Gentleman Jim: 1975 GMC Sierra Pickup

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.