Classic pickups tend to be vehicles that have served as workhorses for part of their life. Some show signs of having done a lot more work than others and this 1983 C10 Scottsdale looks like it might have been spared the worst of it. It would benefit from a cosmetic refresh, but the next owner won’t need to spend a cent on the drivetrain or the interior. Barn Finder Larry D spotted the C10 for us, so thank you so much for that, Larry. It is located in Parks, Arizona, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. If an affordable pickup has been on your radar, this one might be worth a closer look. The owner has set the BIN at $8,500, but the option is available to make an offer.

The Midnight Black paint that the C10 wears is original, although the Silver has been reapplied at some point. It is hardly surprising to find the paint looking baked because the Arizona sun will do that. There is also a good coating of dry surface corrosion, but penetrating rust is relatively minimal. It is limited to a couple of small spots in the front inner fenders, along with a tiny area behind the driver’s side rear wheel opening. Catching these now would be a smart move before they have a chance to deteriorate further. The owner has treated the exterior with Penetrol, which could be left untouched if the buyer is seeking the aged look. It could also be stripped easily if the next owner wants to reapply the original colors. The owner swapped the standard trim for Silverado, which offers a striking contrast to the paint. The camper cap shown in this photo is included if the buyer wants it, and it looks like it could be restored relatively easily. I have one of these on my daily driver, and I think that they are worth their weight in gold. The original owner ordered the C10 with tinted glass, and this appears to be in excellent condition.

With all of the Black paint remaining original, this photo of the bed provides a graphic indication that this pickup hasn’t lived a hard life. The paint has scuff marks, but there are none of the dings or dents that tend to be a hallmark of abuse. If the buyer chooses to treat the vehicle to a repaint, they will probably give the bed a repaint. However, this would not be essential because it does present well for its age.

Chevrolet offered several engine and transmission options in the ’83 C10, and this one features the 6.2-liter diesel. It should be pumping out 135hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque. This all finds its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed 700R4 automatic transmission. The power figure isn’t that astounding, but the torque figure means that this would be an effortless driver. The engine and its surroundings don’t present that well, but appearances can be deceptive. The C10 has recently received new injectors and an injection pump. You can add shocks, tires, brake pads, and a starter to that list. The result is a pickup that is said to run and drive exceptionally well. The owner states that it feels tight on the road, with no play in the steering. The brakes stop arrow-straight, and this is a classic that is ready to hit the road immediately.

The interior of the Scottsdale is a surprise packet because it looks so much nicer than the exterior. The seat cover was fitted a few years ago, but its combination of Black cloth and vinyl remains in excellent condition. The door trims and kick panels were dyed SEM Color Coat, and they still present well. The mat is original, and while it looks okay, the owner suggests that replacing it would add the finishing touch to the interior. The dash pad is new, as is the stereo. The C10 features a tilt wheel, but I am surprised that it wasn’t ordered with air conditioning, given the vehicle’s location and paint color.

Apart from the retro radio, the owner’s son made one other change to the interior. The original gauge cluster was removed and thrown away. In its place is a Dakota Digital cluster. This looks pretty impressive, but it might not be to everyone’s taste. If it isn’t to yours, the owner has sourced another genuine cluster, and swapping it out would not be a difficult task.

Classic pickups have “grown legs” in the market over the past decade or so. Vehicles that wouldn’t have rated a second glance are now being examined carefully. This 1983 C10 Scottsdale is one such vehicle, and apart from begging for a cosmetic refresh, it doesn’t seem to need much. The repaint could be tackled in a home workshop, and with a new coat of Black and Silver, it would stand out a mile away. These are currently not a “big dollar” classic, but values have been creeping up over the past three years. This one is affordable, and it is structurally sound. It could potentially be an excellent long-term investment, and if considered as such, it would provide its new owner with a lot more entertainment than a Shares Certificate. If you are in the market for a pickup, maybe this is the one for you.