1959 GMC ½ ton Fleetside Deluxe SWB (LHD)
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Highlights
- Recent, comprehensive restoration
- Desirable ‘big rear window’ specification
- 5.7-litre V8 power
The Appeal
Our love for classic vehicles stems first and foremost from the way that they make us feel and this GMC is a prime example of full fat Americana that cannot fail to make everyone smile.
Sometimes it's the way cars look, the way they drive, the way they sound or even the way they smell that makes them special. Presented in a distinctive custom paint finish and sporting a lustrous 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8 engine, this truck ticks every one of these boxes and is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
Built in 1959, this GMC benefits from the stylish and coveted large rear window, allowing plenty of light into the cabin. As the short wheelbase model, this truck flaunts its perfect proportions and boasts the clean lines of its Fleetside specification.
The drama doesn’t end at the GMC’s exterior either. The retrimmed red and cream interior perfectly compliments the multicoloured paintwork and the V8 soundtrack, is in our opinion, amongst the greatest of all time. This example has resided in the UK since October of 2020 where it has undergone extensive, body off frame restoration at Flying A Speedshop. The vendor reports that no expense has been spared which is evident in the truck’s excellent overall condition. With a reported 300 miles covered since the work was finished in November of 2021, all that remains for the next owner to do is drive this amazing truck.
Belying the GMC’s age and utilitarian origins, this example is eminently driveable. It is now fitted with a B&M TH350 automatic gearbox, powered disc brakes, power steering and air conditioning courtesy of Vintage Air. This GMC really is as good to drive as it is to look at.
The History and Paperwork
- In excess of £50,000 spent during restoration
- Tax and MOT exempt
- UK registered since October of 2020
- Two former keepers
Registered in 1960, the GMC spent the first sixty years of its life stateside and while much of its life remains a mystery, this truck began a new chapter after it was purchased from RJ’s Cali Classics in 2020 and imported to the UK pending restoration. Since then, the vendor has had the truck professionally restored to a very high standard by Flying A Speedshop.
The Interior
- Retrimmed bench seating
- Classic red and cream colour combination
- Stewart Warner instrumentation
- Bluetooth sound system
The interior epitomises 50s Americana. In a nod to its utilitarian origins, the GMC retains its bench seat and remains without a headliner. However, comfort was clearly a priority during the restoration process as the truck has been sumptuously reupholstered in red and cream.
Unlike when this GMC was new, the next owner won’t be breaking into a sweat as the cabin is now equipped with modern air conditioning. The vendor states that everything inside the cabin functions correctly including a Bluetooth radio with amplification and subwoofer. The Stewart Warner gauges are a particularly nice addition and provide a real feel of quality that is mirrored in every aspect of this restoration.
The Exterior
- Custom paint job
- Straight bodywork
- Excellent wheels and tyres
The vibrant multicolour paint scheme was specified by the vendor and was professionally painted and matt clear coated during the rebuild. Stored in a heated garage, the condition of the paintwork appears to be very good and it is guaranteed to attract attention wherever it goes.
The owner informs us that, commensurate with the low mileage since restoration, the underside of the truck is in excellent condition with the chassis having been powder coated. Likewise, the wheels present very well and the whitewall tyres have a good amount of tread left.
The vendor reports that much of the exterior brightwork is original where it could be saved. The truck bed is wood-lined (with all but one of the original boards present) and presents well overall with the useful addition of a fixed toolbox. There is a noticeable crack in the offside window which the next owner may wish to rectify.
All glass was original at the time of restoration. The rear glass and front windscreen were unfortunately broken during restoration so these items were renewed. The vendor however wanted to keep all glass as original as possible with the side vents and side windows being original.
The brief was to keep as much of the original as possible, even some of the blue/green paint is original.
All glass was original at the time of restoration. The rear glass and front windscreen were unfortunately broken during restoration so these items were renewed. The vendor however wanted to keep all glass as original as possible with the side vents and side windows being original.
The brief was to keep as much of the original as possible, even some of the blue/green paint is original.
The Mechanics
- 5.7-litre V8
- Drives very well
- Stops courtesy of powered disc brakes
- numerous performance parts.
The engine compartment is very clean, which really shows off the tidy installation of the Chevrolet V8 engine resplendent with iconic Edelbrock carb and intake manifold. The vendor reports that the GMC drives very well and is accompanied by an addictive V8 burble emanating from a stainless steel exhaust system.
Other mechanical upgrades include an aluminium radiator, finned valve covers and lowered suspension on dropped spindles. A Lokar shifter slots the B&M TH350 automatic transmission into gear. The vendor informs us that the drivetrain works exactly as it is supposed to.
Summary
Few vehicles offer such unadulterated fun as this GMC ½ ton Fleetline. As equally exciting to look at as it is to drive, the next owner shall appreciate the level of care and attention lavished upon this truck since it arrived in the UK. Not only was it a desirable spec to begin with, the upgrades carried out to this truck have future-proofed it for years to come.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1959
- Make GMC
- Model 1/2 fleet side deluxe truck
- Colour Gray
- Odometer 300 Miles
- Engine size 4998
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Herefordshire
- Country United Kingdom
11
bids
from 7
bidders
- Mi•••• £22,500 20/07/22
- ch•••• £19,500 20/07/22
- Mi•••• £16,250 19/07/22
- ac•••• £13,500 19/07/22
- Mi•••• £13,000 16/07/22
- bi•••• £7,800 16/07/22
- Mi•••• £6,600 14/07/22
- ne•••• £6,100 13/07/22
- ni•••• £6,000 13/07/22
- ne•••• £5,000 13/07/22
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