1971 Chevrolet C10 SWB Pickup – A Two-Tone Testament to Muscle and Style
The 1971 Chevrolet C10 stands as a cornerstone in the golden era of American pickups—an era when trucks began to blend utility with comfort and style. This particular example, a short wheelbase (SWB) version, brings all the charm and muscle one expects from a '71 Chevy, plus modern refinements and tasteful upgrades that make it a standout classic.
A Brief Legacy of the 1971 Chevrolet C10
The 1971 model year marked the second-to-last iteration of Chevrolet’s famed “Action Line” pickup generation (1967–1972). Renowned for its smooth coil-spring suspension, robust build quality, and refined interiors, the C10 was popular among working professionals and daily drivers alike. Notable for its new "egg crate" grille design and standard front disc brakes, the '71 C10 combined practical design with an increasingly car-like ride, making it a favorite among collectors today.
A Classic with Custom Touches
This Black and White two-tone beauty perfectly captures the spirit of 1971, while receiving tasteful enhancements that add both flair and function. Its exterior sports a high-contrast finish with full side moldings, newer trim, and a spray-in bed liner—a nod to both style and utility. Resting on a set of striking 20" Billet Specialties wheels wrapped in fresh 2024 Sumitomo HTZR5 tires, the stance is aggressive yet balanced thanks to a Bell Tech lowering kit featuring drop spindles, springs, and shocks.
Under the Hood and On the Road
Beneath the hood lies a strong-running 350 cubic inch V8 engine—a non-original but fitting powerhouse. Topped with a Holley carburetor, aluminum intake, and HEI ignition, this C10 is built to perform. It exhales through factory manifolds, dual exhaust, and aftermarket mufflers for a throaty, classic rumble. Power is routed through a Turbo 400 3-speed automatic transmission to a stout 12-bolt rear end, ensuring dependable cruising whether around town or on the highway.
Mechanically, this truck hits all the right notes. It features power front disc brakes and power steering for a smooth, confident driving experience. The front sway bar and adjustable panhard bar further sharpen its handling while maintaining ride comfort. The factory A/C has been smartly updated to R134A and is reported to blow cold, making it more enjoyable on hot Texas afternoons.
Cab Comfort and Classic Cool
Inside, the bench seat is clad in classic black and white houndstooth upholstery, complemented by a tilt steering column and newer OE-style steering wheel. The carpet, floor mats, and seat upholstery appear fresh, while the dash and gauge cluster retain their original charm. A custom three-gauge pod—displaying oil pressure, water temperature, and voltage—adds useful information at a glance. Manual windows and locks, a column shifter, and factory-style headliner round out the interior, offering simplicity with vintage flair.
Though the tachometer is inoperative and the speedometer slightly off, the overall driving experience remains solid and enjoyable. The ride is described as smooth and composed, especially with the lowered suspension setup, and it confidently cruises the highway with ease.
Solid from the Ground Up
This truck boasts an impressively clean undercarriage, retaining much of its original sheet metal including the floor pan, bed floor, and inner rockers. Minor repairs have been made to the driver’s side tow board and inner rocker, but overall, the chassis remains in excellent condition for a vehicle of its age. The exterior sheet metal is solid with some cosmetic aging, yet it continues to show well—proof of its careful stewardship over the years.
At PC Classic Cars in Sherman, Texas, vehicles like this 1971 Chevrolet C10 are celebrated for their craftsmanship, history, and character. Our passion lies in preserving these automotive time capsules, ensuring that each classic truck or muscle car finds a new road to travel and story to tell.
PC Classic Cars is always looking to purchase 1971 Chevrolet C10s and other classic trucks. If you own a vintage pickup with original style or custom upgrades, reach out to our team. We specialize in buying high-quality classic vehicles and are ready to help you turn your classic into cash.