Deep Look at the Rise in Popularity of 1960s Chevy Trucks
Chevy trucks from the 1960s have become popular for all sorts of restoration projects.
Those folks who want the classic driving experience without the high price that comes with many classic cars may want to consider a Chevy pickup from the 1960s. Whether you like the factory look, the high-riding four-wheeler look or the lowered muscle truck look, a classic Chevy truck can be transformed into several, very different machines. Plus, since the popularity of trucks exploded in the 1960s, these trucks are more plentiful than some popular classic cars.
The folks at Hot Cars recently put together a piece looking at the rise in popularity of the 1960s Chevy truck. It starts with a look at what made these trucks popular back then, including some key features, followed by information on what to look for when buying a classic Chevy truck and how much you can expect to pay.
Introducing the 1960s Chevy Truck
The piece begins by explaining the introduction of the 1960 Chevy pickup, named the C10. These trucks were lower and wider than the predecessors, leading to a roomy interior, a spacious cargo box and easy access to the bed. More importantly, the 1960 Chevy truck was the first to be designed with more than just function in mind. Practicality was still a concern, but the design team gave these trucks a stylish exterior design that was more distinct than past Chevy trucks.
Next, the Hot Cars piece looks at the standard power plant, with the 235-cubic inch Thriftmaster inline-six delivering 135 horsepower. That engine was mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, with both of these key drivetrain components being shared with the previous generation of Chevy trucks. Finally, these trucks offered a comfortable ride, thanks to independent suspension technology.
Getting into a Classic
Next, the Hot Cars piece talks about best practices for buying a Chevy truck from the 1960s. The advice really applies more to all classic cars, suggesting that you should always “find verified and reliable dealers”. It goes on to say that “trustworthy sellers will ensure the car is in good condition, have a good service history, and be free from mechanical issues”. Anyone who has gone shopping for a classic vehicle knows that most of them come from private sellers and with a 60-year-old vehicle, the odds are good that it the seller will not have full service records. This is especially true of trucks being sold in “project condition”, with prospective buyers understanding that there is some work needed.
Finally, the piece finishes up by looking at price range for a 1960s Chevy truck, stating that they can be had for anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. It points out that trucks towards the lower end of that scale are likely to need parts and repairs. Of course, anyone who has watched any high profile collector’s car auction knows that a Chevy truck from the 1960s in perfect shape can easily fetch well beyond $25,000.
That being said, if you are looking for a nice, clean driver from the 1960s, your money will go further with a classic Chevy truck than something like an Impala, Nova or Camaro.
Photos: Pinterest via Hot Cars
