Original Paint: 1978 Chevrolet C10 Pickup
This 1978 Chevrolet C10 ticks many of the right boxes for an enthusiast seeking a turnkey classic Pickup. It presents beautifully, the V8 hiding under its hood features some welcome upgrades, and the odometer reading of 35,000 genuine miles means it should offer its new owner years of reliable motoring pleasure. The C10 is listed here on eBay in Ocoee, Florida. Bidding on this beauty sits below the reserve at $10,100.
Chevrolet’s Third Generation C/K Series enjoyed a long production life, with new examples gracing showroom floors from 1973 until 1991. It underwent evolutionary changes throughout its lifespan, but the company saw no reason to mess with a winning formula. This C10 emerged from the factory in 1978, with its original owner electing to cloak its panels in stunning Midnight Black. The seller indicates the paint is original, and there is little to criticize apart from minor chips. It retains a healthy shine, with only minor checking on items like the filler cap. The bed shows typical scratches and scrapes but nothing that suggests the Pickup has been abused or mistreated. A cover protects it from the weather, ensuring rust is kept at bay. That is a wise strategy because the rest of this classic’s steel is as solid as the day it rolled off the showroom floor. Prone areas like the cab corners are clean, and the underside shots reveal no evidence of problems. The chrome and glass are spotless, while the C10 rolls on its original Rally wheels wrapped in new tires from the fine folks at BF Goodrich. The first custom touch with this classic is visible on its exterior, with the contrasting pinstripes adding a touch of class and individuality to a vehicle that is already guaranteed to turn heads.
Buyers could choose from seven engines to power their 1978 C10, with this Pickup’s original owner selecting the bulletproof 350ci V8. That small-block is bolted to a three-speed automatic transmission that would have sent 155hp and 250 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels when the vehicle was shiny and new. The seller doesn’t mention engine upgrades, but the aftermarket headers and dual exhaust have undoubtedly improved breathing, which should unlock a few additional ponies. They indicate that it has a genuine 35,200 miles on the clock, although there is no mention of supporting evidence. The Pickup’s overall condition makes the claim seem plausible, but it is a question worth asking. Potential buyers can consider the C10 a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives well, ready to hit the road with its new owner behind the wheel.
This C10’s interior holds no nasty surprises, presenting exceptionally well in Red vinyl. Once again, its presentation makes the mileage claim seem plausible because there are no signs of wear or marks on the seat or carpet. The dash and pad are excellent, as are the door trims and wheels. Aftermarket additions include a radio/CD player and a brake controller that allows the C10 to safely tow heavy loads via the hitch. It isn’t dripping with other luxury touches, although the ice-cold air conditioning will be welcome if the winning bidder resides in a warm location.
Regular readers will know that I prefer my classics original and that I have a soft spot for almost anything wearing a Blue Oval badge. However, this 1978 Chevrolet C10 Pickup has that indefinable “something” that draws me like a magnet. It appears to need nothing, and its drivetrain components mean that it should be reliable, and parts will be readily available for decades. If the odometer reading can be verified, that increases its desirability. It could be an ideal candidate for someone seeking an effective tow vehicle that also turns heads. Are you tempted if you fall into that category? I won’t blame you if you are.
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Comments
Unlike the previous snake with “38K”, the ODO claim on this one looks legit.
Looks like the owner got a hold of a JC Witney catalog –
too much going on when you look at it.Would look SO much
better without all of that added junk.
Agreed. Looks like it has received an almost classic JC Whitney dress-up.😝
This one looks much better than the 86 one you showed earlier today and so far it’s going for about the same amount of money. Again I shouldn’t have turned down my friends 81 shortbed stepside for $3,500.00. Crazy money. I mean these are nice trucks but going from a $500.00 truck to a $10,000.00 truck in just a couple years. As I said before. Hindsight is 20/20.
Finally, a voice of reason, thank you. I was going to refrain from comments but in case some are new here, and I’ll try and be cordial, the hype on these takes it to a new level. This is nothing more than the “flash in the pan”, I can name several that have gone the roller coaster in pricing. Many factors there, but in the end, there has to be some remorse.
My experience is similar to yours. I bought my ONE OWNER ’77 GMC 2wd, shortbed, with cap, 350/4 speed, not the fanciest, 160K,ran great,,,,,,,,$1400 about 5 years ago. Last year I sold it to a neighbor for $2200, he tried to resell it for $3500, sat for months, now it’s gone, I didn’t ask. Don’t get me wrong, great trucks, the epitome of what a truck, I feel, should be. But,,,they’re crude compared to the wizardry of new trucks, and I think people find that out on the test drive.
Nice old truck, Howard! Someone probably resold it for $6500 down the line, now it’s up for sale for over $8k! I’d pay $5k for it and gladly just use it mostly as it is, although I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to buy it for that amount. I agree, they are overpriced; however, so are all of the other trucks available for sale (new and old) to some degree. These trucks are at least still usable, versus a 1950 or 60 something rig with no power brakes, a straight six, and gearing so low you’re afraid to go over 50 mph.
If we happen to get the predicted great blackout , this carburated non computerised old girl will be the way to get around the zombie apocalypse…
Good to see the veritable squares are getting more expensive. Parts are still very reasonable and they can still be daily drivers too.
Country Cadillac right down to the cab lights and pin stripes. Looks pretty darn nice in the pics. Love the interior from when carpet and vinyl were luxury. Please deliver to the following address…
Ahh, another Squarebody. I know a dealer is selling this wonderful truck and it looks to be a reputable dealer, but I’m still annoyed as to why low-mileage vehicles like this don’t have the paperwork to back up the mileage; with such low mileage there shouldn’t be that much paperwork and receipts to file away.
Something sketchy with the VIN here, doesn’t show the assembly plant. Never seen a 78 with a 1 where the plant data should be. My 78 GMC heavy half that I bought new for $4475 was the best truck I ever owned. 49 states,Canada & Mexico. Set up for interstate hauling, what a truck!
The bid is now at 18 K and reserve still not met. I know many of you don’t understand and think it is crazy. You are entitled to that opinion, but the facts don’t support it. A short box 2 WD P/U with all the options (A gentle mans P/U)
will bring around 20 K or more. You don’t agree, go buy one for less! Remember it has to check all the boxes, long bed 4WD doesn’t count! I just bought one and I paid 20 K and there were buyers lined up after me,if I didn’t take it.