Hard as it may be to believe, but this 1986 Chevrolet C10 pickup now qualifies as an AACA-sanction antique car. That means it’s eligible for all the big events, tours, and shows, and will be welcomed on the show field at Hershey next fall. While many of us may remember these as workhorses, they’re also increasingly desirable and valuable collectables, and the very best ones—you know, those that haven’t been worked to death—are finding homes quickly and easily. Bottom line? Buy now while they’re affordable, because the supply of loaded, rust-free, unabused C10s is definitely finite.

It actually appears that not only is this an extremely clean truck, but that it has had an extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration—someone really loved this one. The fresh Dark Brown Metallic paint is the truck’s original color, but it has been rendered in deep, glossy two-stage urethane that would look at home on a Rolls-Royce. There’s absolutely no trace of rust on the body (or anywhere, for that matter), and if this bed has ever been used to haul anything more substantial than someone’s dry cleaning, I’d be surprised. There’s just not a single mark on it. All the original Silverado trim is intact, including the chrome bumpers and stainless rub strips, along with some contrasting pinstripes that accentuate the C10’s rugged good looks. Accessories include the chrome bed rails, which look great and are probably useful for tying things down, as well as the fender skirts which are easily removed without leaving a mark should they not be to your liking.

Climb inside and you’ll notice that this blue-collar worker is dressed up like a white-collar manager, thanks to options like power windows and locks, A/C, a tilt wheel, cruise control, and good-looking wood appliques on the dash. The tan bench seat has obviously been reupholstered, but it appears that things like the door panels and headliner are excellent originals. All the factory gauges, save for the oil pressure gauge, are fully functional, and auxiliary gauges have been fitted below the dash (which is why the original oil pressure gauge is not functioning—its fitting has been dedicated to the more accurate mechanical gauge). All the windows have been tinted, which definitely helps the A/C keep things cool inside, and one look at the lower doors will convince you that this truck has never been rusty.

The engine is a 350 cubic inch V8 that has been rebuilt to mostly factory specifications. The original aluminum intake houses a rebuilt Rochester Quadrajet, which still inhales through the original air cleaner assembly. New equipment includes the alternator, master cylinder, and radiator, which is big enough to cool a UPS truck. The A/C system has been converted to R134a refrigerant, which is both environementally friendly and less expensive to service, and today the system blows ice cold. The engine is backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic spinning the original rear end. There’s no rust underneath, no sign of accidents in this truck’s past, and it drives superbly. The only notable modification is a dual exhaust system with twin tips exiting under the rear bumper, and it sounds fantastic. Fresh 235/75/15 whitewall radials have been fitted to the original wheels, a handsome look that recalls the original Rally wheels of the ‘60s.

Trucks are definitely collectable, and the future of the hobby looks bright for affordable fun like this C10. Heck, 30 years ago, who would have thought we’d be celebrating V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seat American vehicles like we do today? If you love these trucks (and a lot of folks do), you’ll find that there are very few nicer than this. A practical hobby car that can still work for a living—what could be more ideal for your next trip to Hershey?