1985 GMC High Sierra

Description

First impressions matter, and this 1985 GMC High Sierra pickup makes a great one. The flashy yellow paint certainly helps, but there's also a burbling small block V8 under the hood and a custom interior that makes it more than just your garden-variety pickup truck.

Let's start with that paint, which is just about the right shade of yellow to get attention without being obnoxious about it. Not too lemony and not too orange, it hits the sweet spot of the area between "is it OEM?" and "Wow!" Super straight bodywork certainly helps with the great look, and it doesn't appear that this half-ton ever worked a day in its life judging from the condition of the show-worthy bed. It retains stock sheetmetal, including the hood, which is becoming somewhat of a rarity now that these trucks are popular collectables, and everything fits together so nicely that it's a sure bet someone worked overtime before the paint was sprayed. Most of the original trim is still in place too, and quite honestly, it's really, really nice, offering glittering chrome bumpers, shiny stainless wheel moldings, and big, useful side mirrors. A billet grille replaces the blocky original and smooths out the look of the front end, but there's no mistaking this pickup for anything else on the road. Finally, a subtle tint on the windows ties it all together for a sleek, custom vibe that doesn't diminish the truck's functionality.

Vivid yellow inserts highlight the otherwise fairly stock interior. All the soft surfaces appear to be new and obviously the seat cover was custom made just for this truck. Steel surfaces were painted body color and it's pretty remarkable how closely they were able to get the paint and vinyl upholstery to match. All the gauges are original and give a fairly comprehensive view of the engine's inner workings, although they are starting to show their age - perhaps the only component on this entire truck that wasn't thoroughly restored. Factory A/C is always a welcome option, but you know how much we love the sliding rear window on a pickup, so you may not even need it on anything but the hottest days. Other options include power windows and locks, which are always welcome and make this truck a viable candidate for daily driver status if that's your inclination.

The engine is a 400 cubic inch small block, which is perhaps the best choice. Big block displacement in a small block package means improved performance on the street. The snarky V8 makes power using a Holley 4-barrel atop a high-rise aluminum intake, an HEI ignition system, and a custom dual exhaust setup with Flowmasters and side-exiting chrome tips. This truck is a screamer, and despite the yellow paint that tends to grab attention, it really is an incredible sleeper of a build. A few dress-up pieces make the engine bay look unique, but for the most part they seemed to aim for an OEM look overall. Power steering and front disc brakes are there for safety and convenience, and a TH350 3-speed automatic swaps the gears for you. You'll note that this was a frame-off build, since the bottom of the truck is as clean and bright as the top and the frame, while showing some signs of use since it was completed, is nicely finished. Stock Rally wheels have black centers, which creates an entirely new look, and they roll inside fat 275/60/15 white-letter radials.

A great-looking truck with a massive investment in the build, it's one of the nicer pickups we've featured. Awesome to drive, it would make a fine daily driver or weekend warrior. Call today!