There’s a place in the affections of classic car enthusiasts of all faiths for an old American pickup – especially one with as much charm and presence as this ’49 GMC 150.

It’s a truck that can fill so many roles; as an accessory for attending Forties, Fifties and Americana events, as an entertaining and slightly eccentric drive around the country lanes, or even just something more unusual for picking up plants – and the odd statue – from the garden centre. 

It disarms any expectations of what a classic car owner should b. It could even he hired out for event and film/tv work.

Coupled to all this, the new owner can be assured that the whole vehicle has been effectively rebuilt and is a thoroughly renovated and reinvigorated pickup truck.

The Chevy was purchased some seven years ago by the current owner in already fairly robust shape.

Even so, he set about refreshing the truck himself (by no means his first effort), and went on to complete a full cosmetic and mechanical rebuild. There is a comprehensive file of receipts and invoices attesting to at least £8000 in parts alone (though many more jobs and components went unreceipted).

There is also a partial photographic record showing the work at various stages of progress over the years.

The quixotic mix of rustic and Art deco that is the GMC’s cabin has been totally preserved. 

The brightwork looks fabulous against the red of the folded metal dash – no pitting or scratches – and the retrimmed seat (nicely piped in white), the door cards and the headlining make a great contrast in black. 

Door seals and mats are new, as are the pedal rubber. The cabin looks to have been very tidily executed, with good attention to detail. 

The only thing which is non standard is the digital radio, which still blends in nicely.

In farm overalls or a double-breasted suit, you will be happy to drive this truck. There’s room for your hat too.

The overall finish of the truck is excellent. The paint is consistent across the whole of the vehicle, with no runs, drips or inconsistencies in the finish. 

There are a couple of minute instances of on colour splashing on the other, but these are very hard to find and see. The finish shows a deep gloss all over. Some rust was cut out of the lower rear cab and replaced with new metal (also any dents/holes were lead-filled), but none of this is detectable in the finish. 

Doors line up perfectly and both bonnet (sorry; hood) and tail gate open and close without creaks or sticking.

All the brightwork has been rechromed and is in excellent condition, and, in many cases, bolts and metal strips (the truck bed) have been replaced in stainless steel. The (oak) wood truck bed is also new.

It’s looking around the engine bay and inspecting underneath the pickup that you really appreciate the extent of the work. 

The Chevrolet six-cylinder is easy to get around and displays no signs of leaks or surface corrosion. Cables, wiring and hoses all look very correct and suitably ‘period’ and there is no grime of any kind under the bonnet.

The chassis was shortened by 225mm during the rebuild (to bring it in line with GMC 100 dimensions), and was also totally scrubbed of any corrosion and repainted with self-etching and stone chip resistant paint. 

All rails, crossmembers and struts look hugely robust. The underside certainly doesn’t look like it’s see many stones and hasn’t been out on the road since the restoration.

All suspension and brake parts were also cleaned and renovated and look to be strong and in first class condition. The American Racing wheels are the only aspect of the truck which don’t look totally period.

They are however in very good condition and shod with new tyres.

Whatever this old workhorse may lack in terms of speed, it most certainly makes up for in condition and character.

And whether you’ve owned a Caterham, a Triumph or a Rolls-Royce before, spending a short time with this big beast will probably convince you that there’s room in your life (and hopefully your garage) for this charismatic piece of Forties Americana.


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