Featured is a 1960 Chevy Apache C-10, representing the first year of General Motors new C/K series.The Apache model itself debuted in 1958.
The 1960 model year brought the arrival of the Chevy C10 series trucks, succeeding the 1955-59 Chevy Task Force series trucks. The first generation of Chevy C/K trucks began in 1960 and ran through 1966.
The designation of a “C” means the truck has rear wheel drive. The “K” means a four wheel drive truck. The number shown after the letter C designated whether the truck is the 1/2, 3/4, 1 ton, 1.5 ton. Those numbers were 10, 20, 30, and 40 series (C and K) were produced with the Apache name. For Chevrolet, the C/K series lasted until 2002.
1960 Chevy Styling
Two body styles were available with the new C series. This was the Chevy “Fleetside” which offered a smooth panel down each side of the bed; and the Chevy “Stepside” which provided a contoured panel outlining the rear wheel wells and a “step” located behind the driver and passenger side doors.
The 1960 Chevy light trucks had straight body lines with an egg crate grille and small overhangs over the windshield and rear window. Chrome was used very sparingly. The trucks overall height was reduced by seven inches which allowed it to have a lower center of gravity. Trucks were redesigned to be larger and lower giving them a more square appearance and better cornering,
Then 1960 model, year also introduced several design firsts for Chevy light trucks. The cab sat lower and the front suspension was independent which essentially allowed the light truck to ride like a passenger car.The cab also let you enter without actually climbing up into it. It would be fair to say that Chevrolet took a giant step ahead from 1950’s styling with their 1960 Apache light pickup.
1960 Chevy Apache C-10 Specifications
The 1960 Chevy Apache C-10 came with a 235 Cubic Inch in-line six cylinder engine. As an option a buyer could order a 261 Cubic Inch straight six. Horsepower was 135 and 148 respectively. Also available was a 283 inch V8 delivering 180 HP. It is estimated that about 86% of Chevy trucks in 1960 were six cylinder and 14% were eight cylinder.
Transmission included a four speed automatic and four speed manual.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drum.
The 1960 C-10 had four wheel independent suspension. Front springs and torsion bars were strengthened in the front and coil springs were added in the rear.
Dimensions for the 1960 Chevy C-10 included an overall length of 186.68 inches and a . wheel base of 115.0 inches.Width 78.75 inches, Height 71.25 inches. Cargo bed length was 78.0 inches. Gross vehicle weight averaged about 5,000 lbs.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below..
Reference material for this article includes..Chevrolet Trucks: 100 Years of Building the Future by author Larry Edsall.. Standard Catalog of Chevrolet Pickups and Other Light Duty Trucks, 1918-1995 by John Gunnell. GM/Chevy Archives.
1960 Chev y C-10 Collector Values
The 1960 model year represented a real milestone for Chevrolet light duty pickups. As mentioned above, there was a total redesign which included, among other things, a larger truck, a more comfortable ride for driver and passengers and a lower look which enabled people to enter the cab without jumping up.
It did take some time but currently the first series of Chevy C10 light duty trucks have risen to their highest point in collector popularity. Classic vintage Chevrolet pickup trucks are receiving growing interest among car enthusiasts.
Current collector valuations for examples in very good to excellent restored condition are in a range from about $30,000 to $60,000. Mileage, originality and age of restoration are all factors in determining asking prices.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)