Chevrolet C/K (first generation)

First generation
1965 Chevrolet C10 Fleetside
Overview
Also called
  • Chevrolet Apache (C10-40)
  • Chevrolet Viking (C50-60)
  • Chevrolet Spartan (C70-80)
  • GMC: 1000/K1000, 1500/K1500, 2500, 3000-6500 (medium to heavy-duty)
Model years1960-1966
Assembly
DesignerHarley Earl (1957, 1958)
Body and chassis
RelatedChevrolet/GMC Suburban
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 3-speed synchromesh manual
  • 4-speed synchromesh manual
  • 2-speed Powerglide automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 115 in (2,921 mm) (short box: 12-ton models)
  • 127 in (3,226 mm) (long box: 12-ton & 34-ton models)
  • 133 in (3,378 mm) (1-ton models)
Length
  • 186.875 in (4,747 mm) SWB
  • 206 in (5,232 mm) Standard
  • 216.25 in (5,493 mm) LWB
Width78.75 in (2,000 mm)
Height71.25 in (1,810 mm)
Chronology
PredecessorChevrolet Task Force
SuccessorChevrolet C/K (Action Line)

The first generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1960 to 1966 model years. Marketed by both the Chevrolet and GMC divisions, the C/K trucks replaced the previous Task Force generation of trucks. The first General Motors pickup trucks developed on a dedicated truck platform (no longer a derivative of the GM A platform), the C/K series included pickup trucks, chassis-cab trucks, and medium/heavy commercial trucks.

Breaking from GM tradition, the 1960 truck line was not given a generational name by the company. As part of a new model nomenclature introduced by GMC, C denoted two-wheel-drive vehicles and K is used for a four-wheel-drive drive layout. Replacing second-party conversions, the 4x4 drive was offered as a factory-supplied option for the first time. Alongside pickup trucks, the C/K light truck line served as the basis of the fifth generation of the Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Carryall, which was marketed as either a truck-based wagon (SUV) or a panel van.

Produced by multiple sites across the United States and Canada, the model line was also produced in South America. For the 1967 model year, GM introduced a second generation of the C/K, naming it the "Action-Line" series.