Here’s a potential solution to a problem. You wheel and deal in old cars, or maybe you just have a nice modest, constantly changing collection. But transportation of acquired vehicles always causes a rub. Well, you can buy this GMC 1971 auto carrier and never have a transport problem again (of course you may have to figure out how to transport this transport!). While considering that proposition, let’s look more closely at this hauler and see what it may need. Gunter K is responsible for this St. Charles, Missouri find and it is available, here on craigslist for $7,500.
So, what exactly do we have here? The seller states a Sierra 3500, and that seems correct though I believe that the “Sierra” name was introduced in ’72 – small matter. Things get more confusing thanks to the Chevrolet bowtie attached to the hood. All-in-all, it seems to be in pretty fair shape for a 51-year-old work vehicle that has spent probably most, or all of its life outdoors. There’s lots of surface rust but lot’s of solidity too. Included images of the underside reveal nothing serious – just more surface rust.
The seller adds, “The truck has a small block Chevy engine, brand new aluminum radiator with electric fans…” and then doesn’t bother to include an image – a real faux pas! My guess is that it’s a 250-gross HP 350 CI V8 assuming that it’s the original engine but that’s not known with certainty. A manual transmission is in place and it’s likely a four-speed known as an SM-465. It is claimed that this GMC can probably be driven onto a trailer (there’s that trailer to haul a trailer matter) for transport but actual self-movement has been limited to parking lot maneuvers. The seller also states, “I do not remember what the odometer reads“. Hmm, how hard would it be to just glance at it and gives us a report – odd statement.
The interior is about how you would expect – it has seen a lot of hard use but that’s in keeping with a work truck’s primary goal in life. There’s only one included image and it shows a cracked dash pad, ripped seat upholstery, and worn, stained carpet. Also said is, “I bought a new dimmer switch and headlight switch but I have not had a chance to check any lights“.
One thing not mentioned is whether or not this truck has a working winch. The loading ramps are missing so that’s a small show-stopper, I imagine new ones can be fabricated. But if you’re buying a non-runner, you’re going to need a way to get your latest acquisition up on the transport ramp/deck. This truck’s appeal will probably be limited though I imagine someone may see value in it as a restored example of an early ’70s automobile transporter. It could be left as a static display or used, as suggested, to transport one’s purchases and/or sales. What’s your suggestion for the next phase of this GMC hauler?
Aside from having to put a lot of money into it,
you’d also need a place to park it.
Fire up the ol’ heat wrench. There was a time, when this was the hot setup. Not only for drag racers, before they had their 53 foot mobile research labs, but revolutionized towing. A vehicle that didn’t roll, due to excessive damage, posed a problem for conventional tow trucks. This was an easy solution, and pioneered the modern “roll-offs” of today. With the popularity of these style trucks today, I suppose it could be used as a “trailer queen” hauler, especially vintage vehicles that can’t go the speed limit. I think it’s still a pretty neat find, but wouldn’t offer much more than scrap value.
If this is scrap to you, let me know next time you go to the yard. I’ll take some stuff off your hands!
Would make fine “yard art”….
It would be cool, but not running, and far away are real killers for me, and the 7500 price tag turns me off.
Really Howard scrap value .
No need to pay attention to the fuel gauge as the tank is right behind the seat and you can hear it sloshing around as you drive. A comforting thought.
Yes, the price is too high and no sane person would ever pay that. Pretty much anything/everything is interchangeable from these to the Chevrolet’s (hence the hood change). The interior can mostly be resourced from places such as LMC. Someone with some basic welding/fab skills could make the bed presentable again. If it ain’t too rusty, it would be a kewl project to complete. It’s certainly NOT intended for a full concours restoration.
Definitely too high but I love it nonetheless. Our first car hauler on my dads junkyard was a 61 Ford F600 with a wooden flatbed my dad built that had a long dovetail and super heavy wooden 4×12 ramps.
In the current condition, I can see $3500, but no way $7500. I would like to have a ramp truck of this vintage or even better, a square body. But, if I had one, it would mostly sit & get used maybe 3 or 4 times a year, which is why I haven’t bought one yet. Also, the 350 would have to go. What this needs is a big block/4l80 or better yet, a 6.0 LS & 6l90 transmission.
I had one back around 1995 or so, i thought it was home made.
Things still rust in Missouri, so an in person inspection is warranted, but if it is still solid, then it is absolutely worth fixing up.
Howard was spot on until he got to value. I would pay more than scrap. Not $7,500 (I agree with you in that regard Howard…that is crackhead pricing) but maybe $2,500 as a builder.
So , $7500 to begin , then add a whole lot more $$$ and a lot of time
All of this to save spending a few $hundred to transport an occasional purchase !
I have better solutions
Buy a trailer, rent a trailer or get a AAA membership
I personally chose a trailer 25 years ago and never looked back
This was hauling with style back at our local race track in the 70s and 80s. Most guys didnt have the kind of money for this kind of hauler, so an open trailer (usually home made) was the norm, even for the high tier modified class , or the occasional old school bus the the back cut out. As a kid, seeing a stock car on the back of one of this style hauler was the coolest thing for me .
I could see this redone for someone who owns an antique stock car , but it would have to be sold for a lot less as it needs a lot -I can imagine finding / fabricating the tool box doors and ramps would be a pain