1966 Chevrolet C/K Series 1/2-Ton

Chevrolet's C/K Series of trucks, for many decades, was the backbone of the makes lineup and available in many configurations from the rugged inline-6 powered C10 to the heavy-duty, big block powered commercial C30's and C40's. The 1966 Chevy truck lineup was extensive, offering both commercial and non-commercial models in various configurations including 1/2-ton vans and the novel El Camino. The lineup included the El Camino with either six- or eight-cylinder power, the 1/2-ton Model G/Series 10 van with four-cylinder power, the 1/2-Ton Commercial C14 (2WD) and K14 (4WD), the 1/2-Ton Commercial C15 and Series 10, the 1/2-Ton Dubl-Duti Model P13 and Series 10, 3/4-Ton Model C25 and Series 20, 3/4-Ton Dubl-Duty Model P23, P25, P26 and Series 20, 1-Ton Medium-Duty Commerical (Model C36, C38, and Series 30), and the 1-Ton Dubl-Duty Model P33, P35, P36, and Series 30. A 10 represented 1/2 ton, 20 for 3/4 ton, and 30 for 1-ton models.

The trucks of the 1960s were of utilitarian design, born out of necessity and raised on the farm, being workhorses of the agricultural and industrialized world for over a century. Only more recently have trucks gained civility that has positioned them at the forefront of luxury and comfort.

Six-cylinder engines included the 194, 230, 250, and 292 cubic-inch versions. Eight-cylinder engines included 283, 327, and 396 cubic-inch versions with horsepower that ranged from 175 to 375 hp. Wheelbases stretched from 90-inches to 137-inches.

Styling was similar to the previous year and all-light duty versions had seat belts, two-speed wiper washers, backup lights, and dual long-arm mirrors. Standard upholstery was medium fawn textured vinyl with embossed surfaces.

Body styles included the Step-Side with pontoon rear fenders and Fleetside with slab type rear fenders. Pickups could be ordered with 6 1/2-foot boxes plus the 7 1/2 foot Panel and 7 1/2 foot Suburban with panel door or tailgate options. The vehicle could also be purchased with either chassis & cab, Chassis Cowl & windshield, and chassis & cowl.

The base engine for 1966 was a 250 CID inline-6 with 155 horsepower. 1966 was the final year of the first generation of styling that had been introduced in 1960. The second generation of styling, introduced in 1967, would continue through 1972.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020