This 1976 GMC Sierra is described as a desirable short-bed model that’s been in one-family ownership for 44 years. In that time, it has either been garage-stored or parked in a carport, which the seller indicates as being tell-tale signs of long-term careful ownership. The description actually goes so far as to say it’s never been used as a work truck and the condition on display here seems to back that up. Find the Sierra here on eBay with bids approaching $6K and the reserve unmet.
Pictures aren’t great, but what we do have paints a pretty clear representation of a survivor-grade truck that hasn’t been rodded to death. The seller does note that despite the original appearances, some body parts have been replaced, including the hood and the rear bumper. The tailgate looks to be in good shape, as are the lenses. The chrome railings were typically a dealer-installed option, and they look sharp here. New tires have been installed on the stock Rally wheels, which is a look that is always in season.
The interior photos make it hard to see clearly just what you’re working with, but the bench does appear to be in fair shape, and it’s likely even better than it appears here given the seller notes it has been recovered. Black over red is a sharp combination, and makes this truck more of a looker than it already was. The seller mentions that the rubber floormat is in mint condition, which isn’t necessarily easy to find, even in trucks that weren’t used exceedingly hard. The A/C and factory radio are noted as being inop.
Engine-wise, the seller doesn’t offer too many details other than to say the 350 runs great. Mileage is reported as being 109,000, which seems about right for a driver that still looks good. The seller has installed a new gas tank and sending unit, with the former usually being replaced when rust or other gunk builds up from prolonged sitting. Regardless, it’s nice to have that job done, and without any rust to worry about, there’s little doubt this one will simply go onto its next owner and provide the same kind of service the caretakers of the last 44 years have known.
Ha! I swear, BF’s must have a “stick a knife in Howards gut and turn” dept. Naturally, I’ll say, very nice truck. Again, mine is similar, not as nice, 150K, a “HIGH” Sierra, ( whistles) so a bit fancier dash( tach, full gauges) and interior trim and a seemingly desirable compound low, 4 speed, now my question, if I may tap the unlimited resources of BF’s, what would you do, knowing you only paid $1,400( maybe $2g’s with tires and parts) for the truck. Should I slap a paint job on it and turn around and ask $6 grand?( and do cartwheels) OR, should I just keep the truck, knowing I’d never find another for what I have into it? OR, trade it for a small motorhome, and become a gypsy? Wait, that last one goes beyond the limits of BF’s,, :)
I’ll vote for gypsy Howard, Would love to see a picture of you dancing around a campfire.
You’d be surprised how many people live like that out here. Most are in derelict motorhomes, like the kind that come through here. Can’t blame them with 4 digit rentals. Buys a lot of gas. I still like my bathroom at 3 am, but I know I could do it.
I’m sure cause of more temperate weather by you. California is out of control. Little cities of beat up campers. Most don’t seem like retired folks though.
Howard, you’ve had your truck long enough to know what you’ve got. So many times you get an engine loaded with STP and a rear diff full of sawdust. Run what you brung.
Very cool truck! While not the case with this truck, the chrome railings were available as a factory option, code D73 “pickup box side rail” and would be called out on the SPID if so equipped.
I had these same rails on my ’80 Cheyenne SWB. I figured they were just dealer installed eye candy since they were not strong enough to use as a tie-down. They were promptly removed and replaced with aluminum tread plate caps.
Nice truck though. You hardly ever see an original without rust in every nook and cranny.
Did you know GM referred to this design as the new “rounded” body style. Now we all call ’em “square bodies”…
Hey Howard, keep your truck as is, use the paint money to buy an MG with overdrive and be a gypsy and head to Florida to watch the Packers in the Superbowl! Thats all I got with one cup of coffee in me.
Thanks Mike, what a game, hey? I’ve been in Green Bay when they won games like this, the whole town rocks.( conversely, when they lose, it’s the pits) I’ll keep the truck, I can’t afford to start all over with something. Nice to know it does have some value.
I lived near Green Bay for awhile, hard core fans they are. Paint their dogs green and yellow for the weekend.
When we took on the GMC franchise one of the first trucks we got in was almost a twin to this. It was sold almost off the carrier. A lot of SWB trucks out west at the time. Still highly sought after today especially if they are running a 454…
Sold for $8500.
Keep the truck Howard! Like others have said, ya know what ya got. Plus, even if you need to replace an engine, transmission, whatever, you know the parts can be found.
GO PACKERS!