I’ve recently focused on classic Convertibles when suggesting options for summer fun. However, I feel that I have neglected readers who prefer to plunge into the wilderness to commune with Mother Nature. If you fall into that category, this 1977 GMC Jimmy deserves a close look. It features the High Sierra Package for added luxury, while the engine bay houses the range-topping 400ci V8. Adding to its appeal is its odometer reading of 66,000 original miles. The seller has listed this classy SUV here on eBay in Boise, Idaho. Intense bidding has pushed the price to $13,400, which is below the reserve.
Many off-roaders with decades of service under their belts can look tired and battered, but this 1977 Jimmy is an exception. The seller confirms it was repainted a few years ago in its original combination of Cordova Brown and White. The results justified the effort and expense, because this Jimmy looks stunning. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are free from bumps and bruises, and the underside shots confirm the vehicle’s rust-free status. There is dry surface corrosion on areas of the floors and frame, but nothing that appears set to become penetrating rust. The trim looks exceptional for its age, and the side steps are a practical feature for those who, like me, don’t have long legs! The first owner equipped this gem with tinted glass that is crystal clear, and the wheels are as spotless as the rest of the exterior.
GMC offered 1977 Jimmy buyers a choice of four engines to power their new purchase. This classic’s first owner went straight to the top shelf, selecting the 400ci V8. The company quoted power and torque figures of 175hp and 290 ft/lbs, with this Jimmy also featuring a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, power steering, and power front disc brakes. That combination should result in an accomplished performer in all circumstances, although the motor’s low-end torque delivery would allow it to genuinely shine when climbing over harsh terrain. The seller confirms that they recently serviced the rear end, adding new seals and fluid. That is just the tip of the iceberg, because they also rebuilt the carburetor and replaced the intake, valve cover, and oil pan gaskets. Draw a deep breath, because we aren’t finished yet. The brakes benefit from a new booster, pads, and shoes. The tires are new, as are the shocks and bushings. Throw in a complete tune-up with new plugs, plug wires, a cap, and a rotor, and it is easy to understand why this High Sierra is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs or shortcomings. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying the mileage, but the overall condition makes the figure plausible.
Ticking the High Sierra box on the Order Form brought some welcome upgrades to the ’77 Jimmy. Unique interior trim in cloth and vinyl was one notable feature, as were cruise control, a comprehensive gauge cluster, lashings of woodgrain, full carpet, and a tilt wheel. This Jimmy’s first owner went one step further, specifying air conditioning, a rear seat, and an AM radio with an auxiliary speaker. The radio has left the building, replaced by a radio/cassette player. Otherwise, the inside of this High Sierra is as it left the factory. The seller flushed the A/C and converted it to R134a refrigerant, ensuring it blows ice-cold. I’ve scoured the interior images, searching for something worth criticizing. It has me stumped because the inside of this GMC is exceptional for a vehicle of this type and age. That might be enough to convince some potential buyers to keep it well clear of mud, slime, or other icky substances.
This 1977 GMC Jimmy High Sierra is a classy off-roader, and its condition may prompt some potential buyers to keep it firmly on the black stuff. However, the twenty bids already submitted confirm that people like what they see, and you can be sure that more than a few of those bidders have visions of the wilderness in their heads. The overall presentation should see the current bid figure double before the auction ends. Of course, with the interest it has generated, this Jimmy could sell for even more. What do you feel would be a fair price for this classic?
This is a rig in really nice condition, and it has a lot of nice features. That interior especially! And it’s also great for what it doesn’t have, such as a bunch of smog-regulating garbage all over the engine. It also doesn’t have the rust in the top edges the wheel well, where these are known to corrode. I’d buy this if I was in the market. Would I take it off-road? No way! It’s too nice!
We sold a pile of these back in the day. I don’t think you could work them to death; you had to kill them with a stick. There were some bottom end problems with the odd 400 SBC but I got one in ’79 and it went 330K miles before I took it out of service. And that reason was because the transfer case chain and suspension were completely worn out.
Personally, I wouldn’t turn a truck like this down at all. 1977-1979 were the BEST square bodies the General ever built; IMO the best trucks the General ever built.
I have a bit of an issue with this truck though. An automatic transmission with free-running front hubs. That would mean either an NP 205 transfer case or a conversion kit for the 203 to part-time 4wd. The reason I say this is that, when the square bodies came out, 1973 was the only time you could get an automatic with part-time 4wd; a manual was also available with part-time. By ’74 and through most of ’75 you couldn’t get anything but full-time on anything, and it wasn’t until late in ’76 when you could finally get a manual (only) with part-time. But until halfway through the ’79 production year, you wanted an automatic; you got the 203 case.
I wanted a full-sized GMC 4×4 pickup but I wanted part-time with an automatic, and a 400 engine (you could only get the 400 with an auto). I held off until ’79 because it wasn’t until January, ’79 that you could get an automatic with the 205. I promptly ordered one but it was put on hold, and stayed there until the ’79 model deadline when I finally gave in and took the 203 case.
Truth be known, our GM sales manager changed the order so it would actually get built.
Anyways, I had some customers install part-time conversion kits for the 203 case. They actually worked OK as long as you engaged the front driveshaft to allow the chain to turn and thus carry oil to the top end so it would get properly lubed. We had a couple customers who didn’t and it cost them dearly. I might add that they went back to full-time after that.
And mine, with its full-time 4×4 got 12-14 mpg, which was pretty good for a ’79 4×4 anything. And with 3.73 gears…
nice looking rig. its up to $22,600 with 4 days left to go. Curious to see what this one sells for !