Times were good in the early 1950’s and the US automakers were producing some memorable automobiles after the culmination of World War II that would influence the next generation of automobile and truck owners. This GMC Short Bed pick up is listed as a 1953 model which was the last year for the 216 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine. The truck is located in Denver, North Carolina and is listed here on eBay for sale at a Buy It Now Price of $9,500. The listing is good for another 22 days and the seller will consider offers.
The story on this pickup is that it has been owned by the same family who had it on a farm in North Carolina. The seller purchased it from the son of the original owner. The truck, including the cab corners, is said to rot free and the frame looks nice in all the pictures that are in the ad. All the fenders and bed are still intact and appear to be original. Even the floorboards look pretty good.
The GMC truck left the factory with an inline 6 cylinder engine but at some point was upgraded to a 350 cubic inch V8 small block engine. Currently, there is no engine in the truck so the new buyer can build it to their liking. The seller states that a 3 speed Saginaw manual transmission is installed in the truck but that may need to be replaced depending on the installation of a new powerplant.
Denver, North Carolina is located about 30 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina. Covered in primer, the truck body, grill, glass, and bumpers appear to be in great shape. General Motors called this body style the GMC New Design because it was the first major redesign of the truck since World War II. This series was produced from 1947-1955 and is still a popular design.
Nice truck. Would love to have it. What price will buy it today.
Just a note: GMC never used the 216 engine. GMC had their own series, all pressure fed cranks. 228 Ci., 248 Ci and 270 in the light duty trucks.
Didn’t these GMC trucks have GMC v-6 engines?
Thats not a short bed. The short bed trucks did not have the extra upright in front of the fenders. Just the one at the very front and rear of the bed.
What year(s) was the 302 Ci available?
How old are you guys, a 53 G.M.C. with a V-6 or 302, WHAT! I had a 48 G.M.C. P/U ,that I put a built 270″ G.M.C. with a 350 Turbo ,it really was a neat truck even had A/C. As noted this is not a short box, I think the asking is too high for whats there and what is ,IMHO.