GLOBE TROTTER

It’s a fact that C10s are among some of the greatest trucks to have ever been built across the planet. Here in the United State, we are pretty lucky to have a decent supply of them that can be found in order to be built up. But what happens when you live in another part of the world yet have the desire to own one of these timeless haulers? Well, you do whatever it takes to turn your dreams into realities.

In the heart of Palmerston North, New Zealand, Todd and Natasha Collins shared a passion for classic American cars. Their journey into the world of vintage vehicles began when they came upon Dylan and Kendal Smith of Kruzin Kustoms, who transformed their ‘55 Chevy Nomad into complete showstopper. The experience left them yearning for more, igniting a dream to build their own custom truck masterpiece.

Though the American classic vehicles are a hot market in the New Zealand automotive scene, there is very little supply of trucks to build. Luckily, Kendal was able to help out by spearheading the search for a project, which led him to the Pomona swap meet in California, where he stumbled upon a long bed stepside ‘71 Chevy C10 in pristine condition. With a purchase, it was arranged to be shipped across the Pacific Ocean to Kruzin Kustoms in New Zealand. With the collective talents at the shop, they knew their vision would soon become a reality.

Of course, they wanted this truck to be slammed and the crew obliged by lobbing off the rear and shortening it with a Porterbuilt back half completed with Dropmember suspension. On the other end, the tired front suspension was replaced with a Heidts SUPERIDE IFS system for modern drivability. Getting the truck off the ground is a set of Ridetech Shockwaves up front and Firestone sleeve ‘bags in the rear, all controlled by a Ridetech management system.

To power this classic pickup, Todd and Natasha chose nothing less than a supercharged 6.2L LSA engine that runs with help from a Holley Terminator EFI unit. To help get power to the pavement, a TCI 4L80 transmission was bolted up and transfers force to the Bous 9-inch rear end with 3.25 gears and a limited slip differential. Bringing all this power to a halt is a set of Wilwood 13-inch disc brakes.

This truck is also loaded with exterior mods starting with several pieces sourced from LMC Truck like the fleetside short bed. On the inside of it is a set of custom wheel tubs and a raised wood bed floor with opening center. One-piece side glass and shaved details like the trim, mirrors, cowl, and markers cleaned up the body while the ’69 grille received custom inserts with the truck’s name, “Mac Daddy.” Rounding it off is the shaved and modified bumpers, 20 and 24-inch U.S. Mags Rio Grande wheels, and the Glasurit Chalk White paint laid down by Justin Walker.

The inside is just as custom with many details like a Flaming River steering column with Budnik wheel. Elite Motor Trimmer stepped in with stunning green leather upholstery that features billet trim that wraps around to the back of the cab. Topping it off is a Vintage Air climate control system and JVC Entertainment system.

When the truck was finished, it was taken to the Beach Hop show in New Zealand, an event that pulls in around 2,500 vehicles. Upon the debut, this truck took home Best of Show and a Top 5 pick. However, Todd and Natasha’s ambitions didn’t stop there. They set their sights on taking their Chevy C10 to the grandest stages in the automotive world. In a bold move, they decided to transport their truck to the United States to participate in some of the most prestigious shows in the country.

Their efforts paid off as the Chevy C10 turned heads at the inaugural Grand National Truck Show, where it stood among the best of the best in the industry. It continued to make waves at the ‘23 SEMA show, leaving onlookers in awe of its beauty and craftsmanship. But perhaps the highlight of the journey was when their Chevy C10 rolled onto the grounds of Dino’s Git Down, a gathering of automotive enthusiasts celebrating their shared love for classic trucks.

As they looked back on the truck’s journey from New Zealand to the international stage, Todd and Natasha realized that their love for classic American cars had brought them on an unforgettable adventure. And with their Chevy C10 leading the way, they know that the road ahead is bound to be filled with endless possibilities and new horizons.