There’s something special about classic trucks from the 1950s. Most of them were used for work, but the post-war era brought more creature comforts and “car-like” features to pickups. This 1951 GMC can be found for sale here on eBay with a current bid of $4,250. Located in Everest, Kansas, there isn’t any information in the ad regarding the history of the truck, but it certainly could have been a farm truck at some point. Have a closer look at this great old truck.
As you can see the interior is fairly original. It appears to have a vintage fan mounted to the dash, which is a cool accessory. I bet this truck is loud and rattles quite a bit when going down the road. However, there needs to be some metal work performed, which would allow the builder to apply some sound-deadening material.
Here is a closer photo of the floor. As you can see, the driver’s side is pretty rotten. It doesn’t look like much is holding it together. The good thing is there are numerous aftermarket sources for replacement sheet metal like the ones found here.
The original engine is missing, but the 3-speed transmission is still in place. If this was my truck, I’d probably swap in a small-block Chevy V8. These trucks have such a tall hood, a lot of roots-style blowers can fit with no modifications. How about a blown 383? What would you choose?
Overall, this is a good-looking truck. The rear glass is missing, but that isn’t a big deal. I’m not sure if the paint can be buffed at all. Perhaps a light detail and clear coat would be a good alternative? Hopefully, this truck will get saved and hit the road again in the future.
Any mention of the Riviera being for sale?
Agree it’s a good looking truck. I also agree with myself that there is a ton of rust that’s going to take a ton of money and time to overcome it. That, with no engine pretty much makes it a “pay me to haul it off” kind of buyer.
I like that the seller isn’t hiding anything. A fresh paint job on one of these is a red flag that rust like this is right underneath
’51 had vent windows, so it’s got to be a 1950. That cab is wasted, and got to be a better one around. I know I’m in the minority, but maybe another 6 cylinder,,GASP , what did he say?
Howard, good call out on the vent windows. 1951 is the easiest of these trucks to ID. Last year of the turn down door handle. First year of the vent window. Sometimes the doors get swapped out over the years, but look at the cowl on the driver’s side. It has a vent door. In ’51 there are louvers. That bench seat came from somewhere else. There is a battery mount added under the hood. Maybe that seat makes it too hard to get to the one under the floor.
I would like to have that heater for my ’51 GMC.
I see a lot of Bondo in this truck , with the aftermarket wheels and car seat I’m wondering if this was some ones “hot rod ” at one time until the cab rust finally did the truck in, and then the motor, what ever it was, was pulled to go into a more solid ride. The first pic here really make this truck look like a solid survivor !
Howard you are right about vents in side windows, wrong about the years 1948 didn’t have vents, I know I owned one. I was always told they changed in 49, but I am sure that is debateabley.
Agree somewhat on the cab condition. Looking at the drivers side door jam reveals more that just the floor is rusted out. eBaaa ad even states the cab should be replaced. $4250 is alot of monet for a truck that is missing an engine and needs the cab replaced. What else do you have for $4k? I bought a 1951 GMC Stakebody Dually that was running and driving about 10-15 years ago for $1200. With shipping to me in FL from IL, I still was under $2k. Over $4k for a roller needing a cab is crazy.
Agree somewhat on the cab condition. Looking at the drivers side door jam reveals more that just the floor is rusted out. eBaaa ad even states the cab should be replaced. $4250 is alot of money for a truck that is missing an engine and needs the cab replaced. What else do you have for $4k? I bought a 1951 GMC Stake body Dually that was running and driving about 10-15 years ago for $1200. With shipping to me in FL from IL, I still was under $2k. Over $4k for a roller needing a cab is crazy. Listing also advertises it as a 1950.
Agree somewhat on the cab condition. Looking at the drivers side door jam reveals more that just the floor is rusted out. eBaaa ad even states the cab should be replaced. $4250 is alot of money for a truck that is missing an engine and needs the cab replaced. What else do you have for $4k? I bought a 1951 GMC Stake body Dually that was running and driving about 10-15 years ago for $1200. With shipping to me in FL from IL, I still was under $2k. Over $4k for a roller needing a cab is crazy. Listing also advertises it as a 1950. My 51 does have vent windows.
These things were rust magnets so most used cabs will be about like this one. It’s got some rust, but the good thing is you can get most any repair panel for these trucks. If you have the time and skills you could save it but at my age I’m not interested in saving any more rusty trucks so I’ll pass..
Sorry guys.for this kind of money the truck in this condition should be in one piece. Its too far gone……unless you were going to restorod it and dump 25 grand into it. But why would you do that? Of course I am waay prejudiced having owned a few 5 windows in the early seventies…dont think I paid more than 750 for complete and original ones……
Yes, a few things have changed in the last FIFTY YEARS.