Why This Car Is Special

The 1967–1972 Chevrolet C10 is one of the most sought-after classic trucks in the hobby today, and for good reason. Collectors and enthusiasts commonly refer to this generation as the "Action Line" or simply the "second-generation" C/K trucks. Chevrolet introduced this body style in 1967 with a wider cab, larger glass area, and a much more car-like feel than the trucks that came before it. By 1971, Chevrolet had refined the formula further, adding a new egg-crate grille design and improving interior quality across the trim levels.

The Cheyenne trim, introduced for 1971, was the top of the C10 lineup. It brought wood-grain interior accents, additional sound deadening, full carpeting, chrome interior door handles, and exterior Cheyenne badging that set it apart from the base Custom and CST models below it. Chevrolet positioned the Cheyenne to compete directly with Ford's Ranger trim on the F-100 — the truck wars of the early 1970s were in full swing, and both companies were discovering that buyers wanted comfort alongside capability. This particular 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne has been built on that strong factory foundation and taken several steps further, resulting in a truck that drives well, presents exceptionally, and needs nothing to be enjoyed.

The exterior color is Fathom Green over White, a two-tone combination that suits the C10's clean lines without being subtle about it. Fathom Green was a factory GM color during this era — a deep, rich green with just enough brightness to stand out in sunlight — and it pairs naturally with the white lower body on this truck. The overall effect is period-correct in spirit while looking sharper than most factory builds ever did.

Features List

• 350ci Small Block V8
• 3-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Cheyenne 10 Trim Package
• Fathom Green / White Two-Tone Exterior Paint
• Classic Instruments Gauge Cluster with Tachometer
• Performance Headers with Dual Exhaust
• Performance Air Filter
• Front Disc Brakes
• Drum Brakes Rear
• Power Steering
• Air Conditioning
• Chrome 5-Spoke Wheels
• Lowered Stance
• Chrome Front and Rear Bumpers
• Sliding Rear Cab Window
• Wood Bed Floor with Chrome Bed Rails
• Teal and White Two-Tone Vinyl Bench Seat
• Matching Teal Carpet
• Upgraded Stereo System

Mechanical

Under the hood is a 350 cubic inch Small Block V8, the engine that defined the Chevrolet truck lineup throughout the late 1960s and into the 1970s. The 350 was available in multiple states of tune from the factory, and it remains one of the most proven V8 engines ever built — parts are plentiful, the architecture is well understood by any competent shop, and the engine responds well to modifications. This example has been fitted with performance headers and a dual exhaust system, which improves exhaust scavenging and gives the engine a noticeably deeper sound than a stock single-outlet setup. A performance air filter rounds out the induction side, helping the engine breathe more efficiently than the factory paper element setup.

The transmission is a 3-speed automatic, appropriate for a truck of this size and use profile. Power steering is fitted, which makes a meaningful difference at lower speeds and during parking — stock manual steering on these trucks requires real effort. Front disc brakes have been added in place of the factory front drums, a worthwhile safety upgrade that gives the truck significantly better stopping ability, particularly in emergency situations. Drum brakes remain at the rear, consistent with the factory configuration for the period.

The underside of this truck is worth examining carefully, and the photos reward that attention. The frame, suspension components, and undercarriage have been well tended to. The exhaust runs cleanly from the headers through dual pipes to dual mufflers, exiting at the rear. The leaf spring rear suspension and front independent A-arm setup appear solid and properly maintained. The lowered stance has been achieved without compromising the suspension geometry to the point of affecting driveability — this is a truck that was built to be driven, not just photographed.

Interior

The Cheyenne trim level brought real interior improvements over the standard C10 in 1971, and this truck builds on that starting point. The bench seat has been redone in a two-tone teal and white vinyl that coordinates directly with the exterior color scheme. The stitching is straight, the panels are tight, and there is no evidence of wear or compromise in the upholstery work. The door panels follow the same teal and white theme, with white vertical-pleated lower inserts set against teal upper panels, finished with chrome door handles and window cranks. The overall interior execution is cohesive rather than piecemeal.

The dashboard carries a full Classic Instruments gauge cluster, which is one of the most respected names in aftermarket truck instrumentation. The cluster includes a tachometer — something the factory did not offer on most C10 configurations — along with speedometer, fuel, voltage, and oil pressure gauges. The faces are done in a teal-on-black format that echoes the truck's color theme and reads cleanly in both direct sunlight and low-light conditions. The column-shifted automatic and the Chevrolet-badged steering wheel present cleanly against the painted dash, which has been finished in the same Fathom Green as the exterior.

An upgraded stereo has been fitted behind a period-style face that sits naturally in the dash opening without looking out of place. Air conditioning is present and functional, which in Florida's climate is not a luxury — it's a practical necessity for anyone who plans to use this truck regularly rather than just trailering it to shows. The floor is covered in matching teal carpet in good condition, and a "1971" script badge on the passenger-side kick panel acknowledges the truck's model year in a tasteful way.

Exterior

The 1971 Chevrolet C10 received a revised grille compared to the 1969–1970 trucks — a wider, more prominent rectangular grid pattern with a center-mounted Chevrolet bowtie emblem. This truck's grille is correct to the year and finished in good condition, flanked by the rectangular parking and turn signal lamps that are characteristic of the 1971–1972 facelift. Chrome bumpers front and rear are in excellent shape, carrying no significant damage or pitting.

The two-tone paint divides at a horizontal body line that runs the length of the truck, with Fathom Green on top and White below. A thin chrome separation molding runs between the two colors, a detail that the Cheyenne trim supported and that gives the division a finished, intentional appearance. Cheyenne badging appears on the front fenders. The sliding rear window in the cab back glass is functional and properly sealed. Chrome 5-spoke wheels fill the wheel openings well given the lowered stance, and the tire choice is appropriate for the truck's proportions — modern performance tires that provide grip and handling characteristics the factory rubber never could.

The bed floor has been finished with wooden planks and chrome bed rails, a combination that is both period-correct in spirit and practical. The tailgate carries full Chevrolet block-letter stamping and is flanked by the distinctive full-width chrome tailgate trim piece with the red reflector lenses integrated into the corners. From beneath, the underside of the bed and the frame are coated and clean.

Conclusion

This 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne represents a well-executed custom build on one of the most desirable truck platforms of the entire classic truck hobby. The color combination is distinctive and factory-rooted. The mechanical upgrades — headers, dual exhaust, front disc brakes, performance air filter — improve on the factory specification without making the truck difficult to maintain or register. The interior is executed with care and consistency, and the Classic Instruments cluster with tachometer gives the driver real information rather than the minimal gauging the factory provided on most C10 configurations. The Cheyenne trim level, introduced specifically for 1971, adds the chrome and comfort details that separate this truck from the more basic C10 builds that populate the market. This is a truck you can drive to a show, drive home, and park in a collection with equal confidence.

To learn more or to arrange a time to see this 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne in person, call Skyway Classics in Sarasota, Florida at 941-254-6608.

Disclaimer

Information found on the website is presented as given to us by the owner of the car, whether on consignment or from the owner we bought it from. Some Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Skyway Classics does not warranty or guarantee this information. Skyway Classics is not responsible for information that may incorrect or a publishing error. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the vehicle or by a professional inspection service prior to offer or purchase being made.