A Chevrolet C10 Legacy: From Farm Truck to Performance Icon

A Chevrolet C10 Legacy: From Farm Truck to Performance Icon

Chevrolet’s truck heritage began in 1917 with the Series 490, and over a century later, the brand’s iconic C10 continues to showcase Chevy’s legacy. Built for the 2017 SEMA Show, this 1967 Chevrolet C10 has since evolved, now featuring Chevrolet Performance’s L8P crate engine, keeping its legacy alive.

“This truck was built in 2017 for SEMA, and to be able to modernize and upgrade it with our latest technology is pretty neat,” says Jeff Trush, GM Group Manager for Specialty Show Vehicles and Pace Cars.

Originally found in South Lyon, Michigan, this two-wheel-drive C10 started life as a farm truck, equipped with a non-original 327 cu.-in. Small-Block engine. General Motors’ Rich Downing, who discovered the truck, modernized the exterior by replacing most of the body panels with GM Restoration Parts-approved sheet metal. Now sporting a short bed, the truck is painted in Centennial Blue with Centennial badging and brush-finished exterior trim.

“The real heavy fabrication was in the engine compartment,” says Downing, referring to the custom aluminum panels that frame the Chevrolet Performance crate engine. Originally equipped with the ZZ6, a modern update of the Small-Block 350 cu.-in. engine, this C10 showcased 405 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with a four-speed automatic transmission. The truck was later upgraded with the ZZ6 EFI crate engine, which debuted at the 2018 SEMA Show, boosting the power output to 420 hp and 408 lb-ft of torque.

Fast forward to today, the C10 is now powered by Chevrolet’s L8P crate engine—a 6.6L Gen V powerhouse adapted from the L8T found in modern Silverado HD trucks. Delivering 523 hp and 543 lb-ft of torque, this engine, paired with a SuperMatic 6L80-E six-speed automatic transmission, is a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to performance innovation.

Complementing its modern powertrain, the C10 features a lowered suspension, billet wheels, and a hot rod-style interior with LED lighting and a custom gauge cluster. From humble beginnings on the farm to becoming a centerpiece of Chevrolet’s performance collection, this C10 story is a lasting tribute to Bowtie power.

Source: Chevrolet/The-Block
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