How many miles per gallon does a 1965 Chevy C10 get?
Typical fuel economy for a 1965 Chevy C10 is roughly 12–18 miles per gallon, depending on engine, transmission, gearing, and condition. There was no standard EPA rating for trucks that year, so real-world mileage varies by configuration and use, and modern estimates come from vintage road tests and owner reports.
Engine options and mileage
To understand the mileage, it helps to start with the main powertrains offered in 1965:
Inline-six engines
Most 1965 C10s used a 230 cubic-inch inline-six. With a manual transmission or the two-speed Powerglide, these trucks typically deliver the best fuel economy among factory configurations of the era.
- Estimated combined mpg: 14–18 mpg
In practice, highway driving with light loads tends to land toward the upper end of that range, while city driving and heavier payloads pull it down.
Small-block V8 engines
V8 options such as the 283 cubic-inch small-block provided more power but generally lower fuel economy. With typical 2- or 3-speed transmissions, V8 C10s averaged lower mpg than inline-sixes, but the exact figure depends on gearing and use.
- Estimated combined mpg: 12–16 mpg
Proper maintenance and lighter loads help, but performance advantages come at a cost to efficiency.
Other factors that influence fuel economy
Beyond engine choice, a range of conditions and maintenance factors shape real-world mileage on a 1965 C10.
- Vehicle condition and tune (carburetor, distributor timing, and ignition components)
- Tire size, type, and inflation pressure
- Payload and towing (heavier loads increase consumption)
- Driving style and average speeds
- Transmission type and drivetrain gearing
Even small improvements—like keeping the carburetor well-tuned and maintaining correct tire pressure—can move a vintage pickup a notch or two on the MPG scale.
Summary
The 1965 Chevy C10 does not have a single, uniform miles-per-gallon figure. Inline-six models tended to sit in the mid-teens for combined mileage, while V8 configurations generally trailed, especially with heavier loads or more aggressive driving. Real-world numbers vary with condition, gear ratios, and use, but most drivers today report roughly 12–18 mpg depending on configuration and driving style.
What engine came in the 1965 Chevy C10?
Standard engine is the economical High Torque 230 Six with the big 292 Six or 283 V8 available at extra cost.
How much is a 1965 Chevy C10 worth today?
The value of a 1965 Chevy C10 varies significantly based on condition, features, and market fluctuations, but a typical well-maintained example is worth around $18,600 to $20,000. Prices can range from around $10,000 for a project vehicle to well over $40,000 for a restored or modified truck. A record-setting, exceptionally rare, or high-end modified model could sell for much higher.
Factors that influence value
- Condition: A pristine, all-original, low-mileage C10 will command a much higher price than a project truck in need of restoration.
- Modifications: Extensive or high-quality modifications (like engine swaps or custom paint) can increase value, but they can also decrease it if they are not desirable or well-executed.
- Originality: Original parts, especially the factory engine, can increase the value for collectors who prefer a factory-correct vehicle.
- Market demand: The value is also influenced by current market trends, which fluctuate over time.
- Specifics: Some configurations, such as the "Big Window" or "Short Bed," can be more desirable and fetch higher prices.
Price examples
- Average condition: Around $18,629 for a 1965 C10 in good condition with average specs, according to Hagerty.
- Modified examples: A modified short-bed C10 can be listed for $22,900 to $39,995 or more, depending on the quality and extent of modifications, according to Classic.com.
- High-end/auction: Exceptionally well-maintained or rare examples can sell for much higher prices, with some examples at auction surpassing $330,000.
What Chevy truck gets 30 MPG?
2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Highway MPG:
31 mpg (2WD) 26 mpg (4WD)
What is the gas mileage on a 1972 Chevy C10?
A stock 1972 Chevy C10 typically gets about 10-12 mpg in the city and 15-18 mpg on the highway. Mileage can vary significantly depending on the engine, transmission, and rear axle gear ratio. Properly tuned stock trucks can achieve the higher end of this range, while modifications like performance cams, large carbs, and aggressive gearing often decrease fuel economy.
Factors influencing gas mileage
- Engine: Stock 350 small-block engines with proper tuning can get around 14-15 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.
- Transmission:
- 3-speed automatic (TH350): Expect lower mileage, especially with non-overdrive gears.
- 4-speed automatic with overdrive (like the 200-4R): You can achieve better highway mileage, with some reports of 18-19 mpg at 75 mph.
- Gearing: Stock trucks with 3.08 gears can achieve better mileage, while higher gears like 3.73 or lower will reduce fuel economy, especially on the highway.
- Modifications: Modifications such as performance cams, large carburetors, and lack of proper tuning often lower MPG significantly.
- Driving style: Aggressive driving habits, such as frequent hard acceleration, will drastically decrease fuel economy.
