Pullman Camper: 1971 GMC C-1500

In 1967, General Motors redesigned their C/K trucks, adding more features and creature comforts than earlier models. The 1967-72 editions were referred to as the “Action-Line” series and they were offered by both Chevrolet and GMC with few differences except badging. This 1971 model is a GMC version which – as a ½-ton – would be the C-2500 with the Custom trim package. Before the seller, this truck was a one-owner vehicle and is in Melbourne, Florida. The GMC is available here on eBay where the bidding holds steady at $8,100 with the reserve still open.

This series of trucks may have signaled the beginning of transports that combined functionality with features previously reserved for automobiles. Buyers not only wanted pickups they could use on-road, off-road, on the job site, and around town, but to do it in a little more style. For this generation, the Chevy version of the top-of-the-line trim was called Custom Sport Truck, or CST, while GMC simply referred to it as a Custom. The seller uses the term to describe this truck and also refers to it as a Chevy, but it’s a GMC Custom.

The seller bought this C-1500 from its original owners, but we don’t know how long ago that was. It’s wearing its original green paint that was matched to the Pullman Camper shell when it was installed. But the finish has lost its luster which might be coaxed back to life with some elbow grease. It’s not rust-free, but what’s there is very minimal. The interior is original, too, and presents well enough though some detailing could help.

There’s a 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood that draws from a 4-barrel carburetor and comes with a 4-speed manual transmission to help with off-road outings. We’re told the truck runs and drives great and the factory air conditioning will keep you nice and comfortable in the Summer. But the heater core has gone bad so that will need to be replaced before Winter comes back. The seller says the truck has been serviced and tuned up, ready for its next camping adventure. Even the pickup’s build sheet has survived.

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Comments

  1. Mr Dave

    It’s a C2500, 3/4 ton, 8 lug wheels

    Like 8
  2. Rw

    Mr.Dave you bet me to it.

    Like 1
  3. Rw

    Beat me to it, Bourbon nite

    Like 7
  4. Al

    Love that bench seat!!
    Reminds of dating days too long ago.

    Like 6
    • Howard A Howard AMember

      Let me guess, Al, “pink carnation” too?

      Like 3
      • Al

        Your probably right.

        I could be described as long in the tooth if I had them.

        Like 4
    • Steve H

      It says “original interior” and that looks just like the original cloth pattern I had in my ’70 pick up. When I had it restored, it took a while, but I finally found someone who had that material, in blue, to reupholster my seat.

      Like 2
  5. Howard A Howard AMember

    Okay, no, I’m not going to bash this one, it actually seems like the best deal for an older GM so far. You have a vintage GM, seemingly all the rage,,,for a while, nicely optioned, presentable, clean, probably well maintained, clearly no BS, and the biggest plus, is the camper shell. Hey, I don’t know about you, but I’m hanging on to MY GMC with a camper shell, just,,,in,,,case,,,and if I have to say “in case what?”, well, if current economy trends continue, and there’s every indication they will, you’ll see, people are already living in their cars here. Yeah, that’s right, big fancy, shmancy Colorado can’t take care of it’s homeless either. Great find, tho, rant over,,for a while..

    Like 6
  6. Jim in FL

    This would make a really nice surf mobile. And it’s local to me. I may call down to the seller and mosey over there. If the price stays reasonable, I live the idea of having a storage / changing / hangout spot pre and post sessions. Just put a rack on the roof and I’m golden. Plus if I stop by the shop I can decide if he’s looking for way more than the current bid. It’s at 8400 but still haven’t met the reserve. I don’t know too much about these but I would think if it stays under 10k, it’s probably a decent deal.

    I loved my 72 Blazer, it was easy to work on and parts were everywhere. This could bring back the magic.

    Like 5
    • Neil

      Well,
      there is a rack on the topper. Blends in nicely.

      Like 0
  7. FordGuy1972 FordGuy1972

    My first pickup was a ’70 GMC, 3/4 ton, 4×4 with a 307 and 4-speed. A very tough truck but an exceptionally thirsty beast. It was in good shape when I acquired it and it served me well for a few years. On hunting and snowmobiling trips to Northern Maine the four-wheel drive came in handy. I like that this one is a two-wheel drive as I don’t have any use for a 4×4 these days. I’d have no use for the camper shell either, I’d lose that and try to find a tailgate somewhere. I wouldn’t change much as it’s in pretty good shape as-is.

    Like 1
  8. Lothar... of the Hill People

    what a b-e-a-utiful truck! I hope the buyer keeps it original.
    i love the front end on these things.

    question from a middle-aged guy to the slightly more seasoned guys: do the trucks of this era which HAD a granny / low gear have “L” instead of “1” on the shifter? or do some just label the granny “1”?

    Like 2
    • Howard A Howard AMember

      They don’t get much more “seasoned” than me. My GMC has the “granny” 4 speed, more accurately called, “compound low”, geomechs would know the model of trans., and they use a “L” for 1st, and 1-2-3, for the rest. 1st, or low or granny, is pretty useless, I never need to use it. It’s one of the few syncromesh transmissions that I can shift without a clutch.

      Like 1
    • trav66

      Lothar, 30 years ago we had a ’69 Chevy long bed, step side with a granny 4-speed (ugly!) and it had the standard 1-2-3-4 H pattern. I’m certain it was the original knob. After school one day we got my K-5 Blazer stuck in the mud up to the axles and that ugly truck pulled it out with ease! These are great trucks and I’m surprised the bidding isn’t any higher for it’s solid condition. $9300 RNM with a day to go.

      Like 1
  9. ChebbyMember

    Wow, I have been away for quite a while and this comes up. I have a very similar truck (that I found here!) and I added the identical Pullman shell to it, except mine is factory white.

    https://barnfinds.com/ready-to-drive-1970-chevrolet-c-20/

    The Pullmans are way more robust (and heavier) than a regular cap. They were famous for having a sliding canopy top. This one and mine have the lumber rack instead. The roofs are strong enough to stand on. I’ve thought about taking some plywood and making an “observation deck” up top.

    Like 2
  10. Tony Primo

    Just curious, who did this write up? There is no author’s name at the top of the page.

    Like 1
    • Howard A Howard AMember

      I’ve noticed that too. Apparently, “auction” writeups don’t have an author. I don’t care for that and someone who spent the time writing this up, that’s right, the authors do all the research, and should be acknowledged for that, I think.

      Like 1
  11. Rick C

    First off, great, tough trucks(68-72, C designation for 2 who dr:K for 4 who dr. 10= 1/2t, 20=3/4t, 30=1t. Muncie SM420 trains had “L” on knob: Muncie SM465 had 1,2,3,4. Typical rust in rockers and rear cab corners, on bad ones they ate away the floors. All panels available for repairs.

    Like 0

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