How much horsepower did a 1960 Chevy truck have?
In 1960, Chevy trucks offered two main engine options: the 235-cubic-inch inline-six with about 140 gross horsepower and the 283-cubic-inch V8 with about 195 gross horsepower.
Chevrolet’s 1960 pickups came from the Task Force era, and horsepower figures of the time were published as gross horsepower at the crank. Actual on-road power depended on configuration, tuning, and installed equipment, so real-world numbers could vary from the factory ratings.
Engine options and horsepower
Below are the two primary powerplants available for 1960 Chevrolet pickups and their factory horsepower figures. This list clarifies which engines produced which amounts of power.
- 235 cubic-inch inline-six (I6): about 140 gross horsepower
- 283 cubic-inch V8: about 195 gross horsepower
Note: These figures reflect GM’s gross horsepower ratings from 1960. Net horsepower, which accounts for accessory losses, would have been lower in typical driving conditions.
Summary
For a 1960 Chevy truck, horsepower depended on the chosen engine: roughly 140 hp with the inline-six and around 195 hp with the 283 V8, as published by GM in gross terms. Real-world performance would vary with gearing, drivetrain, and equipment.
