Today’s drivers would think driving a truck from the ’50s is a primitive experience, but in the day, trucks were evolving rapidly, and the 1955 to 1959 GMC “Blue Chip” series must have felt like a dream compared to its siblings of the forties. By the time this 1958 150 was plying the roads, manufacturers were adding comfort features nearly annually. Granted, many were extra-cost options, but that allowed buyers to ease a new vehicle into the household budget with a little less pain. This handsome pickup is advertised here on craigslist for $7500, and it’s located in Woodinville, Washington. The seller notes that it was a “driver” until three years ago, when it was parked under cover. We don’t know if it runs now, but it appears to be in mostly original condition. T.J. sent us this tip – thanks!

The GMC 150 could be ordered with a six-cylinder or a Pontiac 336 cu. in. V8. Breathing through a single Stromberg carburetor and operating at a 7.5:1 compression ratio, this engine produced 200 gross horsepower – a significant boost over the six at just 130 hp. The truck has GMC’s new-for-1958 heavy-duty three-speed manual transmission. Also new for ’58 was a more robust front crossmember. said to reduce front-end flex. This truck was equipped from the factory with a NoSpin posi-traction differential and 17″ wheels.

New upholstery and seat foam are probably on the roster when a new owner takes over. The front windshield – made to wrap around in a restyle for 1955 – is cracked, and the driver’s door glass is not shown. The Blue Chip series offered vent windows and in an attempt to keep up with the favored styling of the day – which was wide and low – the hood is recessed in the center and the bumper over riders were moved underneath the parking lamps. This truck is missing those “bumper bombs” – often the case when the truck was equipped with front-mounted equipment. The bumper and grille are painted; up-market trim levels provided chrome trim.

These trucks were offered with a 6 1/2′ bed or an eight-footer; this one is pretty dry! The seller claims “no major rust issues”, and all the cab corners are good. The question is, how best to resurrect this truck? Many examples have seen their guts replaced with modern components; others have been restored to the nines and kept stock; still others are running around looking like this in factory form. Personally, if I wanted a modern truck, I’d buy one, so my vote is to do the minimum here and leave the cosmetics mostly alone. What would you do if this truck dropped into your driveway?