At first glance, this 1970 Chevrolet C10 looks like the kind of old pickup that has accumulated plenty of stories and scars. Its weathered body certainly doesn’t advertise what has happened underneath.
Known as “Material Girl,” the truck combines its heavy patina with a thoroughly modern chassis, a six-speed manual, and enough turbocharged power to convert its enormous rear tires into smoke. It was built by Trey 5 Customs and previously appeared at SEMA.
Current owner Jared brought the C10 from Arizona to Autotopia LA, where host Shawn Davis had the opportunity to get behind the wheel. What impressed him wasn’t simply the truck’s power, but how well all of its very different components work together.
There’s plenty of power, though. Material Girl apparently sends roughly 725 horsepower to the rear wheels while running 18 pounds of boost. Not too shabby for an old truck.
There’s A Turbocharged Surprise Under The Hood
Power comes from a cammed 5.2-liter engine sourced through Summit Racing and built with forced induction in mind. A 72mm turbo dominates the engine bay, surrounded by custom piping and fabrication that makes the installation look almost as interesting as the truck’s exterior.
A six-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear through 4.11 gearing. Despite that combination and more than 700 horsepower at the wheels, Jared says the gearing makes the truck surprisingly manageable around town.
The exhaust is equally unconventional. Rather than running pipes all the way to the rear, a 3-inch pipe exits through the hood alongside separate “double-barrel” wastegate pipes.
The Old Body Hides A Modern Chassis
Material Girl rides on the first prototype chassis from RevB, carrying the RB1 serial number. The combination of modern suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and updated brakes dramatically changes how the old Chevy behaves.
Its wheel and tire package is hard to miss, too. The rear uses absolutely mahoosive 405-section tires wrapped around 24-inch wheels measuring 15 inches wide, while 265-section rubber on 22-inch wheels handles duties up front.
The body itself has plenty of history. It began life as a long-bed C10 before being shortened, and rather than hiding every trace of the work beneath pristine paint, the builders retained its aged appearance and some visible evidence of the conversion.
Built To Drive, Not Just Display
Inside, TMI components provide modern seats, door panels, and a matching steering wheel, while the truck also features updated gauges, air conditioning, and a modern audio system. The lower seating position provides additional room without sacrificing the C10’s classic atmosphere.
Autotopia’s biggest compliment came during the drive. Davis repeatedly praised the steering, brakes, transmission, and chassis, eventually saying there wasn’t anything about the truck he would change.
That might be Material Girl’s best trick. Plenty of 700-hp custom trucks can put on a spectacular show when the throttle opens, but this C10 was built to actually go places — and apparently handle a few corners along the way.