Our featured vehicle is a very nice looking 1972 Chevy C10 Highlander Custom Deluxe Pickup. This model is part of the second generation C10’s which were produced from 1967 through 1972.
The 1972 Chevrolet C10 is considered a heavy duty pickup. At the same time the vehicle has a sleeker and rounder shape that was built lower to the ground for easy access.
1972 Chevrolet C10 Styling and Mechanics
Chevrolet revised their styling beginning with the 1967 model year. Chevrolet clearly understood that the truck buying public wanted comfort and additional features in a pickup.
Among items that remained in the second generation C10’s were coil springs at all four corners beneath the new 1967 model. On the outside,the truck had an exceptionally clean look. Buyers would have quickly noticed a more modern look, even more modern than it’s Ford competitor which also restyled in 1967. The second generation C10’s continued with both it’s Stepside and Fleetside models. Grilles were changed during the second generation model years although the 1972 C10 had essentially the same styling as the 71 model with the exception that the rear view mirror was attached to the windshield rather than to the cab itself.
The “C” in the Chevrolet C10 denotes two wheel drive. The “K” denotes a four wheel drive pickup. The numbers reflect truck capacity. The numbers 10, 20, and 30 stands for 1,000 lb, 1,500 lb, and 2,000 lb versions in that order. Half ton, three quarter ton, and one ton.
The Highlander Trim Package
The Highlander trim package was a GM promotional package offered on 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe series pickups. The package featured a Scottish plaid interior and several other changes. The Chevy C10 ‘Highlander’ was a low-production model based on the Custom Deluxe. The seats of the Highlander had a combination of the Super Cheyenne vinyl along with a bright Scottish plaid cloth insert.
1972 Chevy C10 Specifications
Several engines were available during the second generation of the Chevy C10’s. Engines available for the 1972 Chevrolet C10 Custom Deluxe included a 250 cubic inch straight six, a 292 cubic inch inline six, with 155 and 170 HP respectively, a 307 and 350 cubic inch V-8, with 200 and 250 Hp respectively and also available for 1972 was a 402 cubic inch big block V-8 delivering 300 HP.
Transmissions choices included a three speed manual as standard and a four speed synchromesh and four speed automatic as options.
Two Sizes of the C10
The Chevy C10 or four wheel drive K10 models could be ordered with either a 115 in or 127 inch wheelbase with a cargo box of either 6 1/2 ft. or 8 ft. This was available in either the Fleetside or Stepside models.
Wheelbase is 115.0 inches and the overall outside length is 200.5 inches and height 70.5 inches. The 127 inch wheelbase model had a outside length of 206.25 inches.
The base price for the 1972 Chevrolet C10 was about $2,600.
Related articles from Auto Museum Online are on the links below..
Reference material for this article includes..Chevrolet Trucks : 100 Years of Building the Future by author Larry Edsall…Pickup Trucks : A History of the Great American Vehicle by Justin Lukach..Ultimate Encyclopedia of Pickups by Peter Henshaw.
The 1972 C10 Fleetside Collector Vehicle
The Chevrolet C10 and K10 are popular collector models today. These light trucks had terrific styling, a low stance and are considered to be quality built. The second generation trucks were originally known as the Action Line trucks and were eventually referred to as the Glamour Pickups. These Action Line trucks were built only as two door models.
In addition, the models from 1960-72 are popular platforms for restoration with parts reasonably accessible. Production during the second generation period was large and the trucks were produced with several of the same engines used in popular Chevy cars. This fact is a great help with restoration projects.
Recent auction sales prices for second generation Chevrolet C10’s in excellent restored condition appear to be in a fairly large range of about $38,000 to $80,000. Sales price will reflect degree and age of restoration, originality, numbers matching, and engine.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)