It’s become one of the most proven litmus tests out there: when a vintage truck lights it up in the auction, it likely has a very desirable combination of options that makes it somewhat unrepeatable. This 1989 GMC 3500 Sierra SLE certainly checks that box, as it’s equipped with a crew cab, dually axle, 7.4L 454 V8 with fuel injection, locking axles with 4.10 gears, and more. The GMC has been repainted in its original Bright Red factory paint but otherwise remains very original. Bidding is strong for this well optioned specimen with under 80,000 miles, listed here on eBay where bidding is over $25,000 with no reserve.
Man, what a stance. I realize the dually setup is indeed a purposeful option, but it also looks straight bad-ass on a truck like this. The GMC has resided in Nevada since 1989, which explains the gorgeous, rust-free condition. The aforementioned respray only happened due to ongoing quality control issues with GM paint from the early 90s, and the seller claims the paintwork looks tidy. The sixteen inch wheels are also original to the truck, shod with new tires. The unpainted bumpers aren’t as sharp as a chrome finish would be, but given this is a work truck, the primer gray surfaces make sense.
The interior is an inviting place not only for the space it offers, but also because it features the optional Sierra SLE trim package. There’s room for six passengers here, just make sure their shoes are clean: the carpet remains in mint condition. The seller notes the typically troublesome door panels remain intact here, but that the headliner has been removed. Power windows still work, and while the GMC was optioned with air conditioning, it currently doesn’t blow cold. The interior likely remains in fine shape thanks to a modest window tinting job performed by a previous owner, and the truck’s long-term address of Nevada reminds us that it’s a good thing the windows have some shade to protect this gorgeous cabin.
The 454 has a long and celebrated history of being one of GM’s crowning achievements when it comes to truck drivetrains. This one is said to run well and sound meaty, putting the power to the ground via a TH400 automatic transmission. Other equipment indicates the first owner wanted to own one of the most capable configurations available, with the seller noting it comes with “….a Dana 60 front axle with a full floating Dana 70 rear axle and 4.10 gears are the heaviest duty options you could get in a GM truck.” The good news is whether you tow a boat or just like to watch the boats sail by, this GMC has you covered with both impressive towing capacity and copious amounts of comfort.
Now that’s a truck, just imagining the drive from gas pump to gas pump. Seriously these were work horses no doubt about it, ride is not great but gets better the more you load it. This is a good looking truck though.
As a kid I had to drive out shop truck about 50 miles down to Cincinnati…crew cab dually, 4.56 gears, 4 speed and 454 carbed engine…I remember gas gauge visibly moved down as I watched it. At 60 it was like having a hole in the tank LOL
The wheels and choice of tires literally make this truck.
The Ultimate Behemoth,,you know, trucks like this have become so mainstream, we hardly notice them, unless they are barreling down your back bumper, that is, but back in ’89 only a select few would have a truck like this. That,,,would be the “Horsey Set” east of the Hudson River. There just wasn’t a big call for a truck like this, that probably cost twice what a regular pickup would. The 454, while top of the heap then, I think today, would fall short, as all these today are diesels. And for good reason. The new thing out here, is a 4×4, 4door, dually, pulling a 38ft gooseneck camper, and a Jeep or a trailer with 2 ATV’s behind THAT!. A little much for a gas motor from the 70’s. And ride unladen? It’s basically a 4×4 dump truck with a pickup body, and will ride accordingly. Still, a great find.
Something is amiss with this truck. The doors seem to be a little low, body lines are dull, a good deal of bodywork seems to be the culprit. Perhaps I’m just seeing it wrong.
Russell, I don’t think you are seeing it wrong. Definitely some door alignment issues. The hood is sitting a bit high on he right. The grill surround has seen some wear. The underside sheet metal appears more original and rust free than 95% of the square bodies still out there, but I think the top side sheet metal took some beating over the years. Bring a magnet to the test drive!
Rough riding, gas sucking, underpowered dinosaur. You couldn’t give me this.
It is a nice truck, but between gas prices, the size of it, its definitely a small market. What really chaps my ass, is people who don’t address the non working a/c. Expect to put an entire new system in, it’s not cheap unless you do it yourself. Every time I see, just needs to be charged I just roll my eyes. You really can’t piece meal a/c, because you’re smart to do it all. At least I the fiberglass dual fenders haven’t been damaged. As everyone has stated, this thing will be thirstier than a a pack of camels at an oasis. But to buy a new one is in the 70k price range. Its crazy how much trucks are now.
I’m an eye-roller too when I hear the A/C “just needs to be charged.” I just replaced the R12 system in my ’95 F150 with a R134A system and it cost me $1,100. The original R12 compressor was seized and though I could have saved the R12 system the estimate was almost as much as what I paid for the R134A set up. Finding R12 to charge the older systems isn’t cheap either. The only shop around here that handles R12 sells it by the gram, like gold. I guess it is. This year, the A/C in my ’72 Ford Galaxie 500 isn’t blowing cold anymore so I guess I’ll have to look into an R12 fix and just pray I can afford it.
Hey Ford guy 1972, there is R-12 to be had, you just have to do a little digging. It’s not as pricey as you think it is, they never should have gone away from it. Everyone caves in to the environmentalists, I am tired of it.
I will stay away from the body work statements but I will say the 454 in stock trim was a good engine reliable and you could expect a good long life out of it. The down side of this I’d going to be questionable power output and it’s going to drink fuel, I would guess around 10 mpg empty and as you load and tow that number is going to drop quickly. If the buyer can live with that it’s probably a good truck to fill their need.
Ended: Jul 12, 2021 , 7:00PM
Winning bid:US $26,600.00
[ 55 bids ]
Shipping:
Item location:Oakland, California