• Chevrolet C-10

The Chevrolet C-10 is the name of Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks full size line from 1960-1999 in the United States from 1965 to 1999 Canada, from 1964 to 2001, in Brazil, and from 1975 to 1982 in Chile and in 1960 to 1978 and 1986 to 1994 in Argentina.

The first Chevrolet pickup truck appeared in 1924, although the design itself did not appear until 1930 Chevrolet. "C" denotes two-wheel drive while "K" denoted four-wheel drive. The light-duty pickup C/K was replaced by the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in 1999 in the U.S. and Canada, and 2001 in Brazil, the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD (Heavy Duty) are heavy duty trucks introduced in 2001.

The Chevrolet C-10 produced in Argentina by the U.S. manufacturer Chevrolet was similar to the American models of Chevrolet, which although had different evolutions, kept its original name C-10, since its introduction in 1960 until its completion in 1978. Had also a special version, made in Argentina by Sevel Argentina SA. since 1985-1991 During this period, he presented two types of output: Chevrolet gasoline engine and diesel Indenor. He was also on par comercalizada imported from Brazil, who was named C-20 and presented a new model diesel engine option. Finally, between 1993 and 1997 was manufactured in Argentina by CIADEA (Ex-Renault Argentina) with the name of Chevrolet C-20/D-20. It was replaced in 1997 by the Chevrolet Silverado. Their main rivals were the Ford F-100 and Dodge Pick-Up.

Curiously, this truck took a particular name for each stage that was manufactured, being known as Apache from 1960 to 1967 Brava from 1967 to 1974 and just C-10, from 1974 to 1978. Additionally, during the time of production by Sevel was christened Custom and Silverado, while Cheyenne was imported from the United States.

The Chevrolet C-10 Apache was the first car brand Chevrolet, assembled in Argentina with domestic parts. At that time, car or even cared Veículos, importing their parts for assembly later. The Apache was a truck with rugged good looks and a highly aggressive design, which was mutating slowly for three periods.

First presented at the Apache Argentina, left the plant in San Martin January 25, 1958 and had a pretty consistent with what then raised his Chevrolet Impala model design. A wide windshield, extending beyond the lateral angles of the cabin, doors that extended studs below the windshield, a tapered section that ran from the tip of its nose to the end of his cabin and about huge headlights on the hood of the truck, did notice your design style of the time. Surmounted all this with a narrow box loads with outstanding guards at his sides and running boards for easy access to the same or to facilitate the raising of load on the vehicle. In this narrow case, was joined in 1963, the optional wide box, prolonging design is tapered section of the cabin and offering more cargo space.

The second Apache was presented in 1965 and suffered a major restyling that did take a more modern design. His windshield was reduced in size, making the doors gain more space to the lateral angles of the cabin and going to adopt new studs. Also, the headlights disappeared the hood is receiving a smoothing his forehead with a small slope at the tip. However, he still maintained but to a lesser extent its tapered section, as well also its optional wide and narrow box cargo box.

As for your engine, was introduced in the country using gasoline engines Trifmaster Chevrolet "230" of 3.860 cm ³, 126 HP of power and 6-cylinder. In 1963 he was presented with a diesel engine version 3285cc, 64 HP and 4-cylinder and crankshaft 4 supports or benches. And in 1965, he was presented the first model powered Chevrolet "230" of 3769 cm ³, 127 HP, 6-cylinder. All models were coupled to a manual gearbox 3 the wheel speed lever.

In 1967, he was presented the second generation of the Chevrolet C-10. It was known to the public by the nickname Brava since their commercial introduction, showing a man saying goodbye to his girlfriend who was a train ride. Realizing this man she forgot her purse, the train began a chase aboard his truck, for extremely intricate and impassable roads, while the announcer recounted the kindness that had the truck. To the end of the commercial, after the truck give scope to train at the next station, the phrase is written Brava! filling the entire screen.

This new generation of the C-10, showed a more linear style and smoothing than the previous design. In fact, there already had huge fins features Chevrolet models of the 60s. The only thing that kept the previous model was the dual option of wide or narrow box. Another of its variations during the passage of the years, various modifications were the Brava received in his grill. From 1967 to 1970, the grill was divided into two by a transverse beam where the Chevrolet logo was staying in the middle of it. From 1970 to 1971, the grill was enlarged, becoming larger rectangular portafaros out, keeping the aluminum cross-member, which now included the Chevrolet name, while the bowtie logo was relocated on top of the hood. All finished off with aluminum edging to the whole grid. Finally from 1971 to 1974, the new grille Brava was one piece grid-shaped outer holding aluminum rebordeo portafaros rectangular. Chevrolet logo resumed his former position in the center of the grill.

In terms of cabin design, the new Brava submitted a design in keeping with the times. With rectangular lines and a hood that protruded from the tube, trapezoidal back to front, leaving the front fenders noted, gave the modern conception Brava design, ready and prepared to compete against the new generation of its possible Rivals: The Ford F-100 and Dodge D-100.

As for its engine, the new Brava which was released in the new Chevrolet engines called "230" 130 HP, 6-cylinder and 3.8-liter engine, a second more powerful and modern generation Trifmaster dated "230" 126 HP outfitting the Apache. As an option, also equipped the new, more powerful Chevrolet "250" 145 HP, 6 cylinder, 7, benches and 4.1 liter engine, released in 1968 with the Chevrolet 400 engine, but never was fitted to the old Apache. Moving all this powerplant, manual gearbox lever 3 speed driving. A technological innovation brought by the Brava, fua the appearance of Posi-Trac limited slip differential, which allowed the truck traction when one wheel was turning in false, automatically triggering the Posi-Trac and allowing better traction.

In 1974, General Motors decided it was time to innovate. To do this, once again decided to radically change the design concept of the C-10. So in this year, was presented the third generation of the Chevrolet C-10. It possessed a completely new and different design to anything already known.

It was a new truck, much more portentous than the Brava, and with a design that offered some security to others when loading the truck. This truck, took the design concept "Custom" and the appearance denoted as a jeep. His lines became more squared, with its cabin design "I supercuadrado", different from the previous design Brava, which combined straight lines with small curves in the back of your roof. Also had a strong outstanding in his trunk, where he was being housed your grill lighthouses located at his sides, but behind the grill.

The design of this truck, put a Chevrolet at the forefront of technology, surpassing even his opponents, who did not innovate too. Its capacity was greater than the previous edition, going to load 750kg, against 577 of Brava. In terms of mechanics, remained the same, only now beginning to emerge from the engine number "250" of 4100 cm ³ and 145 HP. Also had the engine version "230" of 3800 cm ³ and 130 HP. All coupled to a 3-speed manual transmission. Also, another object of the inheritance received Brava was his PosiTrac traction control, which allowed a better performance in rough terrain.

However, despite all this technology and the investments made in the mid-70s General Motors began its meltdown, to steadily decline participation in the Argentine automotive market to handle passing in 1976 9% 2% 1978, to the point of inclusion in the ninth year of eleven manufacturers, with losses exceeded the $ 30 million. Finally, General Motors de Argentina decided to close its doors in December 1978, and thus, ended to give order to life, not just the Chevrolet C-10, but also of all Chevrolet and Opel products without exception.

This truck had a national legislation, called C-10 Chevy Van. It was a small minibus which kept the mechanics of the C-10, a "230" with 127hp third box, and the design of its trunk. The rest was all a heavy-collective type, built on the chassis of the C-10.

In 1985, after 7 years of General Motors have withdrawn from the country, the novel Sevel Argentina SA company, which had been opened from the merger of Fiat and Peugeot Argentina terminals, decides to start the negotiations with General Motors for series production and licensed under the Chevrolet C-10 trucks. With this production, not only Sevel got space in the market for heavy-duty vehicles, but also start to give way return of the Chevrolet brand in the country, while adding more brand their ranks. The production of this new unit, took place in the factory of heavy vehicles Sevel, holding in the province of Cordoba Ferreyra.

The new truck, which was filed with the nickname of Custom, was very similar to the last model produced by General Motors in Argentina, but now had a facelift. Your grill, anterrior, posterrior unlike the old model, was completely flat, without protruding forward. Its square headlights were replaced by four small headlights runs, arranged in a pair on each side. The above fog were the headlamps, while below were used to wink.

Regarding the rest of your body, keeping unchanged the design of the previous C-10 ended in 1978 due to the closure of GM. Also in those years was presented Silverado model, which came with the same look of the Custom, but be bringing new features like Power Steering, larger tires, or air conditioning. The Custom also presented two options: Custom, base model or Custom De Luxe with air conditioning. Another development that brought these trucks, was the addition of front disc brakes with dual circuit between front discs and rear drums.

As for its engine, had two naphtha and diesel. The first was the classic Chevrolet "250" 130 HP of power and 4.1 liter engine used in NASCAR racing. While the diesel engine was depicted seal Sevel, as was used motor Indenor XD of 2304 cm ³ and 70 HP, the same engine used in the Pickup Peugeot 504. All this, coupled with a manual transmission 3 changes driving lever or the optional 4-speed gearbox with floor shifter.

Next to the Custom, Custom De Luxe and Silverado, General Motors imported by Sevel, a game similar trucks, but they were baptized with the name of Chevrolet Cheyenne. This truck, unlike Argentina, had the novedadosa wheel drive four by four, allowing better performance. Finally, in 1991 ceased agreement between General Motors and Sevel Argentina SA, so the C-10 were discontinued in the country.

After this agreement signed by General Motors and Sevel, the first defined thus his return to Argentina in 1993 and after 15 years of absence. The first: To do this, two stages that occurred as follows were necessary. was an agreement between General Motors and CIADEA (later Renault Argentina SA). The second was during the second half of the ’90s, with the rise of a new plant in the city of Rosario (Argentina).

With regard to the first part of this return, General Motors signed an agreement with CIADEA for the production of new trucks Chevrolet C-20 and D-20, on the ground that the former Renault owned in Santa Isabel, Córdoba. The plan included a production of 25,000 units of which 19,000 would be destined for export in the Mercosur.

In their design, these trucks were very similar to the old model produced by Sevel, but with a redesign on the front, which included a smaller grille and smaller rectangular headlights. Technological developments of the new C-20 and D-20, passed through its engine and gearbox. In fact, the "C" and letters "D" denoting the type of engine for each truck. The Chevrolet C-20, was equipped with the classic engine "250" Chevrolet 4100cc., while the D-20 had the novelty of having a diesel engine. The 4236 Perkins himself was a 3.9 liter engine. Also for 1997, the D-20 had two engine options remain the same Perkins engine option normally aspirated or turbocharged diesel Maxion 4 liters of Brazilian origin. The other novelty brought trucks had to do with its transmission, since they came equipped with 5-speed manual gearboxes. Also your system Braking is renewed, moving to bring new systems antilock disc brakes with ABS systems. In 1997, he was presented the "D-20 Custom" version, an evolved version of the D-20, with luxurious amenities such as air conditioning, power steering, etc..

Of course, besides the trucks manufactured C-20 and D-20, the agreement between General Motors and CIADEA, including the export of these products to Mercosur, as well as importing products to Argentina Chevrolet or export Brazil Renault products. The strange and curious is this agreement, Brazil was exporting to a game of Renault Trafic vans, which were renamed "Chevrolet Trafic". In the area of ​​imports for of Argentina, a game imported Chevrolet car Chevrolet Chevette (renowned at home and GMC Chevette) and 4×4 Chevrolet Veraneio. Indeed, this model was the family vans Argentine C-20/D-20 derivative. It was a familiar drive suv 4×4 capable of carrying 8 passengers, with gasoline engine, Diesel and alcohol to the Brazilian market. Despite having the Chevrolet brand and carry the factory warranty brand, Veraneio was designed and manufactured by the company Brasinca bodywork, which was expertly adapted bodies in large pickups and street cars. A few years later, the Bonanza Brasinca presented a shorter version of the Veraneio and two doors. Both trucks, being so well built, received the Chevrolet factory warranty.

Finally, these vans stopped being produced in 1997, already manufactured by GM Argentina. This same company, decided its discontinuation, announcing the arrival and construction of a new model brought to the United States: The Chevrolet Silverado.

Finally in 1997, was introduced in Argentina, the new Chevrolet Silverado. It was a derivative of the vans known in America as Chevrolet C-1500. Its design had nothing to do with the C-20 designed in Argentina, but featuring a new design concept. One of the most notable in design details, was the suppression of the side vents in the windows of the doors, going to use new areas larger glazed surface. Its grill, showed in its redesign a classic Chevrolet concept, with four large headlights whose upper headlights were normal lighting, while the lower lights were intended for light winking.

Since 1997, the Silverado as well as being manufactured in Argentina, was intended for export to countries of the Mercosur. This successor to the C-10/C-20 series was noted for his physical strength and his large chrome grille, dividing the optical assembly. Offered three types of engines: The classic "250" 4.1 liter, 6-cylinder engine with 138 hp, which was also used in Brazil for powering the Chevrolet Omega (boosted to 168hp) and it was utitlizado in the glory years of Chevrolet in Argentina, with the Chevrolet Chevy. As expected, the novelty brought this engine was now not have the old fuel system, but going to equip a multipoint injection system. The second option of motorized diesel Maxion S4 was a Brazilian-born of 3990cc, 4-cylinder, 88hp. The third engine option was a Brazilian-born MWM turbodiesel 4.2-liter, 6 cylinders and 150 hp, which made her the most powerful truck in its segment. All these engines came a new system coupled transmission 5-speed forward and reverse. Other technological innovations brought by this truck was its braking system, with ABS disc brakes on your front and continuing with the rear drum. Also, other accessories that were offered this Silverado Radio AM/FM with DVD CD, Air Conditioning, sidebars against impact and power steering with recirculating balls.

While this truck was only available in single cab, 1998 Chevrolet Argentina made the presentation of the new Chevrolet Grand Blazer, a 4×4 truck with all the equipment of the Chevrolet Silverado, and designed to carry passengers. It was equipped with the same 4.2-liter MWM and offered the same features of the Silverado. However, production costs were too high and coupled with good positioning that had the Chevrolet Blazer traditional market, the project did not prosper and was canceled the following year, a few units being sold. Also in that year, was presented a special version of the Chevrolet Silverado, which was named Silverado Conquest, which was equipped with a finish more deluxe than the original Silverado.

Finally, in 2000, Chevrolet decided to move production to Brazil the Silverado pickup trucks being imported from that country. However, their production finally ended in 2001, closing the big stage Chevrolet vans in the region and not to sell a new successor.

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