Jul 13, 2024  •  For Sale  •  12 Comments

Rust-Free Survivor: 1980 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale

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Winter might be headed our way, but there are still opportunities to hit the road for adventure before colder weather makes indoor activities more appealing. This 1980 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale could be ideal for someone seeking to strike while the iron is hot. It is a rust-free survivor, and its lined camper cap features a bed. That means the new owner could throw in a few necessities and hit the road to the destination of their choice. The first owner’s decision to order it with the iconic 350ci V8 means it will cruise effortlessly on the open road as the miles roll under its tires. If you find the prospect tempting, examining this classic further may lift it to irresistible in your eyes.

Chevrolet’s Third Generation C/K range enjoyed a long production life. The first examples hit showroom floors in 1972 for the 1973 model year, with the last examples rolling off the line in 1991. The company continued evolving the range during those years, bringing notable improvements with each upgrade. The first owner ordered this C10 Scottsdale in 1980, selecting Camel Metallic to cloak its panels. The seller indicates it is original, suggesting it has never undergone restoration or repairs. The lack of significant paint and panel issues helps it to stand out. They are the hallmarks of a vehicle that was treated respectfully from Day One, and the seller confirms this C10 is rust-free. A close inspection will undoubtedly reveal minor flaws and defects, but this Pickup will garner respect as a genuine survivor if the winning bidder leaves it as-is. The cap is a practical addition that has never been removed. It provides a secure and weatherproof place to carry a load, but there is more to it when we look inside. It is lined, and with a bed in situ, it would be a pretty warm and comfortable place to spend the night if the buyer embarks on a life of adventure. The trim is in good order, and the glass is excellent for a vehicle of this vintage.

The positive vibes continue inside this C10, with its interior presenting fairly well for a survivor. The door trims exhibit patchiness and deterioration, but they aren’t physically damaged. There are excellent vinyl and plastic dyes that would allow the winning bidder to address the shortcoming for a few dollars, or they could throw caution to the wind and source replacement. I would struggle to justify the expense, but your opinion may differ from mine. Otherwise, the inside of this classic has no cosmetic needs. The seat is in good condition, the dash and pad are excellent, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. The seller states that the air conditioning requires attention, but that is the only known functional problem requiring attention.

The first owner’s decision to order this C10 with the 350ci V8 and three-speed automatic transmission was wise. The small-block produces 175hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the Pickup to cruise effortlessly on the open road. The surprise with these classics is that while they tip the scales at over 4,300 lbs, judicious use of the right foot can allow fuel consumption to nudge 20mpg. This C10 features dual tanks that allow it to cover impressive distances between trips to the pump. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition. The engine and transmission work smoothly, and the C10 drives extremely well.

The seller listed this 1980 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale here on eBay in Ankeny, Iowa. Bidding sits at $5,430, which is above the reserve. That means it is days away from heading to a new home. If you can’t think of a compelling reason why it shouldn’t be yours, perhaps you should join the bidding party. The action hasn’t been frantic, and today could be your lucky day.

Comments

  1. Howard A HoAMember
    Jul 14, 2024 at 1:54am

    Ha! Close but no donut, son of a gun, pretty darn close though. Much nicer than mine, if mine was like this, I would have kept it. Much more in line what one should pay for a clean squarebody. I enjoy the authors optimism, but 20mpg with a stern tail wind, down the mountain pass, being “square”. like my Jeep, is not the most aerodynamic, and 12-15 a more plausible number, less if towing something. Still, as mentioned before, you can’t possibly consider gas mileage as a deterrent to purchase one. Remember, they had twin tanks for a reason. It’s an outstanding find, and while remorse is there, I’m much happier with the Jeep.

    Like 11
  2. Jim
    Jul 14, 2024 at 8:53am

    Rust free with Iowa plates. That’s a conundrum.

    Like 4
    • Billy
      Jul 15, 2024 at 11:50am

      My thoughts also. My dad bought one new in Idaho and it was a rust bucket in 5 years.
      I recall that there was some factory corrosion prohibiting coating formula problems at GM around this era.

      Like 0
  3. Nelson C
    Jul 14, 2024 at 10:04am

    Nice find. I can practically see the old feller driving it. Not a fan of the cap but it’s period correct. Those outside mirrors are like peering through a keyhole only worse at night in the rain. Just a personal thing but I love the old steering wheel. The new design that appeared in ’78 never appealed to me.

    Like 2
  4. CenturyTurboCoupe
    Jul 15, 2024 at 5:25am

    Serp belt in 1980! WOW. I have V belts on my ’80.

    Like 0
    • Wademo
      Jul 15, 2024 at 8:42am

      Yep, definitely not the original belt set-up, but better!

      Like 0
      • jim
        Jul 15, 2024 at 9:44am

        Not the original engine most likely.

        Like 0
    • 3Deuces
      Jul 15, 2024 at 8:54am

      Had v-belts on my ’80 as well …

      Like 0
  5. HCMember
    Jul 15, 2024 at 9:12am

    Very clean 80 C10 and very fairly priced. My 85 C10 has V belts, not serpentine. I couldn’t really see in engine picks that this 80 has serpentine belts. I would have to get rid of the camper shell. The dash and seat are in better shape than my 85 was. Someone has kept her garaged all of her life to be in this condition. Buyer will be a happy camper.

    Like 0
    • jim
      Jul 15, 2024 at 9:43am

      The engine isn’t original.

      Like 0
  6. HCMember
    Jul 15, 2024 at 10:29am

    My 85 C10 originally came with a 305, but previous owner swapped it with a 350 crate engine. Were 305s standard in a 80 year C10 as well, or did they offer 350s?

    Like 0
  7. ojrMember
    Jul 15, 2024 at 11:54am

    “Winter might be headed our way”

    ARRGGGG!

    Where do you live?

    It is a nice looking truck

    Like 1

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