. Personally, I like it the way it is. The other thing I like, and notice with several BF ads, is the seller’s garage. There sure is some nice, large, garages out there. Those of you that have that kind of space, I sure am envious.
Aww come on Howard!! I learned how to drive a manual in a 3 in the tree. They aren’t that bad… well, maybe they are…
I learned how to shift in a 1967 Toyota Corona with 3 on the tree, and learned how to drive an automatic in a 1968 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. Couldnt find better opposites if you tried. A few years later, I was driving a Chevy pickup with a 3 on the tree.
This 1961 is a real sweety.. I hope whoever buys it can appreciate it for what it is, and what it once represented.
in my senior year i bought an 11 year old 1971 c10, no power options, 250, 3 on the tree. truck lasted me 6 years as a real work horse (ended up in construction) i never felt disadvantaged. love to have another like it, as close to factory as possible.
I had one just like this only mine was a shortbed. Had the same motor only built a little bit. Pushed about 300 HP. Also three on the tree. Had Fenton Headers with dual exhaust. Magnaflo mufflers. I added some chrome and high gloss black paint. Red velour seat and black carpet. A nice set of chrome mod wheels and B.F.G.’S From 1960 to 1962 these trucks came with torsion bar front suspension and other than how hard it was to find front end parts at the time, that truck drove like a dream. I’m sure it wasn’t exactly normal but mine would cruise 100 M.P.H. all day long. Like I said, the motor had work done but other than the suspension being rebuilt, everything was stock. Traded a 74 Ford Elite for it. Was one of my better deals in life. Then like an idiot I traded it for a 70 Monte Carlo which would’ve been a good trade if it weren’t for the fact the kid lyed about the history and covered it up well enough I didn’t discover the ruse for about 3 weeks later when the trans just went out. Then things started falling apart.Dishonest people suck. And just a quick comment to RexFox. I am 60 and for some reason I get tired of looking at a car after a while and although I have no idea anymore how many cars I’ve had, at about my wife and I’s 10 year anniversary we figured out how many vehicles(cars trucks motorcycles) I had to that point and keeping in mind that some of these I only owned for a day or so, I had 482. I only bought a very few of them with the purpose of selling them. Most of them I bought to keep but something always talked me into selling, trading or otherwise parting with them somehow. I have had some very desireable vehicles in my life and now that older vehicles are getting harder to come by, I sure regret some of my past descisions. All I can say is if you get your hands on the car of your dreams, definately do not let someone talk you out of it or, take it from me, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. Trust me.
For such a simple engine compartment, why couldn’t they have taken the time to mask off or remove items that were not supposed to be painted blue, for example the coil bracket has two bolts, take it off get it out of the way now it has blue paint on it, it’s just sloppy looking. And it looks like it needs more than one coat of paint. It’s not consistently painted. Such a simple engine compartment and the detailing was rushed!
OK well I’d love to have this truck, actually it’s too nice for what I need. I drove a ’68 C10, 250 six, 3 spd no PS or PB for 10 years, couldn’t hurt it. Still miss this truck today. So maybe now years later I wouldn’t be daily driving this but I wouldn’t go as far saying nobody wants it.
Put me in the “would love to have a collector truck with a three-on-the-tree” column. I wouldn’t be driving it much nor on the interstate, so I would be fine with the old technology.
I completely agree with keeping the six and 3 on the tree. Manual steering and brakes are fine too. Having a vintage truck to run to Home Depot on the weekends is a great idea. Id love to have this one if I could afford it, but unfortunately I cant. If I did it would stay exactly the way it sits now.
Howard’s also correct about speed: When I (eventually) got my Econoline up to 70, you could almost see the face of god. Stay 60 at the fastest. It really prefers 40-45.
This is NOT a C10. I know as I am joint owner of a 1961 Chevrolet Apache 10 stepside that I purchased for my son. In 1960 and 1961, Chevrolet trucks of the 1/2 and 3/4 ton variants were known as the Apache 10 and Apache 20’s. Yeah, there was the C & K model designators for 2wd & 4WD, but they were known as and the cowl badges read Apache. Starting in 1962 the model insignias then changed to the C-10 and C-20.