Chevrolet C10, Orange, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $20,995.

Get used to it, beautifully restored trucks with brilliant fit and finish are going to be the norm rather than the exception in the future. This 1972 Chevrolet C10 is a great example, starting with a solid southern pickup and finishing it to show standards inside and out. And I have to say, the first thing I thought of is what a flat-out awesome tow vehicle this would make if you owned, say, a 1969 Camaro in Hugger orange with a houndstooth interior, which is exactly how this truck is configured.

Although the factory called it Orange Red instead of Hugger Orange, the effect is the same, making this an in-your-face hauler that looks ideal in that bright hue. Part of that great look is due to the high quality bodywork, which massaged the sheetmetal into place and aligned everything properly before the paint went on. Details count, even on trucks, because they're more than just tools when they're this nice. The white top is authentic too, as you can see from the Service Parts Identification sticker that still hangs in the original location. There are no trouble spots, not even along the rockers or under the doors, just rust-free panels with a smooth, uniform coating of bright orange paint. This one also carries the optional wide side moldings, which have been polished and straightened until they matched the brilliantly rechromed bumpers. Driven just a few hundred miles since the restoration was complete two years ago, even the bed remains in absolute showroom fresh condition.

Inside, the black and white houndstooth interior transforms this from a working man's tool to an upscale cruiser. Although the sticker says it should be code 618 Orange Plaid Trim, who can argue with the current setup when it looks this good? The optional gauge package includes temperature, oil pressure, and voltage, and the circular vents identify this one as having factory A/C, which is fully functional. The original AM pushbutton radio still lives in the dash, but it has been augmented by a hidden AM/FM unit and a CD changer feeding Polk Audio speakers mounted in the doors. The workmanship is beautifully done.

Power comes from a later 350 that has been dressed in stock livery. From the simple air cleaner to the painted block, heads, and valve covers, the engine bay looks factory correct in every way. Power steering and brakes were on the options list in 1972 and made their way into this truck, along with the aforementioned Four Seasons Air Conditioning system, and it all works as it should. A TH350 automatic feeds the original rear end, and just about the only non-stock upgrade is a true dual exhaust system that sounds perfect. This one rides, drives, and feels better than new in every way.

One of my colleagues declares of all the trucks we've featured, this is his favorite. Given the quality and execution, I'm inclined to agree with him. They don't come much nicer. Call today!