Rarely This Nice: 1974 Chevrolet C10 Step-Side





























While recently reading an article in a car magazine, a writer discussed how step-side pickup trucks are the truck equivalent of a two-door coupe. While at first I was not sure how I felt about that statement, over time, the statement began to make more and more sense. One of my favorite step-side pickup trucks is Chevrolet's Square-Body pickups; David Freiburger of Roadkill built up a 1974 C10 Step-side with a LS6 small-block that guarantees burnouts. Finding a clean, unrestored C10 step-side is harder to find than the proverbial needle in the haystack, but there are a few still out there. A perfect example is this 1974 Chevrolet C10 Step-side, which has only covered 44,000 miles in its 43-year life. Find it here on Craigslist in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with an asking price of $5,500.



























After being fully redesigned for 1973, Chevrolet's C/K pickup trucks gained nominal changes, most notably the front grille and a new aluminum tailgate panel. Otherwise, the C/K trucks carried on unchanged; overall, Chevrolet built 925,696 trucks for 1974, the second-best total in Chevrolet's history. This C/K pickup is a C10 step-side, and looks pretty decent considering its originality. The bumper does have some surface rust and sagging on the passenger side, and one of the hubcaps is currently not on the truck, but otherwise the truck is in fantastic shape. The wood bed looks amazing, and the green paint with white wheels reminds me of the Kelly green Philadelphia Eagles jerseys. I would straighten out and touch up the bumper, put the missing hubcap back on, and take this truck out for some car shows.



























When's the last time you've seen a straight-six under the hood of a square-body? Under this C10's hood is a 250 straight-six; rated at 115 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, the 250 six is not much on power, but is still a peppy powertrain. Backed by a three-speed manual transmission, this C10's 250 six is in nice shape, having only covered 44,000 miles in its 43-year life. I would leave this powertrain untouched and drive this truck sparingly but enough to give it some exercise. 



























Were you really surprised to see an interior this nice? Inside, this interior is mint, and nicely spec'd in tan. Carpet is not fully ideal, but I'm sure floor protectors would be easily sourced. The paint needs to be touched up below the black plastic, but otherwise, this interior is nary a rip or tear. Manual windows are a nice option, and I love that black steering wheel. Overall, this may be one of the cleanest, most original Square-body step-sides I've ever seen, and for the price you can't beat this truck. I would touch it up and take this truck to local shows. What are your thoughts on this low-mile survivor C10 Step-Side? 
Location: Chattanooga, TN, USA

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