You could go down to your local GMC dealer right now and drop $85,000 on a loaded, four-door pickup truck, or you could potentially lob a bid at this 1977 GMC Sierra that is currently bid to just under $9,000 here on eBay. With plenty of room for your friends, family, or dogs and a stump-pulling 454 V8 under the hood, this dually-equipped Sierra isn’t lacking for options.
While I get that new vehicles come with all the benefits of a brand-spankin’-new rig, I can’t get over the prices that new trucks command. It makes me wonder what all you’re getting for that steep uptick in price. Are the new trucks demonstrably better at what they were built to, which is to haul heavy loads reliably and be tough as nails in terms of durability? I feel like you’re more likely to severely damage a new truck with aluminum body panels and myriad software systems then you are a dead-simple rig like this.
Of course, perspective is important to keep in mind, because I’m sure someone was whining about how expensive or complex this Sierra was in 1977 compared to trucks from the 1960s. Still, all we can work with is our current framework, which tells us that this Sierra offers plenty of space, power, and cargo capacity for a fraction of the cost of a new truck equipped in a similar fashion. The interior is in good shape overall with a handsome (fake) wood dash and bench seating that offers room for six passengers.
The 454 is one of those engines that has tremendous staying power in terms of its reputation for being powerful and dependable. With plenty of torque at your disposal, this big-body rig will still move out just fine (it would also likely sound like a freight train with a set of headers and a custom exhaust.) With ownership history in Utah, California, and Florida, this truck has lived in salt-free weather climates and is rust-free, providing yet one more reason this Sierra is very appealing – especially at no reserve.
I can’t believe all the new, loaded 4×4 pickups I see running around here in Northern California. Usually not pulling or hauling anything, just cruising to work. Oh, BTW, diesel her is higher than premium gas-over $5.00 a gallon.
.. the pretty boys gotta compensate for their lack, so a big truck helps (eyes roll)
i have to laugh at all the ‘trucks’ that just have to have a hitch on em, even though anyone who actually hauls a trailer can tell its at the wrong height, or wrong ball.. and its all rusty like its never been used. The big new trucks with tr tow mirrors all the way out and ESPECIALLY the fad of putting DOT wide load lights in the grill, form TOYotas to F150s for the ‘look’ .. which i now gott mention the fog lights on on the clearest nights and even day times.
Heres your sign ! lol
A new truck is a money pit, almost a scam.
I just went by a local gas/garage station that has the headlight adjust board set up, asked if i could use it quick, he said make an appointment, i said ok and would i be able to do it or .. he said ‘no’ that he would for ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY dollars per hour ?!?! .
So the lil guys are trying to claim worthy or the not so worthy stealership hourly ?!. dang
so
A new truck has an issue and bring it to a likely unqualified ‘tech’ and pay some 150-200 per hour ?
while you go wothout car all day or days amd get ot back with funk on the door, steering wheel and seat…
With an engine burried in wires and sensors, that is unproven
i digress
This truck will likely out live, out perform and less running costs that any new truck.
Boo hoo on the lame GPS, if you dont know how to get to the store or your friends house without one, maybe you shouldnt be out driving anyway !
I think that last good trucks were made in the early 2000s, now its all planned obsolesence and debt.
Pardon the rant, but the modern day costs with the yester year wages is gonna lead to a bad day, and its not far off
i paid $6.29 for a bottle of isopropl alchohol today, plus tax !
take away the credit card and now what cha got ??
I am not 100% on this but I don’t think that hood is stock. Otherwise a great looking truck.
No, it isn’t the stock hood. The mirrors aren’t original either. Obviously the rims have been changed too. I still like it though, it would look perfect parked next to my 78 C-35 Sierra Grande.
Nice looking machine..on average you’ll have to figure one fill up for every state line you cross.
It’s nice looking but,the wheels suck real bad.
I believe that the front and back of this vehicle are actually registered in two different zip codes…
At least you can fix this one and it will stay fixed. New stuff..never know when a computer module will puke. Carb is dead simple and so is ignition system. 454 is not easy on gas in these trucks. Hopefully it has the o/d 700r4 to help on mileage. My 75 was 8 mpg most of the time, but a stiff tail wind & flat road, you could squeeze 12, as it was a 4×4.
This is a MAN’S truck, built to do stuff, not like those new ones guys buy for the status look when all they haul is air.
Cummins 12 valve 20 mpg? 454 10 mpg? 5.3 more than 10 mpg, quiet happy on the highway.
454 is a workhorse, much rather the K30 with Cummins.
13 years with a 12 valve 5 speed, sometimes I wear ear plugs, sometimes ear muffs, All day in my 12 valve makes me old.
For the price of a new truck I would much rather this K30, it’s very nice, Being a 77 you won’t have TBI, I had a 454 TBI ramp truck was ok. Would rather have the carb.
Had a TBI 350 700r4 shot bed it flew, was a great truck.
I like the 2 bolt fuel pump on the side of the block rather than the electric ones in the tank( What were you thinking)
Save your money, get the old Chebby.
Nice real truck!! Love the updates to look a little newer. Just a cool find!!!
I’ve had and still have plenty of these crew-cabs, but the truth is they DO NOT hold a candle to a modern diesel pickup. At least to my 2004 Duramax. When pulling a loaded single car trailer over the pass with my 1991 454 powered crew-cab with the 4L80E tranny I would be over on the shoulder at 35 to 40MPH. My Duramax pulls my 40 two car loaded at 55 to 60 MPH up Lookout pass. I have pulled 39,000 gross with it at 55 mph. locally (it’s the stopping you have to watch out for). The 454 might be a stump puller with a 4 speed and 4.56 gears but a diesel is way better.
hap one back when,olds 98 motor replaced the 454,moved the milleage into the teens
Lovely looking truck. For a truck like this, I’d upgrade the engine and gearbox to either a 6.5 litre Turbo Diesel engine, or a Duramax 6.6 litre Turbo Diesel.
“While I get that new vehicles come with all the benefits of a brand-spankin’-new rig, I can’t get over the prices that new trucks command. It makes me wonder what all you’re getting for that steep uptick in price.”
I’ve had exactly that same thought, Jeff. I guess I can’t fault automakers for pricing trucks as high as people are willing to spend. I fear that people are spending way, way above their means, and that they’ll be hard pressed to get that gorilla of debt off their backs. Given the excessive car and truck prices and overuse of technology, we are planning to keep & maintain our 2011 and 2013 vehicles as long as possible.
454 used a 400 trans back then.
Then 4L80E but that wasn’t until much later.
No use comparing a 1977 to something from the 2000’s. Not really a valid comparison.
I ordered a 1978 almost identical to this for my dad thru GM (old option 1) to tow his big boat. It was a nice hauler compared to similar vehicles of its time.
My 2004 Denali, 4 wheel steering, just turned 300,000 miles….no rust, interior with all the bells and whistles; honestly looks like a new truck. The engine was replaced at 260,000 and transmission at 285,000. Maintenace was always impeccable as well as exterior care . While looking for a Corvette the dealer came out and offered a flat $15,000 for it …….dealers know that the new trucks/pricing is insane. Mine will not be sold soon…….just an excellent truck with big bang for buck!