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Picked up in Maryland
We picked up this 1965 Chevrolet C10 in Maryland for a customer in the Netherlands. A matte black pickup with a straight six and a manual gearbox. The customer will drive it himself, and maybe a V8 will go under the bonnet later.
Despite its age this C10 drives very well. On the spot we first had a good look at it: bonnet open, cold start, a short drive.
Then it went on the trailer to the port of New York, where it goes into the container for the crossing to Rotterdam.
| Model | Chevrolet C10, half-ton pickup |
|---|---|
| Bed | Stepside (separate fenders) |
| Year | 1965 |
| Engine | Straight six |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Colour | Matte black |
| Picked up in | Maryland |
| Shipped via | The port of New York |
The history of the Chevrolet C10
Chevrolet has built commercial vehicles since 1918, but the C10 name only exists since 1960. That year a completely new generation of pickups arrived, and for the first time Chevrolet used the letters C and K. The C stands for two-wheel drive, the K for four-wheel drive. The number indicates the payload: 10 is a half-ton, 20 a three-quarter ton and 30 a one-ton. So a C10 is the half-ton pickup with rear-wheel drive, the most popular of all.
Before that, Chevrolet’s pickups were called the Task Force series (1955-1959). The new 1960 generation was lower, wider and more modern, with independent front suspension. That was new for a pickup and made it much more comfortable than its predecessors. At first with torsion bars, from 1963 with coil springs.
In 1964 the cab got a new windscreen and a cleaner shape. The old wraparound screen, with the awkward dogleg in the door pillar, disappeared. That makes getting in and out easier. This cab stayed until 1966, after which a completely new generation arrived in 1967.
What makes 1965 special
1965 is one of the sought-after years of this generation. That year Chevrolet offered air conditioning in its pickups for the first time, and the 327 V8 with 220 hp was added, at first only in the heavier models. For the C10 you could choose from:
- 230 cubic inch six-cylinder (3.8 litre), 140 hp
- 292 cubic inch six-cylinder (4.8 litre), 165 hp
- 283 cubic inch V8 (4.6 litre)
There were two types of bed. The Fleetside has straight sides, the Stepside separate fenders behind the cab and a step to climb into the bed. This C10 is a Stepside, the classic look many fans are after.
A V8 in a C10?
Fitting a V8 is one of the most popular modifications on a C10 from these years. Chevrolet itself supplied the C10 with a V8, and the small-block Chevy is available everywhere. Still, it’s smart to think about the order first. Anyone importing a classic as a collector’s vehicle has to show it is in original condition. So you do an engine swap only after import. A different engine must be approved at the inspection in your country. Check that in advance, so you know what’s needed.
Importing a classic pickup
A car from 1965 is well over 30 years old. In original condition the EU import duty is usually 0% and a reduced VAT rate applies; customs decides per car. In many European countries a car this age also gets lower road tax or a classic plate. Read the whole story in importing a classic from the USA.
Earlier we also picked up a 1968 Ford Mustang in Philadelphia, and found a 1973 Chevrolet Nova for a customer. Looking for a C10 yourself? See Chevrolet C10 to order from America.
Found a car or pickup in America yourself, or looking for one? Send us a message on WhatsApp and we’ll see what pickup and shipping cost.