Brazilian Chevy C10 Pair Head to Mecum Orlando’s Red Carpet
These aren’t the boxy boys of the ’70s and ’80s. This pair of Brazilian Chevy C10s will have all the eyes down in Mecum Orlando in late July.
You never know what you might find at a Mecum auction. When it comes to Chevy, it’s practically a guarantee there will be at least a dozen Corvettes in the mix. Maybe a few Camaros, some Chevelles. And, of course, more than a handful of cool Chevy pickups (including C10 and SUVs, some straight off the farm, others rumbling around with a big LS V8.
However, something comes along that throws everyone for a loop. When Mecum heads to Orlando July 28 through 31, a pair of 1974 C10s with Brazilian flair offer just that. In short, these aren’t your dad’s boxy boys.
While Chevy squared-up the C/K series for the home market in 1973, it built a unique C10 for Brazil since 1964, according to MotorBiscuit. The Brazilian C10 would continue on until 1984, while the related Veraneio SUV lasted until 1988. Of course, this simply means the trucks, like the Mecum Orlando pair, have found their way north of the Equator after the 25-year-wait ran out.
Under the hoods of the Brazilian C10 pair allegedly reside the 261 (4.3-liter) inline-six that had been in the truck since 1964. However, Lexicar Brasil says that engine was replaced in 1971 by a 250 (4.1-liter) inline-six shared with the Chevrolet Opala, another Brazil-only Chevy. Either a swap occurred, or something got lost in translation. What is clear is the Brazilian pickups only had one transmission available: a three-speed manual.
Inside, a basic-yet-fine interior is all anyone needs to enjoy the Brazilian C10. There’s a vinyl bench, plus a painted metal dash with chrome accents. The pair of white-on-black gauges let the driver know how fast (in kilometers) they’re going, and how much fuel’s in the tank. Both trucks also feature beds with wood slats, just for more class.
The Brazilian C10s are a rare sight on our shores, for sure. However, whomever makes the winning bid on such a truck as this will have one hell of a conversation starter at the next show ‘n’ shine.
Photos: Mecum Auctions