From the days when a Chevy was a Chevy and a GMC was a GMC we have this 1957 GMC 100 pickup for your review. Produced between 1955 and 1959, this GMC series was known as the “Blue Chip” series and shares some similarities with Chevrolet’s “Task Force” generation. It was a barn refugee that has been freed and spruced – it cleaned up pretty well so let’s take a closer look. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this pickup is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $14,900. Thanks to T.J. for this discovery!
One of the biggest differences between a Chevy and GMC pickup of this era is the prime mover, specifically, this truck is powered by a 206 gross HP, 347 CI V8 Pontiac powerplant. It is claimed to run and drive but has no brakes. Gear changes are handled by a three-speed manual transmission that is connected to a later model 12-bolt heavy-duty differential. It’s going to need a radiator too.
Beyond the powertrain, you can see the Chevrolet similarities. The seller states, “Truck is super solid has no rust except for some surface on the bottom of the front fenders. Has dents everywhere, especially on the roof from some pipes“. Wearing its original finish, it’s burned through in places but it’s in reasonable shape and the bumper and grille’s chrome plating is still surprisingly strong. The wooden cargo bed has seen better days and will need to be replaced. While that may seem like a simple task, I have been told by those that have done bed replacement that getting the old rusted bolts out can be a challenge – access in particular. One image shows a GMC doggie-bowl hubcap – I bet that’s a rare piece and wonder if the seller has all four.
Inside is a bit of a problem as there’s no seat. I suppose you could just use a drywall compound bucket under your tukus, but I don’t recommend that course of action. I really like the art-deco numbering of the speedometer, I’m surprised that styling cue would be used as late as 1957. And, I’m not sure about that California black plate sitting on the driver’s side floor. Is it a floor patch? Yeah sounds cheesy I know but I’ve done it before…
As stated many times in other posts, old pickup trucks are on the march, and being a GMC adds to the allure as they are often overshadowed by the more commonly found Chevrolet version. And the seller adds, “So much potential to build or leave alone. Comes with extra parts chrome bumper, grille, upper brow, tbar (tow bar?), rear bumper, rare Aluminum Edelbrock tri-power manifold“. A tri-power intake manifold, hmmm, what do you think about that?
Sold for $14,700. I’d love it or a 55-56 even better. Hope it got a good home. Decent price.
When i was a kid the old guys that i knew called these trucks great mountain climbers but they did seem to drink a lot. But up until 73 there was a difference between Chevy and GMC
See boys, here is one from a barn. Satisfied?
It is amazing how beautiful the lines are. Would love to see it restored.
Looks like a four speed to me, three speed would be column shifted
Not always, my Dad had a 57 Chevy pickup with 3 speed on the floor. I had a ton of fun shifting that with a girlfriend in the cab.
Like the poncho power plant, early 80s in high school a friend had a 68 long bed c/10 with 429 Cadillac,on lower front fender had 428 Cadillac airbrushed
429
I had this same truck same Motor except it was a 316 Not the 347. Pulled it out with The 4 speed with granny gear. Placed it in the Pickup bed and Left it there. all tied In Nicely Upright it was fun to Look at it there.
Replaced it with 1970 400 GTO Judge Motor used the Same Motor Mounts Tied off at the heads with Chain and turn Buckles angled down to the frame Cut the Goats Trans crossbar to fit Bolted to the frame and reused that mount too.
within a week the stock Differential was Fulltime Positraction/ Destroyed.
So pulled that out and replaced it with a one ton 513 Rachet Locker. out of the same wrecking yard
That already had like Aircraft or Farm Implement Large Balloon Tires that was holdin air Good.
Nothing beat this Beast across the Intersection or the first 1/3th of a mile
Yet, later on, started noticing the Cab and Bed appeared to be not square anymore obviously the frame was taking a Hella Hit and Twisted.
Hmm? Maybe Should’ve not left the old Motor and trans in the back.?
Hey, I was only 18. and It sure held that butt end down good.!!
i WAS CHEVROLET & PONTIAC DEALER IN THE EARLY 1960’S AND i HATE TO BUST YOU GUY’S BUBBLE’S THE G. M. C. CAME IN UNDER THE PONTIAC SPONSORSHIP AND THERE WAS VERY, VERY LITTLE ON EITHER THE CHEVROLET OR G. M, C, MECHANIV=CLY THAT COULD NOT BE EXCHANGED EVEN BODY PARTS. THEY LOOKED DIFFERENT BUT WOULD INTERCHANGE. WE SOLD BOTH CHEVROLETS AND G. M. C.’S OUT IN THE NORTH EASTERN TOWN OF TROY KANSAS. THERE WAS SOME DIFFERENT DISPLACEMENTS IN THE ENGINE BUT STILL COULD BE EXCHANGED.
Wanted one since I hear dJerry Jeff walker sing “drives 57 gmc pickup …truck. Gotta gun rack in back, a hunk a rope and he loves a singing”
Wow, I have a 57 GMC cab on a 56 Dodge powerwagon frame & running gear. Chevy small block & granny 4 speed mated to powerwagon divorced transfer case. I guess it’s time for it to go to auction.
Like 80 lag bolts to do the step side short bed with new metal stripes and wood to frame on the 58 Apache, 6 cyl thriftmaster 235, soon the A833 trans will be put in so I can go faster than 50 down hill. Thank God for making a portable drill. My daily driver. I have lost my mind and have a 57 GMC 370 ex fire truck with a step side long bed on the back and single tires on the back with the duly axles sticking out like 8 inches Ben Hur style. My son-in-law lost his rear driver’s side quarter panel when he forgot about them trying to drive around the truck on the driveway one morning.