Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are very well known offerings in the market right now. But going back in time, these big brawny V8-powered brutes had a very humble start. We specifically look back at a particular iteration of its predecessor - the 1965 Chevrolet C10.
This truck is iconic in a lot of ways, and the most evident being its design language. Back then there wasn't a definitive outlook towards a truck, and it was more of a lifestyle proposition, and so the low slung, flat-out layout became an instant gratification for the icon that it has become now. This low-slung layout was because of a new Bodystyle introduced by Chevrolet in 1960, that utilized an independent suspension setup.
This made the "truck" behave like the very prominent sedans of the times, with the added utilitarian advantage. The 1965 iteration was special and almost well-rounded with over a decade's tuning and updates. It, in fact, even had an air-conditioning system and even packed a V8. The C10 from '65 was a truck in the right direction as Chevy had come a long way from making pick-ups with chassis cowls only, to a V8 powered comfy hauler.
The 1965 C10 was the first truck from Chevy to flaunt an independent suspension system. This icon now remains the most modification-friendly truck as well.
The '60s Was A Turning Point For Chevy And GMC Trucks
Classic trucks were more into being customizable and fashionable back then, in the late early 60s than it is today. Chevy had been making trucks that came with a chassis cowl only from the factory. This helped customers and curated small businesses to build completely modified versions of the same internals. The chassis was based on the popular 490 models which were also used for the GMC models as well. The turning point was with the introduction go a V8 along with independent suspension in a truck, never before seen.
Breaking down on its naming, Chevrolet used the nomenclature 'C' and 'K' to represent 2-Wheel Drive and 4-Wheel Drive respectively. The more sustainable and easy on the pocket were the C10s and so those shot to fame. Chevy didn't dull down on the flexibility as these Chevy trucks came with short and long-bed models. While the C10 was only available in a short bed format, the long beds were called C16 and K15. The more heavy-duty models present in the line-up were a 3/4-tonner C20 and K20 along with the topping 1-tonner C30.
1965 Was The First Year For A V8-powered C10
Chevy had been providing a slew of engine options for the 'C' prefixed pick-up trucks. The Bodystyle at hand was introduced in 1960 and packs a standard GMC sourced 305 cu. in. V6 that pumped out 135 horses. Clearly not the best use of all those cu. inches and so Chevy worked throughout the coming years to provide more grunt.
The 1965 Chevrolet C10 was special as it saw the enrollment of a bigger 327 cu. in. V8 to the club that had a very reliable 230-cu in. inline-6 as standard. The power figures hovered about in the 150 - 250 hp mark. This iteration also packed in the most powerful and efficient version of the Inline-6 motor with 165 horses. All the engine options had a standard 3-Speed Manual with the shifter located on the steering column.
Independent Suspension Brought About Drastic Changes In Dynamics
The most distinguishing factor in the Chevy C10 is the adaptation of a coil spring front suspension system that was introduced in 1963. It was improved notably in the '65 model and became quite a nimble ride for a bolt-on chassis truck. This setup helped the common man to look at trucks as more than 'just' lame hauling agents. It is to be noted that it was the C10 that packs a more agile rear trailing arm setup. The higher-capacity trucks we all in with more leaf-springs at the rear for added endurance.
Iconic Styling That Has Made It A Statement
This well-revered design language was introduced in 1960 and was called 'Fleetside' or 'Stepside' models. The bow-tie enabled front grille was updated in 1964 and was carried over thereafter till the end of the First Generation in 1967. The wrap-around roof was a neat touch but was removed in 1965 for a later more easy-to-work on the format.
The model badging was located on the front fender and differentiated the '65 model from the latter ones. Chevy also added 5 more inches to the dimension and increased the wheelbase to 115 inches to load up the front axle. Nothing was layered in chrome, despite showing up with such shine as Chevy used polished and anodized aluminum to mimic the same. The single headlamp layout introduced in 1962 was carried on till 1967 and was topped by the indicators tabs.
Came With An Under-Dash Air-Conditioning System
The 1965 Chevrolet C10 was a cozy hauler as it packed a vinyl bench seat as standard and came with a wooden steering wheel. No complexities here as the interior of the C10 was spacious and practical. The '65 model year was also the first of the pack to come with a standard in-dash air conditioning system. The doors would open far and wide for smoother ingress and egress. The entertainment was confined to just AM Radios and was just fine for the day and age.
One Of The Most Mod-Friendly Trucks Out There
The cheap and easy availability of parts and sustainable construction has made the C10 trucks an easy pick to be worked and modified upon. These C10s easily come in the list of the best-modified bunch. The standard template includes swapping the engine for an LS, as the chassis is more than capable to take the new bunch of muscle. Jacked-up off-roaders are also a common sight with the swept body of the C10.
Sources: Jalopnik.com, Hotrod.com, Conceptcarz.com, Driving.ca, Itstillruns.com