There is a belief among some people that older Pickups will look battered and bruised due to the lives many of these classics live. Undoubtedly, there is a percentage that works hard to justify their existence, with dings, dents, and scratches one of the unavoidable consequences. However, there are examples at the other end of the spectrum, and this 1990 GMC Sierra Long Bed falls into that category. Its condition is jaw-droppingly good, suggesting it has been more of a pampered pet than a working dog. A new owner is set to benefit from this beautifully preserved Pickup, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Reno, Nevada. You could drive this classic home by handing the seller $10,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder ToddK for spotting this GMC gem.
The Sierra was the GMC variant of Chevrolet’s Fourth Generation C/K truck range that landed on showroom floors for the 1988 model year. Our feature Pickup was ordered in 1990, and while the seller doesn’t state it expressly, it appears to be a dry climate survivor. Its original owner selected Summit White paint to cloak its panels, which remains in excellent condition for its age. There appear to be no significant scratches or imperfections on the exterior, but there could be a few visible on the inside of the tailgate. The seller supplies no bed photos, which is frustrating considering it is the most damage-prone area of any truck. The panels are straight, with no signs or mention of existing rust problems anywhere on this garage-kept classic. The trim and tinted glass are spotless, with the rear step bumper and hitch receiver practical features that many will welcome.
Powering this Sierra is the entry-level 4.3-liter “Vortec” V6. It sends 160hp and 235 ft/lbs of torque to the ground via a desirable five-speed manual transmission. Those figures compare favorably with the power and torque produced by the Sierra’s V8 siblings, meaning it should comfortably carry its maximum rated load or effectively use its hitch receiver. Pickups can sometimes feel heavy and unwieldy, but this GMC avoids those issues courtesy of the power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller claims this GMC has a genuine 74,000 miles on the clock, with no mention of verifying evidence. It has always been appropriately maintained, recently receiving new tires. It runs and drives perfectly, allowing the new owner to fly in and drive this classic home.
The theme of impressive presentation continues inside this Pickup, with the only question surrounding what might or might not be hiding under the dash cover. I have one of these on my daily driver, which is there purely for protection. It hides no nasty cracks or other problems. Potential buyers will hope that is the case here because the rest of the interior is immaculate. The seat wears a Blue cloth and vinyl cover that looks perfect. There is no physical damage or stains visible in the supplied images. It is a similar story with the door trims and floor mat, while there is no wheel wear. Describing the condition as showroom fresh may stretch credibility, but its preservation is outstanding, considering this is essentially a workhorse with thirty-three years under its belt. You are unlikely to confuse this interior with that of a Cadillac, but the ice-cold air conditioning and AM/FM radio/cassette player add to occupant comfort on long journeys.
If this 1990 GMC Sierra is all the seller claims, it is an impressive survivor. The state of the bed is the only question mark hanging over a Pickup that otherwise presents superbly. The price falls within the affordable category. It doesn’t have the “bells and whistles” you would find in the latest Sierra, but nor will it cost its new owner the $39,000 a dealership will want from a buyer before they drive off into the sunset. Hmm, buy this Sierra for $10,500 or the new one for $39,000? I’d take our feature Pickup and keep the extra cash in my pocket. Would you?
Oddly small aftermarket mirrors, chrome front and rear bumpers on a base truck, a deluxe tailgate with GMC emblem(usually tape letters G M C), and a couple other things, have me skeptical
Trucks are starting at 15 K for 15 year old trucks with 130 K miles, that v-6 is a reliable engine I would pay 10.5 for that if I didn’t have a sierrra already
Great observation! Those are the seldom seen standard mirror – on the standard trim (SL). The next option group (group 2), came with the black ‘Below eyeline mirror’, that were so popular.
GMC was trying to set themselves apart from Chevrolet, so Chrome front bumper was standard in 1990, as well as an FM Stereo and delay wipers! Matching chrome rear bumper was a popular option, but black painted was also on the list.
Oh, and the ‘GMC’ on tailgate is correct. It is missing a raised ‘Sierra’ badge and an ‘EFI’ decal both right of center….
Not aftermarket mirrors but GMC Factory…. Have a set above my work bench that were on my Dads brand new GMC Short box when he bought it.
Roy Schmelzer
That truck is truly Worthless.
V6 piece of crap… my 94 zr1 lt350 is a real chevy. My 2001 suburban runs like a raped ape..big piece of crap do us a favor and put it back where ever you found it … I just gave away a 2003 zr1 awesome pick up
Some of the best wheel covers ever 😍 👌
I agree! My uncle bought a left over 89 Cheyanne in April 90’ and my first thought was “wow, those are really cool hun caps” yes I know they are wheel covers, but that’s what I called them back then.
V6 and a 5-speed manual-back when GMC actually followed the KISS(Keep It Simple Stupid) philosophy when building pickup trucks. And chances are this Sierra will outlast any of the new metal that they’ve been cranking out as of late!
Had an 89′ Chevy 1500 Short Bed with the 350/5 Speed, “Scottsdale” Trim so “Buckets”(actual Buckets may have been more comfortable) Console, Not sure if there was a gauge option, but it came with Volt/Temp/Oil Pressure, strapped a Sun Tach on the Column, manual locks/windows, and the AM/FM Cassette. Only problemo was the radio tuner was very touchy and hard to get it to stop searching. Black pain faded like a Mofo though.
Is this ever a trip down memory lane. Sure drove a lot of these during its development. As close to perfect as you will want to find. The V6 is more than adequate and the 5-speed is easy to drive. As some have said, this is an SL, one step up from a base Sierra giving you the color keyed rubber floor. The mirrors are standard and there’s a pocket where the optional radio head would be. Many were given a conventional radio in the center tray above the ashtray. These ushered in the expanded cab with room to spare. Ride and handling rivaled the Caprice. For a pickup anyway.
Cool truck. Hope who ever ends up with it treats it well. Still useful and handy but deserves care and a spot inside. Will we only realize how nice the T400 was when there are no nice ones left? Always kills me to see one of these as a scrap hauler. Something so sleek and modern beaten in and out of shape, improvised and cobbled together every which way.
One case where I’d probably rather have the 700R4. Didn’t this have the internal slave cylinder for the clutch?
Nice truck and I’d be all over this instead of a new or even a 5-10 year old truck. Just the other day I online priced a new 2024 Chevy Silverado work truck standard cab two wheel drive long bed. I added a few accessories like upgrade wheels, chrome bumpers and tonneau cover. With state tax, destination charges, etc. it was $44K. Makes my old Dodge look like a keeper until the wheels fall off.
This was probably the best generation of Chevy pickups. I owned several and a Blazer of this vintage that went over three hundred thousand moles before the transmission clapped out.
Beautiful truck. Good luck with the auction.
How “desirable” the 5-speed Getrag is depends on how soon you have to replace it. My ‘88 with a 305 ate its transmission at 125,000, and the mechanics were amazed I got that much out of it. Most ate themselves before that. Maybe behind a V6 they did better; I don’t know.
How often did you change the gear oil?
Not sure. It was a long time ago!
That truck is truly Worthless.
V6 piece of crap… my 94 zr1 lt350 is a real chevy. My 2001 suburban runs like a raped ape..big piece of crap do us a favor and put it back where ever you found it … I just gave away a 2003 zr1 awesome pick up
Forgive me for bringing this up,But! The 88 to 90 Chevy and GMC trucks and vans shed their paint like snakes. They were GM’s first years with galvanized steel body panels that wouldn ‘t hold paint. Especially White, Silver and Blue. Better check this for being repainted. Might explain the great appearance
You’re right, and the white ones were the worst offenders! I owned a white 95 Silverado that looked sort of like a dalmation with all of the paint flaking off showing spots of the primer underneath. It was a good truck, though.
I like the truck in the article. If it’s been repainted, and done well, it wouldn’t bother me. The V6 isn’t real desirable to me, though. I know folks say it’s “adequate” and has “plenty” of power, but the 350 is just the way to go with these trucks. I own a 2005 with a 4.8 liter and it needs the 5.3 that was offered. In my experience, skimp on any option besides the engine. Always go for the bigger motor. I’ve never missed carpet in a truck, but I have often lamented not having the bigger motor.