If you’re a Chevy truck lover, the Nashville Superspeedway was the place to be last weekend. Hundreds of trucks filled the infield for the C-10 Nationals, and there was a little something for everybody. First of all, it is nice to see the track getting used for racing and other fun events like this. It didn’t have much of a draw when it was being used as a Nissan storage facility. The swap meet, truck show, and autocross competitions were definitely more appealing. Now it would be nice if there were a tree or two down there for a little shade, but that’s what pop-up tents are for. All-in-all, it was a great turnout for a first-time event.
I really liked the condition of this ’79 Silverado. It just came off as very original, and the Camel and Neutral two-tone color scheme was very representative of its time. I also liked the Sport Striping option on the hood. It’s just hard to find fault with a clean, stock Chevy with Rally wheels and bedrails. It even had a bed-full of literature and receipts to chronicle its history. These trucks often weren’t in this good of shape when they were two years old. But here was this one in a remarkable state of preservation 42 years down the road.
This was another one that really stood out. How could anyone not love this Dark Green ’70 CST/10 short-bed? It obviously wasn’t original, but it was spectacularly restored back to better-than-original condition right down to the bias-ply whitewall tires. When someone restores one of these to this level, they often have a big block in them, but this one retained its 350-c.i. small block, and it was just as perfect as the outside of the truck. I doubt anyone drives this truck these days; it’s just too nice to take out and get dirty!
If you like your trucks finished off with a more modern touch, you’ll want to take a look at this ’66 short-bed Fleetside. The only thing that really came from 1966 is the shape of the body. The rest of it is as new as what rolls out of the factory. Finished in a laser-straight metallic teal with gold, staggered, kidney bean, salt flat-style wheels, this rig leaves a very striking first impression. The gold-painted, modern LS engine is disguised as a vintage big block. Pleated caramel-colored leather gives out a retro vibe, but coddles its passengers with present-day comfort and convenience. I think this truck does a better job than many at retaining that old-school feel while bringing everything up-to-date.
Here’s another ’66 that is done in a completely different style. Other than being lowered, this Saddle short-bed looks completely stock. It’s a Custom Cab, and still has all the Custom Cab accoutrements, including the exterior chrome bits (except for the painted grille, which is a custom touch), the deluxe seat, and even the correct ’66 Chevelle steering wheel. But the most interesting aspect of this truck is that is still retains its inline-six power plant. No LS power here. The 292 is hopped-up a little with an Offenhauser intake manifold, as well as a finned valve cover and air cleaner.
I was registered to be at this show Friday and Saturday, but darned if my old truck wouldn’t start on Saturday. It was maybe the first time the old beater ever let me down in 16 years. I did take over 500 photos on Friday, so at least you’ll have something to look at. And don’t worry; I’ve got it back running now, so hopefully I’ll never let this happen again.
No comments:
Post a Comment