Road Test: This Chevy C10 Restomod Called and Wants the 1970s Back
By Viju Mathew
Viju Mathew
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Velocity Restorations
If you were a child of the 1970s, the pickup truck was as ubiquitous as today’s S.U.V.s, though without any real aggressiveness or trappings that would confuse it for anything other than a purely utilitarian transport meant to be driven roughshod while still remaining reliable. Among the most common to behold was Chevrolet’s C10, which, according to General Motors, had a production run of more than 260,000 examples in 1971 alone.
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Those numbers are just one of the myriad reasons why the thought of a Chevy C10 eventually costing nearly $350,000 would have been, at the time, as farfetched as the thought of a U.S. president resigning. Yet more than five decades after Nixon’s exit, we have the 1971 Chevrolet C10 restomod from Florida-based Velocity Restorations at just that price point.
There’s an ever-growing cottage industry of restoration houses that are focused on celebrating models that comprised the backbone of the stateside market at the latter part of last century. Such models include the original Ford Bronco, Chevy Blazer, and International Scout (all of which Velocity also transforms), and this reenvisioned Chevy C10, which places a beloved but truly pedestrian transport on a pedestal. After time behind the wheel, we found the makeover to be both substantive and artfully subdued.
WATCHDesign
There’s nothing about the look of Velocity’s take on the 1971 Chevy C10 that readily suggests anything other than the truck had been preserved in vacuum-sealed storage. Even the two-tone color scheme of Hugger Orange and Frost White is a bit reminiscent of the era’s Big Stick popsicles.
“I’ve tried to stay true to the heritage and the craftsmanship of the original vehicle,” says Stuart Wilson, founder and C.E.O. of Velocity. “We always modernize everything with drivability, engineering, things along those lines—it’s all upgraded. But as far as the aesthetics of the vehicle, the exterior appearance, we really tried to stick almost with period-correct colors and finishes. When you look at our truck, it looks like it could have rolled off the assembly line back in the ‘70s, but you know something’s a little different about it—that was intentional.”
Wilson explains that those differences include such elements as bespoke billet door handles and mirrors, LED headlights, and a tailgate equipped with a backup camera. Then, of course, there are the cabin’s combination of digital and analog gauges, as well as the touchscreen infotainment system that’s Apple CarPlay compatible. Our example’s Street Series trim also featured plaid upholstery—and we dug it.
“The interior of that truck is completely custom, we machine all the door panels, the dash pad . . . custom carpets, bench seat, and everything,” Stuart says. “But when you get in it, it still is very similar to an original interior, it’s just ultrarefined.”
Power Train and Hardware
Where the original 1971 Chevy C10 was available with either 307 ci, 350 ci, or 400 ci V-8 engines (a 292 ci six-cylinder setup was also possible), Velocity gives its pickup considerably more punch with a GM 6.2-liter LT1 V-8 delivering 460 hp. That mill is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. “Some people have opted for a six-speed manual, but most people are going 10-speed [automatic],” notes Wilson. “We want these to last; we want them to be drivable—[a] 460 hp two-wheel-drive truck is plenty.”
Unlike other restomods, where an original example of the model serves as a donor for usually the chassis, while the body gets ditched for some composite garb, this C10 is built on a new chassis from the Roadster Shop in Illinois, while the body panels are from a donor C10 that has been sourced by Velocity. “We’ve partnered with Roadster Shop to design these chassis,” says Wilson. “We use a lot of Fox coil-over suspension; we try to not overengineer them, but make them usable every day.” Handling is also bolstered by the front sway bar.
Performance
Despite the added muscle, the power delivery still feels authentic to the truck, doling the output like a slowly building roller of a wave. And as one would hope, the drive experience is a throwback to a more visceral age, thanks in part to Velocity’s own performance exhaust setup with MagnaFlow mufflers.
Driving on the freeway, the C10 carries itself with an air of gravitas that imparts a heady sense of assuredness to the driver. And while it’s certainly not the canyon-carver of choice, the truck deals with serpentine stretches to a satisfying degree, more than competently aided by its coil-over configuration and front sway bar, along with the contemporary athleticism afforded by 18-inch Forgeline CV3C wheels dressed in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber, and Baer disc brakes.
The real performance value comes in the fact that it’s been developed to have you go the distance with a distinct level of smoothness—the automotive equivalent to the easy-listening “yacht rock” of the era. “I want to jump in, drive through the gravel parking lot, down the road, over the bump . . . I want to be able to do that comfortably,” mentions Wilson regarding the mission statement for his version of the C10. “They’re meant to be driven every single day and have fun.”
Is It Worth It?
The question of this 1971 Chevy C10 restomod’s value proposition is simple to answer, and is the same for any such custom build well into six figures. It’s not worth it, unless it is to you. Then, the return on investment could be immeasurable. In this case, that’s especially true if it effectively provides you with a nostalgia-induced catharsis, regardless of whether or not you lived in the age of bell-bottoms and Big Sticks.
Specifications
- Vehicle Type: Rear-wheel-drive pickup truck
- Power Train: 460 hp, GM 6.2-liter LT1 V-8 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission
- Performance: Specs not released
- Pricing: $319,900 starting price, $349,900 as tested
Click here for more photos of this 1971 Chevy C10 restomod by Velocity Restorations.
Authors
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Viju Mathew
Shifting gears from his degree in physical geography, Viju Mathew has spent the last decade covering most categories of the luxury market prior to becoming Robb Report's automotive editor. Along with…
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The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
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'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
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The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
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Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
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'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
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'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
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Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year
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Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.
Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.
Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.
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The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'
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