1963 GMC Suburban

Description

Set the Way-Back Machine to the early days of the SUV, and we'll use this 1963 GMC Suburban for transportation. Big, rare, and attractive, this heavy-duty hauler offers more than a few unique tricks, including GMC's early V6 engine and enough room for nine passengers.

This is a rare truck – when was the last time you saw one? The '63 Suburban was based on the pickup truck, and the resemblance is more than skin deep. For starters, there are only two doors, a concession to production efficiency and component sharing. Nevertheless, the big wagon looks magnificent and cleverly disguises its size with stylish details and crisp bodywork. The two-tone paint was done recently, and it looks fantastic and surely better than when it was new. That's an awful lot of sheetmetal to get straight, but someone kept at it and blocked the entire body so the steel under that shiny paint is nice and straight and everything fits together quite nicely. A wrap-around windshield is a relic from the '50s, while the rest of the windows are sliders, apparently another concession to its pickup truck roots. Bright chrome on the bumpers and grille, plus that noticeable "V6" badge on the front fenders, all add to this big hauler's unique look.

Inside you'll note there's a tilt-forward front passenger seat that gives bus-like access to the two rear bench seats. Engineered as a working-class vehicle in 1963, not an alternative to the family station wagon, this one was built to do work, but as you can see, it's had an easy life. The front seats have been tastefully recovered in a nostalgic 60's pattern, and there's a sensibly laid-out instrument panel with a bright metal bezel, all framed by a modern wood-rimmed wheel to add a bit of upscale elegance. There's also a Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo system to provide entertainment for those inevitable road trips trucks like this will take. There's also plenty of storage behind the third-row bench, but both rear seats are also removable for enough room to haul the really big stuff without leaving it out in the weather. This truck really will do it all.

GMC invested in one of the first mass-produced V6 engines, and with 305 cubic inches inside, it's got V8 levels of horsepower to move the big Suburban around. The burly V6 certainly looks V8-sized sitting in the 'Burb's massive engine bay wearing its bright red engine enamel. A new Holley 2-barrel carburetor and HEI ignition add horsepower, so this heavy hauler can actually work for a living, and the original 2-speed PowerGlide transmission has been replaced by a reliable 3-speed TH350, so it feels more agile around town. There's also a custom dual exhaust system with Flowmasters, and that big V6 definitely has a unique engine note. The underside is mostly original and in good condition, although it's not detailed. Color-matched Rally wheels with spinners and big 235/70/15 Firestones fill out the wheel wells and give this truck a sporty look.

Unusual and handsome, you'll probably find that you suddenly have lots of friends when you take this Suburban home. A sure bet for future collectability, this is about the most sheetmetal you can get per dollar today. Call now!