1986 GMC Jimmy Sierra Classic 4x4

Description

While we still have full-sized 4x4 pickups, this 1986 GMC Jimmy Sierra Classic represents a kind of vehicle that just doesn't exist anymore: the full-sized 2-door SUV. With great looks, awesome off-road capabilities, and the kind of brawn that only full-sized trucks can deliver, maybe it's something we should revisit.

This big, brawny, blacked-out bruiser is one of those well-preserved trucks that could have led a hard life, but didn't. Instead, it spent a majority of its time on the smooth pavement and working as a regular vehicle, which means that there are no dirty secrets waiting within. The repaint was done a few years ago and gives the tough 4x4 a bright, clean look and finish quality is good enough to make this Jimmy get the thumbs-up on the road without making you afraid to use it as-intended. Sure, it's no trailer queen, I don't think any of these big SUVs were ever destined for that kind of life, but it's definitely one of the better looking Jimmy/Blazers out there, especially wearing that slick black tuxedo. The Jimmy wasn't all that different from the Blazer; it was mostly grille and trim, but when it comes down to rarity, the Blazer outsold the Jimmy by about six-to-one, so that makes this 4x4 a neat find. A matching black top, nice chrome bumpers, and a bit of bright trim make it look stylish without diminishing the clean, chiseled lines. Tinted windows look great, too, particularly against the black paint, giving it a purposeful look and protecting the cargo within.

The contrasting gray interior is a great look in the black truck (much better than the burgundy that most of these were trimmed out with), and with high-back buckets and a console, it's sporty not merely practical like a pickup truck would be. That's likely 100% original upholstery in there, suggesting this truck has been very well-maintained throughout its life, and the seats, carpets, door panels, and headliner are all in very good, preserved condition not often found in trucks of this vintage. Options include cold A/C, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a tilt column, so it's ideal for use every day or for road trips with your friends. A 'newer' AM/FM/Cassette stereo was likely installed shortly after the truck was purchased new, the original steering wheel is in great shape, and the back seat is big enough for three so no worries about taking everyone with you. You'll also notice that the fully carpeted cargo bay will handle all your gear and includes a full-sized spare tire.

There are few more reliable powertrains than this truck's 350 cubic inch V8 (aka the 5.7L V8) and 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, so no worries about taking this Jimmy someplace remote. It's all-stock under the hood, so reliability is uncompromised from factory spec, but it looks and sounds a bit more substantial than most of these thanks to years of great care and long, easy life spent in sunny Texas since new. They wisely chose to keep modifications to a minimum because this truck isn't about all-out horsepower but about going new places without worries, and in that regard it definitely works well. The overdrive transmission means that it's comfortable on the highway and with a 2-speed transfer case feeding both axles, traction and climbing ability are impressive. The suspension has been augmented with a modest lift with new shocks and a steering stabilizer that helps keep it planted to the road. Power steering moves the big truck with ease, and power front discs brakes bring it to a commanding stop. Cool chrome wheels from American Racing are shod with oversized Mud Claw M/T off-road radials help with the broad-shouldered look and are a good choice for a truck that'll see pavement duty as well as fun in the dirt.

Nicely finished and ready to rock, this cool Jimmy needs to be preserved so future generations can see just how good we had it back in the '80s. Call today!