Basic, Not Boring
The listing calls this 1970 Chevy C-10 “Grandpa’s Truck,” and the description is fitting. The metallic bronze pickup is equipped with a 250-cubic inch inline-six mated to a three-speed manual transmission. That’s the most bog-standard powertrain one could get on the C-10 in 1970.
Collectors have bought many surviving muscle cars of the same era, which were bought with every option on the checklist. But this base-level truck was never intended as an investment. It was just cheap transportation that found an owner who cared for it deeply.
1970 Chevrolet C-10 - right front profile
The second-generation Chevy C-10 was dubbed the Action Line series by General Motors marketers. In practice, it was engineered to grow the customer base for GM’s full-size pickups. The Cheyenne and rebadged GMC Sierra spawned from this generation.
GM also introduced a short-wheelbase 4×4 variant in the K5 Blazer and its GMC Jimmy platform twin. Geared toward leisure with removable roofs and optional air conditioning, these are credited as some of the first SUVs, alongside the Ford Bronco and International Harvester Scout.
Also, for the first time, GM placed engineering focus on creature comforts and a pleasant ride. The Action Line adopted an independent coil spring front suspension and a coil spring rear suspension for a smoother ride than traditional leaf springs (although leaf springs were still an option on the rear for heavy loads).
Getting the Job Done
The original owner of the truck for sale doesn’t appear to have cared much for comfort. It was optioned without a radio or air conditioning, a no-frills workhorse. However, this 1970 Chevy C-10 has since been equipped with modern conveniences to make it easier to drive, such as power steering, a brake booster, and an electronic ignition.
The seller says the 1970 Chevy C-10 and its fiberglass topper were repainted in the original bronze color some time ago. The C-10’s bench seat was recently reskinned. If you look closely, the material and piping aren’t entirely period correct, but it’s better than many resto-mods.
The auction says the second owner had the truck for over 40 years and kept a stack of paperwork to be included with the sale.
The odometer reads 80,903 miles, but remember, it’s a five-digit dial. Most of these trucks were used on farms and work sites. It’s rare to find a base 1970 Chevy C-10 in such good condition. This C-10’s neither top-of-the-line nor cherry, but therein lies the charm. It’s a good driver that exudes old-school American grit without trying too hard.
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