Forget about the modern, high-performance, off-road pickup trucks that Chevrolet rolls out today. The brand started humbly by engineering some of the most iconic classic cars
of the 1960s, a decade that marked a turning point of the big brawny V8-powered brute. The most notable one was a 1965 Chevy truck—the C10. For Chevy enthusiasts, the C10 offered new exciting features. Unlike its predecessors (which packed V6 engines), this particular iteration marked Chevy's use of V8 engines in its trucks.
A brief description of the 1965 Chevy C10
There's a lot to love about the iconic Chevy C10, particularly the exterior body styling. Back in the ‘60s, there wasn't much fuss about trucks' styling, but the 1965 Chevy truck was a bit different. It featured a laid-back, low-slung, flat-out design made possible by the brand's new independent suspension system. This new addition gave it a utilitarian advantage that placed it at par with some of the prominent sedans of the time.
Back then, Chevy used the "C" prefix to denote 2-wheel drive systems. The C10 was one of the most sustainable and affordable, two factors that quickly propelled it to fame. As highlighted on HotCars
, Chevrolet previously used V6 engines that delivered no more than 135 hp. That wasn't the best power output, and the engineers at Chevy got to work to provide a more powerful engine. By 1965, their efforts resulted in bigger V8s that delivered more grunt, with horsepower ratings between 150 and 250 hp. The 1965 Chevy C10 packed a 327 cu. in. inline-six V8. The engine cranked out 165 hp, making it the most powerful and fuel-efficient version of the inline-6 options of the time. It was paired with a 3-speed manual transmission.
What were the features and costs of this 1965 Chevy truck?
Chevy's C10 debuted on the truck market in 1960, acquiring the name "Fleetside" or "Stepside." The bow-tie grille was redesigned in 1964 and became the staple design until the end of the First Generation in '67.
That wasn't all. The C10 had a beautiful wrap-around roof, but was discontinued in 1965, tweaked to conform to the new format.
Now, to the interior. The Chevy wasn't stuffed to ensure the interior was spacious and practical. A vinyl bench seat came as a standard feature, making the truck a cozy hauler. For additional comfort, the car featured an in-dash air conditioning system and, of course, an AM stereo system for entertainment.
If you'd like to add the Chevy C10 to your collection, you should be ready to splurge about $10,000-$15,000. Nonetheless, some of these classic trucks go for up to $50,000. Still, the price varies based on the condition. If you don't mind restoring an old classic, it's easy to find one at a price that won't dent your budget so much.
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How the 1965 Chevy truck compares to other models of the ‘60s
As aforementioned, the Chevy C10 had many "first" features that distinguished it from the previous models. For instance, while it featured a 327 cu. in. inline-6 165-hp V8, the 1962 version came with a standard 234 cu. in. 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivered 135 hp and 216 lb-ft of torque.
The 327 cu. in. V8 option for the '65 Chevy C10 was also used in the 1966 version, and Chevy named it the "High Torque V8" as it had only one horsepower configuration. Unlike the '65 C10 orange-coated engine, the High Torque V8 was distinguished by its gray coat.
The '65 C10 was also quite distinct in styling because the Chevy badging was located on the front fender, unlike the later versions. Chevrolet also increased the dimensions by 5 inches and extended the wheelbase to 115 inches to make room for the front axle.
MORE: This Classic Corvette Is An Unforgettable Beauty
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