“A factory automatic transmission in a 1954 GMC pickup? You’ve lost your mind, SG!” You’re right about both of those things, but the first one is easy to verify without the need for a straitjacket. This 1954 GMC 150 has a rare factory Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in North Sioux City, Iowa, and they’re asking $2,200. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Rumpledoorskin for the tip!
Known as GMC’s 102-24 longer-bed truck series, it would look great if it were in a bit (lot) nicer condition, with a spare tire on the side of the left rear fender. GMC pickups were similar to Chevrolet’s Advance Design trucks with subtle differences. 1954 would be the last year for what would soon look like a very antiquated design compared to the sleek, new, somewhat modern Task Force trucks that were introduced for the 1955 model year.
The seller doesn’t give an overload of photos, but they show at least three sides of the exterior of this truck. Unfortunately, we don’t get to see the back at all; there are no photos showing the public view of the tailgate or the inside of the wood-lined bed. The seller does mention that the “body is actually pretty good with usual amount of rust.” It does look pretty solid. 1954 was GMC’s first year for a new one-piece windshield, and this one is gone, so add that to the list. Here’s a somewhat pixelated 1954 GMC pickup brochure. And here is a very cool 1953 (for the 1954 model year) Hydra-Matic transmission brochure showing them in a variety of GMC trucks – with pages 7 and 8 duplicated.
Oddly, this is the only interior photo, so plan on much more work here as well. Anytime something isn’t shown in my world, I always think the worst and am disappointed when it shows up on a trailer. I’m not saying that’s the case with this interior, but maybe the seller would send any interested parties more photos. This is the big thing with this truck: one of the first GM pickups to use their Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, which had been around for 15 years or so by this time. Most buyers, me included, usually prefer manual transmissions when possible, but this unique setup makes this a very interesting truck, in my opinion. I guess, since it’s still for sale after a couple of weeks at what seems like a reasonable price in 2026 dollars, maybe I’m the only one.
The valve-cover’less engine should be GMC’s own 248-cu.in. OHV inline-six with 125 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by the Hydra-Matic transmission sending power to the rear wheels, the seller says, well, actually, they don’t say one word about how or if it runs, so I’m assuming it doesn’t run. I hope it at least turns over. They say this truck has many options, including the famous automatic transmission, a GM spotlight, a chrome grille, and an in-dash clock. It sure would be nice to have more interior photos and to know more about the drivetrain. Have any of you heard of a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission in a GM pickup from the 1950s? I would restore this one back to drop-dead bone-stock condition. It’s probably rare enough to be a show-stopper.
Those old Hydramatics are pretty tough transmissions. I’m pretty sure in WW2 they were used in a couple of different tanks. I think the M5 Stuart was one of them. They held up well. So in a pickup, why not? This old workhorse is begging for a restoration. It would look great all redone.
’53 was the first year for the Hydramatic in GMC light duty trucks, 1950 was the first year for them in M-135 tactical vehicles, although as Driveinstile earlier stated, they were utilized in Army tanks produced for WWII. I understand they were standard equipment on forward control GMC’s but don’t know when that started – doubtful many pickups were optioned that way, so a rare survivor today.
’53 was the first year for the Hydramatic in GMC light duty trucks, 1950 was the first year for them in M-135 tactical vehicles, although as Driveinstile earlier stated, they were utilized in certain Army tanks produced for WWII. I understand they were standard equipment on forward control GMC’s but don’t know when that started – doubtful many pickups were optioned that way, so a rare survivor today.
My older brother had one of these Hydramatic equipped trucks in the mid/late ’60s that he put a ’59 Olds 371 in – apparently, because Olds had used Hydramatics and Jetaways, it was a near bolt-in conversion once he had built motor mounts. I don’t know what year the truck was, but it had the shifter shown in the picture here and it was a nice driver. He installed the ’59 Olds rear end and towed our 16′ Shasta camp trailer with ease at freeway speeds. If it was closer, I’d have new project – price seems reasonable.