For many years, GMC has offered badge-engineered versions of Chevrolet pickups. In 1973, the “square body” versions of the trucks were launched and would remain in production into the 1990s. In 1975, the GMC Sierra was the equivalent of a Chevy Silverado, and GMC offered a fancy trim package called the “Gentleman Jim” that sold in relatively small numbers (perhaps 1,000 to 2,000 units total) for the single model year. The seller has a nice survivor-quality example that looks to have loads of life left. Located in West Des Moines, Iowa, this two-wheel-drive pickup is available here on craigslist for $21,500.
Yours truly covered one of these special trucks here on Barn Finds in 2022. The Gentleman Jim wasn’t the first time that Chevy or GMC promoted the luxury truck segment (i.e., the EL Camino and Sprint). This time it became a trim package on the Sierra, regardless of whether the vehicle was 2WD or 4WD (the seller’s example is a 2WD like the Chevy Silverado C10). The option only came with black and gold paint and matching trim. Bucket seats were part of the deal, not something you typically found in a full-size pickup.
These trucks were loaded with goodies as standard fare, such as factory A/C and an automatic transmission. That describes the seller’s unit, which doesn’t look like the 164,000 miles the seller says it has. It sports a 350 cubic inch V8 with a TH-350 tranny. We’re told it runs and presents well, originating from South Carolina (that in itself doesn’t prevent rust). It has the requisite bucket seats with a console and full gauges, including a tachometer.
The history of this truck isn’t disclosed or how it has stayed so nice after more than 50 years. It could have been at least partially restored, or someone has babied it when it wasn’t on duty. If you like these 1970s trucks (which were prone to corrosion), they may not come much nicer than this one. Thanks for the vintage tip, Barn Finder Barney.
Wow, other than a little app of carpet shampoo, this one is pretty sweet.
There’s one we usually see at a church in the area on Sundays….
Very nice square body
It’s nice, but priced like a short bed fleetdide.
Steve R
Sharp truck. The only thing I’d change is I am pretty sure that is a 6 cylinder tail pipe on it. If memory serves me correctly, V8s had a dual tail pipe coming out the back. This one is very, very nice.
Gentlemen even want a dual exhaust w the great 350 Dave. 😌🤝
Short bed would be better
Graphics sure were poor in these days. I rememvervaeeingbonevof these and thinking the “Gentleman Jim” looked like it was made up of the letters they sell at the hardware store for mailboxes.
Graphics sure were poor in those days. I remember seeing one of these and thinking the “Gentleman Jim” looked like it was made up of the letters they sell at the hardware store for mailboxes.
Well, naturally a square body post will get my attention. Unless I missed it, GMC also marketed a similar truck called the “Beau James”. Speculation seems to stem from a corrupt NY mayor, James John Walker during the depression, known as “Gentleman Jim” or “Beau James”. It was another classic swing and a miss, as only about 1,000 of each were sold. Why? You know the game, price. I read these cost a whopping $5500 new, when a regular GMC was about $3600. It was too early for luxury pickups, and I always wondered if with the progress women made, the last thing they wanted was a truck named after a corrupt mayor.
They are rare, I’ll give you that, but still a 50 year old pickup. Don’t know what that’s like? Here you go,,,let us know what you thought.
The Beau James was Blue and silver I think. Where I worked at there was one of each of these when new. Did not know the price was so high
only he 2nd 1 i have ever seen. pretty rare to see a factory tach in 1 of these trucks. nice but the price is a bit steep.
The dash for shaft radio has been cut out for a single-DIN??? That’s 10 grand off the ask right there. Makes it no different than any other redneck-owned square body. Pure sacrilege!!!