What does the C mean in C10 Chevy?
The C in C10 denotes a two-wheel-drive version within Chevrolet's classic C/K full-size pickup family; a C10 is a half-ton, 2WD pickup.
Historically, the C/K name identified Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickups built from the 1960s through the late 1980s. The letters mapped drive layout: C for two-wheel drive and K for four-wheel drive, while the numbers (10, 20, 30) signified payload class—half-ton, three-quarters of a ton, and one ton, respectively. The C/K line later gave way to newer designs in the late 1980s as GM updated its truck platforms.
Origins of the C/K designation
The C/K naming came from GM's strategy to offer paired Chevrolet (C) and GMC (K) pickups on shared platforms. The letters primarily indicate drivetrain configuration, with the number indicating payload capacity. In short, C-series models are 2WD, while K-series models are 4WD within the same family, and the digits (10/20/30) reveal the approximate half-, three-quarter-, or one-ton rating.
Understanding the code
To read these codes, think of them as two parts: drive type and payload. The C stands for 2WD, the K stands for 4WD, and the 10/20/30 shows approximate payload in 1/2-ton increments. The following examples illustrate common configurations from the era:
- The C10 is a 1/2-ton, two-wheel-drive Chevrolet pickup.
- The C20 is a 3/4-ton, two-wheel-drive Chevrolet pickup.
- The C30 is a 1-ton, two-wheel-drive Chevrolet pickup.
- The K10 is a 1/2-ton, four-wheel-drive Chevrolet pickup.
- The K20 is a 3/4-ton, four-wheel-drive Chevrolet pickup.
- The K30 is a 1-ton, four-wheel-drive Chevrolet pickup.
These codes provided at-a-glance information about drivetrain and capability. Today, the C/K nomenclature is mostly of interest to collectors and automotive historians, serving as a reminder of GM’s packaging decisions in vintage trucks.
Summary
In short, the C in C10 stands for two-wheel drive within the Chevrolet/GMC C/K full-size pickup family; the number 10 denotes a half-ton payload. The K-series represents the four-wheel-drive counterpart. The C/K naming framework was used from the 1960s into the late 1980s, and today it remains a key identifier for classic Chevy pickups and their enduring collecting appeal.
