1986 Chevrolet C10 in Lithia Springs, Georgia

Vehicle Description

We get a lot of these clean mid-80s Chevy pickups, and they're always pleasant, clean machines. But every so often, one like this 1986 Chevrolet C10 shows up and smacks us around a bit. This one is every bit as clean and functional as the others, but it packs a snarling 383-inch stroker motor under the hood that makes it more muscle car than utilitarian hauler.

While we tend to overlook trucks in our everyday life, this C10 looks downright spectacular in its bright red livery. Maybe it's the way the dark tinted windows make it look sinister, but it seems aggressive and clean all at once. It's pretty obvious that this one has been personal transportation since it was new, especially as a regular cab/short bed model, and most of its hauling was probably limited to personal gear and helping friends move. As a result, its bodywork is clean, smooth, and straight, with a great shine that still stands out at shows. Of course, things like the billet grille and cowl induction hood certainly help, not to mention those giant 24-inch hoops. All the original trim remains in place, too, so this isn't some custom piece of questionable taste, and nobody will know anything about it beyond what you want to show. Bright chrome bumpers enhance the stock look, and it does carry a spray-in bed liner just in case you still want to use it as a truck.

The stock bench seat interior gives nothing away, either. That's original upholstery on the seat, fresh carpets underneath, and nicely preserved door panels on both sides. Options like A/C (just overhauled and ice cold), a tilt steering column, and a sliding rear window make it a pleasure to drive even when you're not using that 383 to its full potential. The original wheel was ditched in favor of a trick Grant GT unit with red and black leather to go with the truck's theme. Better yet, the factory gauges were dumped in favor of a set of very cool Dakota Digital instruments that fit into the original slots like they were born there. It also received an upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo system that sounds great, as well as a set of heavy-duty rubber floor mats that add a bit of fun to the all-business interior.

All that's pretty nice, but the thing that got our attention with this one is the 383 cubic inch V8 under the hood. Complete with heavy-duty hardware like a Holley Street Avenger carburetor, Edelbrock intake manifold, a lumpy camshaft, and long-tube headers, it runs like it's 800 pounds lighter than it is. It looks fairly stock, which is entirely the point, but the chrome open-element air cleaner and Chevrolet valve covers tend to show off a bit. However, other gear looks bone stock, like the accessory drive, A/C system, and other ancillary pieces. A stout TH400 3-speed automatic with a 3000 RPM stall torque converter works hard behind the stroker motor, sending power aft to the original 10-bolt rear end. The exhaust system uses turn-downs just behind the rear axle, so the soundtrack might give things away, but you can't argue with the spectacular sound. And those awesome 24-inch Driv wheels and low-profile rubber don't let you sneak around even a little.

Nice truck? Absolutely. But if you're looking for something a little beyond merely "nice" then this C10 is what you've been looking for. Call today!