The 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne stands as a premier example of the “Action Line” generation, now enhanced by modern pro-touring engineering. This specific long-bed pickup has been transformed into a high-performance street machine, blending the iconic 1970s silhouette with contemporary fuel injection and a sophisticated suspension geometry. By utilizing a 3/5 drop kit and House of Kolor paintwork, this C10 sheds its utilitarian roots to become a high-visibility collector piece. Currently slated for the Houston 2026 auction, it represents a turnkey solution for enthusiasts seeking a classic aesthetic paired with the reliability of modern mechanical components.
Black Diamond Radiance and Lowered Pro-Touring Stance
The visual character of this Cheyenne is defined by a deep House of Kolor Black Diamond finish, a premium pigment that provides a mirror-like depth to the truck’s square-body lines. The silhouette has been aggressively altered via a 3/5 drop kit featuring lowering springs and nitrogen-charged shocks, giving it a planted, modern stance. Functional exterior upgrades include custom door handles and a tail light flip kit, while the drop-center crossmember ensures proper ground clearance despite the lowered ride height. These modifications highlight the truck’s broad-shouldered design, turning a traditional workhorse into a sleek, aerodynamic statement of 1970s Chevrolet muscle.
Red Bench Seating and High-Output Kenwood Audio
The cabin environment provides a vivid contrast to the exterior, featuring a bold red bench seat and molded black carpeting. While the layout maintains the classic C10 ergonomics, the technology has been significantly modernized with a Kenwood receiver and a hidden 1200-watt Feikeer amplifier placed under the seat. A dedicated subwoofer ensures high-fidelity sound, while the red-and-black theme creates a high-energy atmosphere for the driver. This blend of vintage styling and modern audio equipment makes the interior a functional space for both show-circuit display and extended street travel, maintaining the Cheyenne’s status as a top-tier trim level.
Fuel-Injected 350 V8 and CPP Big Brake Authority
Mechanical performance is anchored by a 350ci V-8 engine equipped with throttle body fuel injection for improved throttle response and cold-start reliability. Power is managed by a Turbo 350 automatic transmission, delivering a smooth yet authoritative driving feel characteristic of Chevy’s small-block legacy. The chassis is further refined with CPP drop spindles and a 13-inch big brake kit featuring red-finished calipers, providing the stopping power necessary for a modern performance build. A CPP rear shock relocator optimizes the suspension travel, ensuring that the truck remains composed and agile under varied road conditions, moving far beyond its original 1971 factory benchmarks.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | TBI Fuel-Injected 350ci V-8 |
| Transmission | Turbo 350 Automatic |
| Chassis/Platform | Chevrolet C10 (2nd Generation) |
Navigating the High-Spec Custom Truck Landscape
In the 2026 collector market, the 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne is frequently benchmarked against the Ford F-100 and the Dodge D100 of the same era. Its unique selling point remains the massive secondary market support for the C10 platform, which allows for high-tier builds like this “Black Diamond” example. While original survivors are prized, the market has shifted significantly toward pro-touring builds that include big brake kits and fuel injection. This Cheyenne occupies a premium niche within the Houston auction circuit, appealing to buyers who prioritize a “sorted” mechanical state over the maintenance requirements of a strictly stock 1970s drivetrain.
Investment Potential and Modernized Reliability
Ownership of this custom Cheyenne offers the benefit of simplified maintenance thanks to the ubiquitous 350 small-block and CPP-sourced chassis components. The inclusion of nitrogen-charged shocks and a fuel-injected system addresses the common driveability hurdles associated with vintage pickups, making it a reliable choice for regional tours. As the “Action Line” trucks continue to appreciate in value, examples with professional-grade House of Kolor paint and high-spec suspension upgrades represent a stable appreciative asset. This truck serves as a turnkey entry into the world of custom American muscle, combining documented mechanical updates with a prestigious show-ready finish.
A Masterful Fusion of Style and Strength
This 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne is a definitive statement of modern street-rod engineering. Between its fuel-injected V-8 heart and its stunning Black Diamond aesthetic, it stands ready to serve as a reliable and authoritative icon for any serious collector of classic American trucks.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Details, analyses, and opinions reflect current trends and personal views, not professional or financial advice. Always verify information with official sources before making any decisions.
Source: mecum.com
