Featured is a nicely styled 1962 Chevy C-10 Half Ton. This was the model year where the Apache nameplate stopped being used on the Chevy C 10’s.
The 1960 model year introduced a new body style of Chevrolet light pick-up trucks that featured many firsts.
The big changes began with the 1960 model year. The 1960-1966 Chevrolet trucks represented a time in the evolution of the pickup truck, blending required utility with increased emphasis on design, riding comfort, and performance.
Starting with the 1960 model year Chevrolet restyled their light truck line and buyers liked the new styling. The 1960 model year represented a real milestone for Chevrolet light duty pickups.
The 1960 Redesign of Chevrolet Light Trucks
Chevy debuted the C/K series of trucks in 1960. This marked the release of a significant redesign for their flagship truck line, and kicked off one of the most popular designs in the American light truck market. The new 1960 C 10’s had straight body lines with an egg crate grille and small overhangs over the windshield and rear window, self adjusting brakes and a full cab width dashboard.
The 1960-1966 Chevrolet trucks marked the first generation of the C/K series, a significant evolution in Chevrolet’s approach to pickup design and functionality. This era introduced several key innovations.
The new Chevy trucks included the C10 and K10 models. The main difference between the two was that the C10’s had two-wheel drive and the K10’s came standard with four-wheel drive. The four wheel drive versions were great for off road driving and the two wheel drive C 10 was better on gas mileage.
There were a total of three generations of the Chevy C/K 10 Series. The first generation ran from 1960 through 1966. The second generation ran from 1967 through 1972. The third generation from 1973 through 1987.
The engine options ranged from inline-six engines known for their reliability and fuel economy to more powerful V-8 engines.
The Chevy C/K series offered improvements in safety features and riding comfort. Also, the series included better seating, heating, and ventilation systems, Chevrolet overall goal was to make light trucks more appealing for daily driving and personal use.
1962 Chevy C 10 Specifications
Standard engine is a 235 cubic inch inline six delivering 135 HP. This was the last year for this Stovebolt six. Also available was a 261 cubic inch six with 150 HP and a 283 cubic inch V-8 with 185 HP.
Standard transmission is a three speed manual. A four speed manual was also offered.
Brakes are four wheel hydraulic drums.
Chevrolet light trucks offered independent front suspension. For the 1960-1962 model year both Chevy and GMC light duty pickups used both an X frame and torsion bar suspension.
This improved ride comfort and handling as compared to the Six and a solid axle design. The K10 models have a slightly different suspension and sits higher than the C10 because of the drivetrain configuration.
The short bed C-10 half ton has a 115.0 inch wheelbase. The long bed version has a 127.0 inch wheelbase as did the three quarter ton.
Related Auto Museum Online articles..
Reference material 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.
The 1960 model year total redesign was a milestone for Chevrolet light duty pickups. Today, the Chevrolet C 10’s are remain quite popular for their classic design and are very much sought after by collectors and classic vehicle enthusiasts. The Chevrolet light pickup is an iconic vehicle with some great classic designs.
The 1962 Chevrolet C 10 asking price for examples in very good to excellent condition is currently found in a price range of about $25,000 to $36,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)