1981 Chevrolet C10 LS Swapped Shortbed

The 1973–1987 Chevrolet C/K third generation—commonly nicknamed the Squarebody—stands as one of General Motors' longest-running truck platforms, helping redefine the full-size pickup as both a work tool and a daily driver. This 1981 Chevrolet C10 Silverado shortbed arrives from that legendary era, and according to the seller, it has been treated to a comprehensive restomod build centered around a 6.0-liter LS EFI V8 swap. The modern Vortec-branded engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, giving this classic squarebody the turn-key reliability and highway manners of a contemporary performance truck.

Described by the seller as a "fully sorted" custom build, this C10 wears a striking two-tone olive green and cream finish accented by a cowl induction hood, billet-style phantom grille, and painted-to-match front bumper. It sits on oversized five-spoke wheels with low-profile performance tires, creating the aggressive stance these trucks are famous for. The interior has been completely reworked with custom black upholstery, suede-style seat inserts, a fully wrapped dashboard, and a modern center console. Amenities include power steering, power brakes, modern air conditioning, and an Apple CarPlay head unit. The undeniable highlight, however, is a jaw-dropping custom audio setup: the seller notes DS18 Pro door panels and a full truck-bed speaker enclosure ported into the cab through a custom bulkhead tunnel.

Well-executed custom Squarebodies continue to command strong interest in the collector market. Recent comparable sales for similar modified third-generation C10 builds on Classic.com have ranged from roughly $26,000 to $48,500, while the broader Chevrolet C10 - 3rd Gen market averages closer to $19,800. The Chevrolet C/K Custom - 3rd Gen segment is especially popular with buyers who want vintage style paired with modern drivetrain and convenience upgrades—precisely the combination this LS-swapped, overdrive-equipped example offers.

Key characteristics:

• 1981 Chevrolet C10 Silverado shortbed from the iconic third-generation "Squarebody" era (1973–1987)
• 6.0-liter LS EFI V8 engine swap described by the seller as delivering modern horsepower and reliability
• 4-speed automatic with overdrive for effortless highway cruising
• Two-tone olive green and cream exterior with a custom cowl hood and billet-style phantom grille
• Fully transformed cabin with suede-style seat inserts, modern A/C, and Apple CarPlay
• Audiophile-grade custom sound system featuring DS18 Pro door panels and a bed-mounted subwoofer enclosure
• Recent comparable sales in the $26,000–$48,500 range for similar custom C10 builds