Bill Murray Steals a 1971 Chevrolet C10 in ‘Groundhog Day’ – Specs and Features Here
Harold Ramis’s 1993 “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, is a beloved comedy classic. In one scene, news anchor Phil Connors (Murray) steals a classic Chevy truck after kidnapping Punxsutawney Phil and full-sends it off a cliff. It’s one of the most iconic scenes from the film. Check out the 1971 Chevrolet C10’s specs and features here.
1971 Chevrolet C10 Specs and Features
GM’s C- and K-series trucks and SUVs were widely adopted in the U.S. market from 1960 to 2002. “C” denotes two-wheel drive. Any GM model code “K” will be a 4×4.
By 1971, the second-gen Chevrolet C10 had undergone a V8 engine option swap to Chevy’s 350, plus suspension and exterior upgrades, including an egg-crate grille and more upright hood. In ’69-’72, you’ll find a foot-pedal parking brake instead of a hand lever. AM/FM radio, carpet, two-tone paint, and automatic transmission options carried over from “swankier” Chevrolet sedans. Most of these trucks, however, were meant to be farm-use workhorses.
The SUV version of the C/K series was the K5 Blazer, with GMC’s version carrying the Jimmy nameplate.
The foundation for all modern Chevy and GMC trucks today, C/Ks are fairly common in the classic market.
| 1971 Chevrolet C10 Pickup Truck | Spec |
| 2nd Gen C-series production years | 1967-1972 |
| Engine | L6, 350 cu in. V8, others |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic, 3-speed manual, others |
| Drivetrain | 2WD |
| Body style | 2-door |
| Bed length | 6.5 ft., 8 ft. |
| Total C10 units produced in ’71 | 267,552 |
| Rarest version | C10 Cab & Chassis (long), 588 units |
‘Groundhog Day’ wouldn’t be the same without the C10 scene
In the film, news anchor Phil Connors (Murray) finds himself trapped in a time bubble in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and has to endlessly repeat February 2nd. A conceited misogynist, Connors finds the town and his conundrum insufferable.
Connors goes as far as kidnapping Groundhog Day mascot Punxatawney Phil, the real groundhog. After flying off a cliff while townspeople and his news crew stand by, the classic C10 and its passengers are engulfed in a fatal fireball upon impact. It’s not the end of the film, but it’s one of the best scenes in the movie.
“Groundhog Day” does an excellent job of making the audience feel as nihilistic as the lead character.
Sources: ConceptCarz.com, Vintagecarcollector.com
