1978 GMC High Sierra

Description

We see a lot of Chevy pickups, but relatively few GMCs, and as a result, this 1978 GMC High Sierra is a rather unusual find. A little more upscale than its Chevy siblings, this one includes a strong-running small block V8, a decent list of comfort and convenience options, and a nicely preserved overall presentation that will help its status as a future collectable.

It's quite possible that this truck wears its original paint, and aside from some very minor factory-style orange peel in the finish, it looks fantastic. Trucks rarely led easy lives and in 1978 not a lot of guys were buying vehicles like this as collectors' items, so finding one that wasn't worked hard is none too easy. Go over it carefully and there's no evidence that it was ever wrecked or rusty and the squared-off look of these trucks will remain popular for decades to come. The regular cab/short bed combination is the one to own if you want to drive and enjoy your pickup, making for a more maneuverable package that feels just about the right size pulling into the Home Depot parking lot. That six-foot bed is in remarkably good condition overall and uses chrome bed rails to help secure cargo. Other dress-up pieces include the chrome window visors, a beautiful set of factory bumpers, a grille that looks like new, and a cool spotlight on the driver's side.

A matching burgundy interior is a nice combination of working-class functionality and luxury, offering a vinyl seat cover that wears like iron and still looks great, reasonably plush carpets that make the GMC feel quieter and more luxurious inside, and brushed aluminum trim to brighten things up a bit. Options include ice cold factory A/C and the original AM/FM radio, plus a full array of factory gauges. Heavy-duty rubber floor mats are probably a good idea in a truck that can still earn its keep around the house and with a column shifter, there's plenty of room for three-across seating in a pinch. The dash pad is remarkably well-preserved and this is one of those rare vehicles where you can climb in and instantly feel like you've been driving it all your life.

Power comes from America's favorite V8, a 350 cubic inch crate small block. The engine bay is quite clean and offers a few dress-up parts like the chrome air cleaner lid and a set of finned valve covers that always look good. An aluminum intake with a good old Rochester 4-barrel carburetor give it snappy throttle response and plenty of torque for doing trucky things and with a true dual exhaust system and glasspack-style mufflers, it sounds like a V8 should sound. The truck's originality is highlighted by the original jack and tire iron still living under the hood along with R12 refrigerant in the A/C system. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission provides reliability and an unobtrusive demeanor and the original rear end still hangs on factory leaf springs, so it doesn't mind doing a little hauling now and then. Factory Rally wheels look especially good on these trucks, with this pickup carrying big 275/60/15 Cooper truck radials.

We never seem to be able to keep these in stock, and trucks like this have all the hallmarks of future collectables: good memories, fun to drive, and easy to service, and this is a great choice. Call today!