Featured is a 1962 Chevy C-10 Half Ton Pickup. The first generation Chevrolet C/K series was launched for the 1960 model year replacing the Chevrolet Task Force trucks.
This was a first generation C-10 Chevy which represented the 1960 through 1966 model years and today are some of the most sought after collector truck models.
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. GMC brand trucks did not use the “C” designation, while their 4×4 versions used the “K”. The GMC model numbers for 1/2, 3/4, 1, and 1.5 ton were 1000, 1500, 2500, and 3000.
The First Generation Chevy C-10 Styling
When Chevrolet brought out their new C-10 Series in 1960 there were significant changes and modernization that we had not seen before. These were some of the first designs that combined the truck’s utility with the comfort of a daily driving vehicle.
This was a result of Chevy’s A-arm suspension and the ladder frame design. The 1962 C-10 model offered wide and comfortable bench seating, with an available six-inch foam seat cushion for maximum comfort.
The 1962 Chevy Half Tons had bold and straight lines, single head lights as opposed to the dual headlights on each side from 1961. Also, an updated hood from the previous year. For 1962 the Chevrolet brand name was stamped on the bottom of the grille where in 1961 the stamp was in the middle portion of the grille.
In 1963, the torsion bar front suspension was replaced with coil springs and the six cylinder engines available were changed to 230 and 292 cubic inch displacements.
Fleetside and Stepside models were offered.
1962 Chevrolet C-10 Half Ton Specifications
There were three engines available for the 1962 Chevy Half Ton. These were a 235 cubic inch inline six delivering 135 HP. Also a 261 cubic inch inline six with 148 HP. Also available as an upgrade was a 283 cubic inch V8 that put out 160 HP.
Transmission options included a 3 speed column mount manual and a three speed Powerglide automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Dimensions includes a 115.0 inch wheelbase, overall outside length 186.85 inches, width 78.75 inches and height 71.25 inches. Cargo bed length 74.25 inches.
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.. GM Heritage Center. .
1962 Chevrolet C-10 Collector Truck
Today, C10s are far and away some of the most sought after classic trucks on the market especially first generation C10 shortbed pickups.
At this time classic trucks are seeing some of their highest collector values ever and the Chevy C-10’s are among them. 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 $35,000 to $65,000 with some models valued higher up to the $90,000 area. Mileage, originality and age of restoration are all factors in determining asking prices. You’ll also likely run across non restored examples priced significantly lower.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)