What does the C stand for in a Chevy C10?
In Chevy's C/K pickup lineup, the C denotes two-wheel drive (2WD), the K denotes four-wheel drive (4WD), and the number 10 indicates a half-ton payload rating.
Understanding the C/K truck family
The Chevrolet C/K line uses a simple lettering scheme to differentiate drive layout and capacity. The C designation marks two-wheel-drive variants, while the K designation marks four-wheel-drive variants. The trailing numbers (10, 20, 30) reflect payload capability, with the first digit indicating the class of the truck's payload capacity and, in practice, the model’s rough weight rating. This system dates back to the 1960s and persisted across several generations of full-size pickups.
What the letters mean
The C/K designation identifies the drive configuration, which helps buyers quickly understand whether a truck is a two-wheel-drive (C) or four-wheel-drive (K) chassis. The model line was popular for decades and remains a touchstone for enthusiasts and collectors.
Here's a quick breakdown of the C and K designations and the payload code.
- C = two-wheel drive
- K = four-wheel drive
The C designation identifies two-wheel-drive variants, while K variants use four-wheel drive. Together with the trailing numbers, they define the model's configuration and capacity.
Payload rating codes
The numbers after C or K indicate payload capacity in half-ton units, a convention used by Chevrolet for these trucks. This helps buyers gauge the hauling capability and positioning within the lineup.
- 10 = 1/2-ton (approximately 1,000 pounds)
- 20 = 3/4-ton (approximately 1,500 pounds)
- 30 = 1-ton (approximately 2,000 pounds)
These numbers reflect the approximate payload capacity the truck was rated to carry in daily use. They help buyers compare chassis and hauling capabilities within the C/K family.
Putting C10 in historical context
The Chevy C10 grew out of the broader C/K line introduced in the 1960s and remained a staple of Chevrolet's full-size pickups through multiple generations, eventually evolving into the Silverado/Sierra family in later years. While the badge carries old-school meaning, collectors and enthusiasts still refer to C10s by their 2WD/4WD configuration and half-ton designation when discussing vintage models.
Summary
The C in C10 stands for two-wheel drive within Chevrolet's C/K line, while the K stands for four-wheel drive. The numbers 10, 20, and 30 indicate payload capacity tiers, with 10 representing half-ton, 20 three-quarter-ton, and 30 one-ton. This naming convention helped buyers identify drive type and hauling capability across generations of trucks.
