• Seller: Aaron M arlette (Contact)
• Location: Great Falls, Montana
• Mileage: 0 Shown
• Chassis #: 1
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 305 SBC V8
• Transmission: TH350 Automatic

Life has a habit of throwing us a curveball, forcing us to change plans. Such is the case with this 1953 GMC Pickup. The owner commenced a custom build as a fitting tribute to his late father. Unfortunately, changed circumstances have forced his hand, meaning that this classic needs a new home. It features some carefully considered mechanical upgrades that will deliver improved performance when this Pickup returns to active service. It is a promising project with scope for personalization, which the owner has listed exclusively with us at Barn Finds, priced at $6,500. That figure makes this old workhorse undeniably affordable.

Chevrolet released its Advance Design commercial range in 1947. GMC marketed its equivalent as the New Design, with both remaining in production until 1955. This 1953 example is an unfinished project that shows enormous promise. The first thing that I noticed about this classic is its lack of significant rust. It appears that there may be a couple of tiny holes in the front floors that the buyer could patch. However, prone areas, such as the lower cab corners, lower fenders, the cowl, and the area around the windshield, appear to be rock-solid. The body sits atop a structurally sound frame. The owner modified it to accept the front and rear ends from a 1970s Camaro, allowing the Pickup to cope with increased engine power comfortably. The buyer will welcome a selection of additional parts that will help them on their project journey. These include new front and rear glass with matching rubbers, a new fuel tank, and other miscellaneous components.

This Pickup would originally have featured a 216ci “Stovebolt” six-cylinder engine under the hood, delivering approximately 92hp. However, in keeping with the custom approach and the Pickup’s upgraded front and rear ends, the owner has a 305ci V8 that is ready to be bolted into place. By teaming the V8 with a three-speed Turbo 350 automatic transmission, this beauty should provide a relaxed driving experience, along with bulletproof reliability. Additionally, parts for ongoing maintenance should be readily available for many years to come. It is worth noting that these engines offer a considerable scope for modification, allowing owners to extract some substantial additional power from them by utilizing off-the-shelf components.

As with the exterior, this Pickup’s interior is a blank canvas awaiting a buyer wishing to make their mark. The owner includes a pair of bucket seats and a new carpet set as a starting point. Already installed are a tilt wheel and an under-dash gauge cluster. The beauty of interiors from this period lies in their ease of dismantling and reassembly. Therefore, lifting the appearance of this one to a high level with some fresh paint would be straightforward and extremely rewarding.

It is disheartening when an enthusiast is forced to part with a classic due to circumstances beyond their control. This is especially so when we contemplate what the owner of this 1953 GMC Pickup had planned. He won’t have the chance to create the fitting tribute that he envisaged, but this sale represents an opportunity for someone to do so on his behalf. It is a solid old workhorse with a list of welcome additional parts. That makes this Pickup worth serious consideration if you’re contemplating an affordable project candidate.