1971 Chevrolet C10 SWB With 350 V8 and 700R4 Auto Blends Old With Modern School for $50k

Not long ago, we discussed the apparition of a white K in shiny chrome armor – a 1995 Chevrolet K1500 featuring the 5.7-liter V8 and automatic transmission that was supposedly a one-owner affair with 38k actual miles on the odometer and just one catch, the fact that on that occasion the dealership wasn't being upfront with the asking price as is the case with most other listing seen on their online portal.

But now we're changing the register and going back in time to the iconic 'Action Line' – the second generation of the Chevrolet/GMC C/K series. Produced and sold by Chevrolet and GMC for the 1967 to 1972 model years, this iteration was given the 'Action Line' moniker by General Motors and also formed the basis for the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy plus Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Carryall full-size SUVs.

This 1971 Chevrolet C10 is a short-wheelbase pickup truck packing the mid-cycle revision, which saw the egg-crate grille design's introduction and the Chevy bowtie's return to the grille. Plus, all light-duty C/K trucks received front disc brakes as standard equipment and the cabin now featured an optional tilt steering column plus the first-ever factory-installed option of an AM/FM radio audio system.

However, those seeking originality above all else might want to look away because this crimson unit has a few tasteful mods inside and out. The pickup truck features just 57,313 miles on the odometer, but they're of the nasty "actual mileage cannot be verified" variety. It also has a "great-running" 350 V8 engine, but it's not the original mill – it does come with a receipt for the rebuild procedure, and it also looks spectacular in the red engine bay with chrome bits and pieces plus a crimson body of its own.

Around the back, there's a spray-in bedliner with a deep black that matches the interior treatment and the side chrome/black trim. The engine is hooked to a 700R4 automatic transmission with overdrive, and the V8's power is sent to fresh 20-inch Torq wheels featuring new 245 front and 275 rear tires – there are also headers, a dual exhaust, plus a Magnaflow set of mufflers to make sure everyone hears this truck from a distance.

Behind those beautiful aftermarket wheels, there are Wilwood disc brakes with red brake calipers at the front, and the driver will also get powered steering, an under-dash AC setup, the factory bench seat, an aftermarket stereo sound system, a comfort grip steering wheel, and a few other surprises. The latter include the relocation of the fuel tank in the frame, and the reason this truck looks so good on the outside is not only due to the crimson paint and GM's great design from the 1970s but also the 3/5 lowering kit with spindles and springs making it look the part.

As always, there is only one final thing to consider before deciding on a purchase – is the price right or wrong? As far as the dealership is concerned, the price is $49,500. Is this too much or not, considering the upgrades? By the way, before saying that it costs a lot, let's consider an interesting thing – Velocity, a specialist in various classic vehicle restorations with options like the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, Ford Bronco, Ford F-100, and F-250, plus the Ford Mustang, has just added the 1967-72 Chevrolet C10 model to its lineup. With an unprecedented 14-week production timeline and first deliveries scheduled during this year's fall season, their high-performance C10 starts at no less than $319,900!

So, maybe $50k doesn't sound like so much anymore, right? The silver lining is that Velocity, an industry leader in classic vehicle modernization, is also replacing, refurbishing, or verifying every nut and bolt of the classic pickup truck. It's a turnkey project, too, and while the traditional looks are mostly unchanged, under the hood resides a brand-new LT1 V8 engine mated to a GM 10L80 ten-speed automatic transmission with 460 horsepower, while under the body is a Roadster Shop SPEC Series C10 chassis with custom suspension.

There's also a Holley serpentine system to "keep things moving under the hood," a custom-built exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers to "give the C10 a distinct rumble," an independent front suspension setup, a Ford 9-inch rear axle with a 3.73 gear ratio, Baer six-piston brakes with 14-inch rotors and 245/50R18 Michelin Pilot Sport tires wrapped around 18-inch Forgeline wheels. Inside, the Velocity Chevy C10 gets modern amenities such as Vintage Air climate control and a Focal sound system, while on the outside, the Street Series gets single or two-tone BASF Glasurit paints, vintage beltline trim, a Raptor-lined bed and custom-machined billet exterior components (door handles, side mirrors, tailgate handle). So, what do you think – used or like-new (and enhanced)?