This 1968 Chevy C50 Ramp Hauler boasts the best side profile of any truck ever made.

      Mecum Auction

      Flatbed trucks have a rugged and muscular appeal. They are excellent examples of function-over-form design, typically lacking in aesthetic appeal, though a few exceptions exist. One such exception is the Blue Wonder, created by Mercedes-Benz to transport its race cars in 1955. Another is this 1968 Chevrolet C50 ramp truck, which is set to be auctioned later this month. It stands out as one of the most stylish flatbeds we’ve encountered.

      Chances are, this isn’t the vintage Chevy your grandfather drove when you were young. It’s a medium-duty C50, primarily designed for commercial use—it’s comparable to the Silverado 5500 HD of the 1960s. At some point, it was equipped with a hauling platform that gives it a sideways appearance akin to a long-tail race car. While it may be a stretch to say it resembles classic Le Mans racers, it certainly exudes a pure and elegant vibe for what was primarily made as a tool. The likely instruction was something like, “make sure you can load a car onto it, Bill.”

      We can’t help but admire it. The body-colored platform enhances its appeal significantly; it wouldn’t have the same charm if it were, for instance, black or unpainted. Additionally, the slanted ramp creates an unbroken silhouette rather than a series of angles. However, the downside is that you must ensure the parking brake is engaged before exiting to secure the car. There are no reflective strips, hooks, or rails that would detract from its design. The only additions are spacious storage compartments on either side, which are fairly well integrated into the truck.

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      Aside from its visually striking proportions, this C50 appears to be in excellent condition. It has reportedly undergone restoration, featuring beautiful two-tone blue and white paint, and is powered by a 454-cubic-inch (7.4 liters) V8 engine paired with an automatic transmission. We notice a few upgrades, such as electric cooling fans and 22-inch wheels, but overall, it resembles what you’d expect to see transporting a race car to the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1971.

      With manual windows, analog gauges, and a bench seat, the interior is practical, distinctly retro, and very blue. We particularly like the Chevrolet Division-branded horn button at the center of the three-spoke steering wheel, and we can almost sense the interior just by viewing the photos.

      If you’re in the market for a classic flatbed to transport your classic cars or simply want to admire the wedge-shaped profile of this C50, make your way to Glendale, Arizona on March 21 and place a bid. Mecum estimates this truck will sell for between $60,000 and $80,000.

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