Pick of the Day: 1968 Chevy K-10 that proudly wears its desert patina

The 4-wheel-drive pickup truck is said to be mechanically refurbished and ready to roll

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The Chevy 4X4 is described as a rust-free Arizona truck

Not everybody wants to roll around in a classic car that looks like it could pass a white-glove test at the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance.  In fact, plenty of collectors embrace the idea of letting an old vehicle show its age, even going so far as to enhance or at least preserve the vintage patina.

The Pick of the Day is a 1968 Chevrolet K-10 pickup that proudly wears its 53 years of age.  And though this Chevy appears well-worn on the exterior, its interior and drivetrain are fully refurbished, according to the Scottsdale, Arizona, seller advertising the truck on ClassicCars.com.  

Chevy

The private seller describes the Chevy as an “original, Arizona rust-free” example that has undergone a comprehensive mechanical overhaul.  Powered by a 292cid 6-cylinder engine paired with a rebuilt 4-speed manual transmission, this pickup received new axles, brakes, fluids, suspension and tires as part of the deal, according to the seller.

This K-10 represents a second-generation example of General Motors’ lineup of pickups that first launched in 1960.  The model name gives a clue as to its underpinnings:  Chevy trucks with a C prefix were all two-wheel drive, and K models were four-wheel drive.  GM called this run of pickup trucks the “Action Line,” and started including feature content that was previously only seen on passenger cars.

Chevy

On the inside, things look tidy thanks to a reupholstered bench seat, replacement carpeting and a new dash pad.  Even such details as new window and door gaskets were included on the checklist.  A Bluetooth-compatible radio brings this old truck into the modern age. 

From the description, the Chevy is apparently turn-key ready as a driver, and it looks right at home on a desert dirt road in the photographs with the saguaro cactuses in the background.

The seller calls attention to some cosmetic damage to the passenger side of the Chevy’s bed, though the rest of the this pickup looks to be in nice original shape.  The rust-free nature of the body combined with the sun-scorched upper paint surfaces mean it’s probably spent a good portion of its life in the desert Southwest.  It looks like the restoration might have included applying a clear coat to protect the patinaed surfaces. 

The listing says that the Chevy’s rebuild cost in excess of $25k in mechanical upgrades alone.  “Lots invested, and hard to duplicate for this price,” the seller states. 

The asking price is $22,500 or best offer.

Just don’t you dare repaint it.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day. 

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