1959 GMC 101 1/2 Ton Restomod

Description

Mixing old and new isn't a recent phenomenon, but rarely have we seen them blended so seamlessly as on this 1959 GMC pickup. Aside from the big 18-inch wheels, it looks pretty much like your uncle's farm truck, but underneath it's a thoroughly modern build with a stroker motor and a bunch of modern amenities.

Charcoal gray gives even a vintage pickup a cool high-tech look. This one isn't faded and dusty like those you remember from your childhood, but rather reinvented with a cool look that stands out. It's been given the once-over to bring it up to modern standards, and the results are certainly eye-catching. The bodywork is straight and clean with good gaps all around and a pleasing forward-looking design that gives the truck a sense of motion. The gray paint is exceptional, with a brilliant shine and the look of money everywhere you look. A lot of the chrome trim was shaved, and a very trick custom grille was whittled out of aluminum and fitted with LED lights to make it look totally unique. Chrome bumpers fore and aft add a little contrast, as does the nicely finished oak bed which looks very fresh and has probably never been used for any actual work.

It's inside that you start to see the blending of old and new. There's still a wide bench seat (now wrapped in burgundy leather) that gives three-abreast seating and the 1959 dashboard sweeps from end to end. It's highlighted by the original instrument panel, which is now filled with a modern gauge cluster full of white-faced Dolphin gauges. Pretty cool! On the other hand, the steering column and billet wheel are clearly late-model pieces and this truck has also been fitted with an A/C system that uses simple eyeball vents in the dash to keep a low profile. The radio's original slot has been commandeered by the A/C controls and a center vent, but you can easily add your own entertainment if you're creative, but I suspect that you'll discover that this truck is plenty of fun without the need for music. Power windows were also added and with those matching gray carpets, it has a very up-to-date look that's elegant but frosty.

The hardware underneath is what makes this truck special. The engine is a freshly built 383 cubic inch V8 that makes effortless torque and flings the vintage pickup around like a muscle car. It's got a classic look with finned valve covers and an oval air cleaner up top. Detailing is quite good, with the engine standing out against a color-matched engine bay that intentionally stays in the background and all the plumbing and wiring has been hidden out of sight. There's a big aluminum radiator up front, a pair of electric fans to keep it cool, and a billet accessory drive that tucks everything in tight to the block. The front suspension uses tubular A-arms and coil-overs to make it handle worlds better than new, and it includes power steering and disc brakes. A brand new 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission has been fitted and twists what might just be the original rear end. Exhaust is handled by a custom exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers that exit just ahead of the rear wheels. Flashy gray wheels with polished rims make it stand out and ride inside 255/45/18 BFGoodrich radials.

An ideal combination of old and new, this is a great-driving old truck that simply works the way you'd want it to and offers a shocking amount of performance. Call today!