I’m always saying what a big fan I am of small trucks. That same sentiment holds true for short-box full-sized trucks like this 1980 GMC Sierra. It’s hard to believe the prices of these trucks lately, this one is already at $5,100 here on eBay with a day and a half left on the auction. It’s located in Hudson, Iowa.
The seller says that this is a “very clean California GMC”. They also say that it’s a “rust free original” truck. It does look solid from the photos – even the bed or box, depending on where you were raised, looks great. Rust doesn’t appear to be a big problem on this truck but some of the gaps seem to be off a bit, maybe they’re just sagging like I am in my old age.
There’s just something about a simple, small – as small as a full-sized truck can be – pickup for me. I don’t need four doors and a half-dozen airbags and latte holders and bluetooth and all of that stuff, at least on a truck. I know that some people do and that’s ok. It’s a big world and we all have to be happy in it. We all have reasons for liking what we like, there are no wrong answers when it comes to whatever vehicles that we like and drive. The Sierra was GMC’s second-to-the-top trim level right under the Sierra Grande.
Whoa. Ok, the interior needs some work but is that a third pedal that I see? Nice, a three-on-the-tree would work for me in this truck. The seat is easy to fix but the dash top isn’t. Priced already over $5,000 this is more than a run around town beater truck, someone plans on restoring or restomodding this truck. I’m surprised at the high price on this one, truthfully but this is apparently what they’re going for these days. (“These days”, that doesn’t make me sound old, does it?)
The high price especially surprises me under the hood with a smoking, and not in a good way, 250 cubic-inch inline-six that would have had around 150 hp. There is no V8 and the bid is already over $5,000?! Crazy. The seller says that the “engine runs good but does smoke some. Transmission shifts good also. This thing would look killer LS swapped and buffed out.” Ahhhh, now I get it, the ol’ drop-an-SBC-in-it trick, Chief (in my best Maxwell Smart voice). This truck is already priced above what I would pay but bidders are battling for this Sierra. NADA is at $6,725 for a low-retail value and $13,300 for an average value. What are your thoughts on this wideside short bed, will it reach $7,500?
This was an 800.00 Truck 10 years ago, maybe less. I can not believe these prices
Indeed… Thanks Cash4Clunkers.
Less than 2 years ago one similar sold on ebay in the 2300 range. Prices on these cars/trucks have gone mad. I sound much older than I am…uh oh!
Oof. Current bid sure is a lot of coin for an 80’s beater…
Problem I had in this body style was leg room, and I don’t consider myself tall for now days(5-11). Mine was an ’87, the last year of this style, but I also drove a ’74 which seemed even more cramped. Other than that my ’87 was fairly solid, ran pretty good to with the 350 TBI engine. This one here would’ve made a good beater, second hand car, or even a build candidate, but not at that price.
The market wants standard cab short bed fleetside trucks. They aren’t easy to find anymore, the price for this one reflects that. It’s also within reach of many parts of the Midwest so potential buyers will save on shipping.
Steve R
Full size? Bah! Humbug! Get a long bed and stop posing and get to work!
Funny, I thought ’80 GM’s had rectangular headlights (?)
Only top of the line models had rectangular headlights.
Silverado/Sierra Grande. All the lower trims had round ones
My mistake. Sierra classic, not Sierra Grande. Was thinking about my old low trim GMC plow truck
Yep, you can see an example of both in the 1980 GMC truck brochure, here:
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/GM%20Trucks%20and%20Vans/1980_Trucks-Vans/1980%20GMC%20Pickups/1980%20GMC%20Pickups-04.html
1980 was the last year for round head lights.81 went to square lights
No, as stated above, the Silverado/Sierra Classic had square headlights, and the lower trim models had round in 1980.
See also:
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/GM%20Trucks%20and%20Vans/1980_Trucks-Vans/1980%20GMC%20Pickups/1980%20GMC%20Pickups-04.html
Hmm, this makes me feel a bit better, thanks Scotty. I recently bought this exact truck, only a ’77, same color, or it was, pretty faded, 350, granny 4 speed WITH a camper top, for a heck of a lot less than this, ( like 1/5th) and it was a one owner. He paid $6075 dollars in 1977.( or almost $23,000 today) I can’t say if this is too much or I got a good deal, I’m beginning to think the latter. I tell you what, I wouldn’t have paid $5g’s for it, though. These are almost non-existent north of I-80, and I suppose someone might pay that to have one. Here in Colorado, there are still plenty of these.(almost bought a ’66 Ford F100 in Fairplay, Co. not too bad, drivable, for, I bet $1,200 would have got it) Now, if I was a shyster, I’d flip my GMC for $4,000 profit, but I’m hanging on to it, and was darn lucky to find it. It’s the last vehicle I’m ever going to buy. My advice, if you are looking for one of these, look around out here, BEFORE the vultures get a hold of it.
How bout some pictures? I’m happy for you and every Barn Finder who gets a great deal on what they truly want and would enjoy owning and using. It’s all about happy motoring no matter how many doors or cylinders. Good Times, good for you.
Thanks, that was cool to say. Not everybody has the luxury of finding something in their backyard, and if they really want something, say, like this, have no other option than to pay what these people want. Personally, I have enough trouble sleeping, much less taking ,what I deem, an unfair advantage of someones wants. I’d make a lousy salesperson.
When it comes to computers, I’m totally inept, and can’t figure how to get pics from my camera (which also slays me) to the computer, then here.
That ad…. “This thing would look killer….”
Wonder why you’re selling it then….
Shouldn’t the dash pad cover be put on BEFORE it cracks?
I’ve had 20 or 25 of these old gm trucks and k5 blazer over the years and paid 2000.00 for one that lifted with 38 inch tires. I didn’t pay over 1000.00 for any of the other most less than 500.00 each. I guess I don’t know where the exorbitant prices are coming from.
It’s overpriced and a function of market hysteria. Pass on this. Even in these inflated times it’s a $1500.00 truck if it’s all there and not misrepresented.
God bless America. Get what you can get. Life is short, you realize that more when you’ve lived 7 or 8 or more decades. I’m in my 70’s, missed many opportunities during my years. Spent what I made. Had a 401k the last few years, used the money to buy small trucking business and my 64 Buick Riviera. Enjoy life, if you want a classic, buy one and don’t look back, always keep positive, looking to the future, it comes fast.
Perfect. I love that it has the 6. Purposeful. Long lived, simple, easy to repair.
And is that rubber flooring I see ?
Stupid money.
Was driving one of our farm trucks the other day in town and was stopped twice by people fawning over it. Initially I thought it was a joke but people were seriously “Cool truck” & “I love old ones like that” and not the first time its happened.
Where the hell did time fly that these are now cool and desirable?? Heres a pix of the “White whale” and its a 84 GMC, We tried selling it back when fuel was $4+ a gallon and couldnt give it away at $500.
I have a 79 Chevy 3/4 ton as well as “old Grey Mare” the 1965 GMC that I am working to get back on the road. I used to have a fleetside 59 Chevy but sold it and decided to just focus on the 65 GMC as I liked it best as classic and useable. Covered a LOT of mileage with it. The 84 GMC we flog like a beast and never cared, but if this craziness continues maybe I should reassess???
All this curious blether…..I’m sure going to hang on to my little stick shift 2 wheel drive Pick up (right hand drive) & owned from new, down here on tiny
Nevis in the Caribbean. It’s only 14 years old and a Toyota, but who knows what the future might hold…just hope it doesn’t get wrecked in a hurricane !
Did you notice it was for sale from stonersspeed shop must be selling some of what they smoking for that price
I don’t know what makes you think the Sierra was the second to top trim level. The Sierra was the base model. The Sierra Grande, High Sierra and Sierra Classic were above it.