1948 GMC 100 Restomod

Description

One of the things we like most about the recent "restomod" phenomenon is that you never know what to expect. At a glance, this 1948 GMC 100 Restomod pickup looks like a '50s custom, complete with a chopped top and raked stance, but it's really so much more than just your basic hotrod. The slick silver paint and tricked-out bodywork is a dead giveaway that this truck is something very special, and a look inside reveals a modern, leather-trimmed custom interior that rivals that of a brand new GM offering. Coupled with the powerful 350 V8 inside that gorgeous engine bay, a host of performance goodies, and a bespoke suspension, and this GMC 'New Design' pickup is one of the most exciting vintage trucks we've ever featured.

The look is instantly familiar, yet when you chop the top, delete the trim, and trick out the bed, this GMC takes on an entirely new personality. Most of us are acquainted with Chevrolet's 3100 'Advanced- Design' offerings, as these restored trucks seem to pop on the market every day, but it's not often that we get to see GMC's 'New Design' counterpart, let alone one that's been finished to such a high level. The similarities between the two makes are plain to see, with the big clam-shell hood, rounded fenders, integrated running boards, and dynamic single cab shape, yet the GMC variation always seemed a bit more rarified, even if that was only because there were so few of them on the road. The GMC's front end was the biggest change from its Chevy brother, with a handlebar-moustache style design that wrapped around the vertical grille, which in the case of this particular '48 has been color-matched to the rest of the truck. That slick, monotone look was obviously the goal of the builders, as they elected to delete all the trim and badging, allowing instead for that silver finish to do all the talking. And boy does it do a great job of that, with a consistent, driver-quality presentation from end-to-end that absolutely sparkles under the sun. It's not a perfect paint job, as trophy-hunting was never the goal, and some imperfections and signs of use can be seen upon closer examination, but the curb appeal is through the roof, punctuated by how neatly the hood, doors, and running boards all fit together. The bed was customized inside to account for the upgraded frame and suspension underneath, and the bespoke work also makes way for a relocated battery and fuel cell, while the exterior was smoothed, the bed rails were capped, and the tailgate was transformed into a closed-off piece that includes a frenched license plate holder, a 3rd brake light, and a set of old-school, teardrop, blue-dot taillights. Chrome bumpers fore and aft are bright as can be and are the perfect complement to the silver paint, adding a touch of flash that's continued with those oversized wheels. The lowered stance is raked and looks absolutely wicked, and we absolutely love the way those rounded fenders crouch over the tucked-in wheels.

The restomod party continues inside, where a pair of sculpted, modern captain's seats were swapped-in from a late-model and wrapped in high-end black leather. The seats are immensely comfortable and spacious, split by an incredibly cool custom center console that houses cup holders, power window/air conditioning/stereo controls, and a B&M shifter that manages the TH400 automatic transmission below. Matching black door panels are at the flanks, plush carpets line the floors, and a taut headliner was stitched above, and everything works together to insulate the spacious 3-window cabin from the outside world. The dash was completely reworked and painted silver to match the exterior, and we simply love how it flows into the center console, while a Grant GT steering wheel wrapped in leather and mounted atop a tilt column anchors the truck's command post. Ahead of it are two round Shark gauges – one is the speedometer and the other an all-in-one unit that monitors the auxiliary vitals – while the rest of the dash was left smooth for a cool, minimalist look. Nice, right?

A powerful 350 cubic inch V8 motor is the big news under the hood, and it brings a whole lot of party and plenty of style to this restomod truck. With lots of power and big torque, it makes this GMC plenty quick, yet very streetable and prepared to be driven regularly. Most of that comes from a well-tuned Holley 4-barrel carburetor on an Edelbrock high-rise aluminum intake manifold, an HEI ignition system, and what certainly feel like a mild cam inside. The engine bay has been detailed for show, punctuated by those finned valve covers and matching air cleaner, while the smoothed and painted inner fenders and firewall were finished to the same level as the rest of the truck. All the hoses and wiring are neatly plumbed and organized, with a front-runner kit keeping the accessories in tight at the nose of the block, and a big aluminum radiator ensures the engine stays nice and cool. Long-tube headers feed into a custom dual exhaust that features Flo-Pro performance mufflers, and the system dumps well before the rear axle and sounds epic. Underneath, you get the aforementioned TH400 3-speed automatic transmission feeding a heavy-duty rear end, a reinforced frame, and a custom lowered suspension that's highlighted by a modern front clip, power rack-and-pinion steering, and a 4-link with upgraded shocks and springs hanging in the rear. Power 4-wheel disc brakes stop the truck on a dime, and they feature red brake calipers tucked just behind those killer 18-inch American Racing chrome wheels wrapped in staggered performance rubber.

For the money, you'll likely never get a cooler restomod truck than this. Haulers like this always attract a lot of attention and with the slick package, comfortable interior, and strong running gear, it will always be a pleasure to drive. Call today!