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55k Original Miles: 1978 GMC Jimmy

There is nothing quite like blazing a trail through the great outdoors to blow out the cobwebs that can accumulate in our heads from the stress of day-to-day living. To be able to do this in a classic off-roader is even better, and that is what awaits the next owner of this 1978 GMC Jimmy. This original survivor is a solid vehicle that is ready to be enjoyed as it currently stands, or the next owner could choose to undertake some mild cosmetic work to make it stand out more than it already does. Located in Spokane, Washington, you will find the Jimmy listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $10,400 in what is a No Reserve auction.

One of the first things that you notice about the vehicle is the fact that the original owner chose to order the Jimmy with optional two-tone paint. The Light Blue and Frost White combination is very attractive, while the chunky Rallye wheels give it a truly aggressive look. The body itself looks to be quite good, with no obvious signs of significant dings or dents. There are also no signs of any rust issues, which is always a plus with a serious off-roader like this. The paint is generally quite good, although it is beginning to show its age in a few places such as on the hood. However, it remains quite presentable, and given the fact that this is all believed to be the original paint, the next owner might choose to leave it as it is. The original trim and chrome all appears to be present and in good condition, while the Soft-Ray tinted glass seems to be free of significant chips or marks.

Given the sort of life that the GMC was designed to live, the interior has remained in very presentable condition. The Jimmy was ordered with a center console, and this has a few cosmetic marks on it, but no signs of any cracks. The dash does have a few cracks, but the rest of the interior has survived really well. The upholstery on the front seats show some stretching, but there are no signs of any tears or splits. The same is true of the optional folding rear seat. Having carpet on the floor of a vehicle like this can seem to be a bit on the adventurous side, but this looks really good. In addition to the console and rear seat, the Jimmy was ordered with an AM radio and power locks. Both of these features are said to work as they should.

When a person ordered a new Jimmy back in 1978, they were faced with a large selection of engines from which to choose. This one was ordered with the 350ci V8, while the buyer also chose to spec it with a 4-speed manual transmission and power steering. The engine is showing the accumulated oil and grime that is common for a vehicle of this age, but not only does that 165hp small-block start and run nicely, but the transmission and clutch operate perfectly. Of course, with bags of torque and a 4-wheel-drive system at your disposal, this is a vehicle that would be set to tackle the toughest terrain. Fancy driving to the top of Mount Everest? This might be just the ticket. Until recently, the Jimmy had been owned by the same family since new, and it is believed that the 55,000 miles on the odometer are original. Having said that, there is no mention of documentary evidence to confirm this. Even if it is actually 155,000, with the reputation these have for being long-lived, there should be plenty of off-road enjoyment left in this one yet.

Once an off-roader gets to the age that this 1978 Jimmy is, they generally really start to show their age. Off-roading can bring with it the ability to accumulate dings, dents, scratches, and if mud is allowed to accumulate in the wrong places, rust. This is a vehicle that has avoided all of these pitfalls, and given the bullet-proof nature of its drive-train, it should be capable of providing its next owner with many more years of adventure and enjoyment. I quite enjoy getting away from life’s stresses and out into the wilds, and doing that in this particular off-roader sounds like a pretty tempting idea.

Comments

  1. Avatar Chevy Guy

    This was already just posted, but as a chevy blazer… I’m confused?!

    Like 11
    • Avatar Mark M.

      This was just listed on here

      Like 6
  2. Avatar matthew B steele

    Very nice..really too nice to take off road and beat up.plenty of trucks to find to bang around in. I would like to have this to drive while i used my 90 suburban 4×4 to abuse

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Jamie

    Ummmmm staff must CRS. This was on here last week.

    Like 8
  4. Avatar Stangalang

    December 7th..same truck listed as a Chevy…uhh alrighty then🤣👍

    Like 5
  5. Avatar David G

    Awesome Jimmy, but sucks to not have A/C. This unit does not have gauges either, which do not come standard on the base trim level. Strange they were not ordered, as it does have a few other options. Perhaps an oversight by the original owner while special ordering it. Rally wheels were added later on. New owner is going to get a very clean and well cared for GMC.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar jerry z

    I always liked these style Blazers but the ride quality is rough much like a CJ5.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Paul

    I bought one new in 1977 with every option you could get. Had a 400 sb, top line trim, A/C, sliding windows, cruise, tilt, power locks and window etc. Great fun but only got 10 mpg so even with the optional big 30 gal tank it didn’t go far without a fill up. Paid $8700 back then would buy it in a heartbeat again !

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Ken

    At least this time Barn Finds got the make right.

    Without A/C, this is worthless in eastern Washington summers. It must be cooler in Spokane than in Pasco. Down here it gets up to 107 in July and August. Pass.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar r s

    Don’t know as I’d call 250 ft/lb of torque ‘bags’ of torque. The truck is in very nice shape and should get a decent price.

    In 1979 I bought a brand new Plymouth Trail Duster – their version of a Blazer, identical to a Dodge Ramcharger – with 2 way 2 tone paint, 360, 4 speed, trailering package, a/c, full gauges including tach, ‘tuff’ steering wheel, privacy glass and the really nice captains buckets. There was very little from the option list that it didn’t have. (If this truck were similarly equipped it would bring a whole lot more.) But that said, the Trail Duster while nice to drive was gutless and sucked down gasoline like no tomorrow, 10mpg around town and 15 at best on the highway.

    I wish I’d kept it… instead when it was two years old and had less then 20K on it I traded it in on a Dodge Mirada, the biggest steaming pile I have ever owned.

    Like 0

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