There comes a time when you just have to let things go, even if it is a three-generation family vehicle. This 1961 GMC 4×4 was bought new by the sellers’ grandfather and its services are no longer needed so they are letting it go. The most recent use was on the family farm as a fencing truck and it has been sitting since the winter of 2005. It can be found here on craigslist in Havre, MT with an asking price of $5,250. Cash, gold, or silver are adequate methods for payment.
The engine bay hasn’t strayed too far from how it left the factory, other than the addition of a modern battery and eighteen years of dust. The engine is a 305 V6, which was exclusive to the GMC line of pickups. This engine could have had either 150 or 165 horsepower in 1961 and had a massive 4.25-inch bore size, the same size as the bore in a Chevy 454 cubic-inch big-block V8. The GMC 305 is also one of the earlier examples of a domestic V6 gasoline engine. This truck has a 4-speed manual transmission, a 2-speed transfer case, and locking hubs.
This truck’s interior is well used but includes the factory cloth seat upholstery, which in my experience is not something often seen in a truck from these years. Finding a suitable replacement for the original cloth could be a challenge. A search on the internet revealed only one vendor that claimed to provide cloth GMC seat covers, and they are currently out of stock. The steel instrument panel is home to the basic controls and has no radio. The manual choke brings back memories of me trying to coax one of these old beasts into starting when I was a teenager on a hay crew. Those big pistons would finally take off after a certain number of accelerator pedal pumps and just the right amount of choke.
This truck is said to be 100% original, which appears to be a valid claim, except for the aftermarket wheels and tires. Even with the original paint, it is probably a little beyond the patina look. Just about every panel on the body has taken a beating, especially in the box area, and it has the usual lower fender rust. It has been used hard, but when is the last time you saw one of these in any condition? It will take someone that can see past the dents to pull this GMC out of its deep slumber. Would you be willing to go dig up that gold bar in the backyard and take this Jimmie home?
That’s a neat old GMC truck for sure. Unfortunately, sentimental value does not equate to market value. This would probably be a good one to put back into duty rather than trying to restore it. I never knew those GM 305 V6 motors even existed with those uniquely shaped valve covers.
I think $5250 is a smoking deal for this GMC. That would even be a good asking price for the 4X2. I know a lot of people look down on the V6 but they are incredibly durable engines that were made to work. I think the 305 weighs like 800-900 pounds! The one I’m working on runs smooth. The only problem now is engine parts are hard to find.
Rough indeed but it can definately be saved, plus it’s a K-series! I have no personal experience with the GMC specific engines however what I’ve read and heard they have locomotive engine torque and will take even more abuse than their Chev counterparts. Just finding a restorable dual nacelles ’60-’61 hood has become a true PITA, regardless of being either of the Chev or GMC variety…
Now that’s a truck a lot of folks are going to chase after. Nice find!
well worth restoring especially in 4X4.
the shape of valve covers bring to mind a 409 or 348?
I gave $250 for mine and only wanted the engine. Turned out to be a 1981 mystery engine worth nothing. Junked the motor and drug the pickup into my buddies back lot. There it sits.
I agree…looks like the old version or the 4.3 maybe (409 less 2 cylinders).
They were also available in a 351 for the pickup
Spark plugs were on top of head between intake ports
Engines were available in even larger sizes for larger trucks and buses, in V6, V8 and a V12 version known as the twin 6 engine, oh and let’s not forget the diesel version
Thank the gods the dreaded P word wasnt used!
I always thought the 305 was a boat anchor but perhaps I have been misinformed…
You won’t need any little blue pills if you get this back on the road…pure ‘Merican manliness!
?
My first job in 1964 was working on a farm for the drug store owner in Puyallup, Washington. He had a 63 model with 305 4 speed and posi-traction. It was a cool truck rich as he was (the farm in Sumner) was just a tax write off. This is going to make a nice truck. I wouldn’t do much to it, just new tires and wheels, get it running good, and take it to the hills for some fun from time to time.
God Bless America
If it were closer to me I would have serious interest in buying this truck. Always loved this body style and it’s 4×4!
A old boss had one of these, smoked so bad you couldn’t see behind you driving down the road. A guy wanted it bad (back in 1977, for whatever reason) Boss told him to come back at 5:00 and when he left he sent me to NAPA for a case of STP. We put 10 cans in the engine and let it idle for a couple of hours, it stopped smoking and purred like a kitten. The guy ended up buying it and drove it for four or five years until the tin worms ate it up. The truck never smoked after that, as we saw it quite often. I think my boss was kinda sad he sold it.