The mid-1950s GMC Suburban Carryall models don’t surface very often, especially the 1955 2nd Series trucks. This example, now listed on eBay, represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of GMC’s early enclosed utility vehicles with a clean title and plenty of original character still intact.
Described as a non-running project, this 1955 GMC Suburban Carryall is powered by its original 287 engine. The truck was originally equipped with a Hydramatic transmission, though at some point it was converted to a 3-speed manual. While it is not currently operational and is being sold as-is, the seller notes that the original drivetrain components remain part of the package. If the truck sells at the reserve price, a Chevy 250 engine and a 350 transmission will also be included, along with an extra set of moon steelie-style wheels with tires.
This Suburban retains several key original elements. The dash is described as clean and still fitted with its original gauges. Most of the trim pieces are present, including window and door trim, and the front chrome grille is said to be complete. The original radio is included, and the truck comes with a bench seat.
As expected for a project of this age, there are areas that will require attention. The seller notes damage or rust in the quarter panels. However, the inside floor and door steps are described as very solid, which is encouraging for anyone considering a restoration. Most of the glass is present, though some sliding window glass is missing. The top ceiling side panel trim is also absent.
With its distinctive Carryall body style and early GMC heritage, this truck offers a compelling foundation for someone looking to restore or customize a vintage utility vehicle. The 1955 2nd Series trucks marked an important transition period in GM truck design, and the enclosed Suburban variants have always held a special place among collectors.
Projects like this don’t come along every day, especially with a clean title and so many original components still with the vehicle. Would you return this rare GMC Suburban Carryall to stock form or build it into a unique vintage hauler?
It would make a nice parts mule, nothing more. That 287 is a Pontiac engine, hopefully its salvageable.
Nice truck! If only I could actually make good on units like this. You sure wouldn’t find another one like it at the show.
Personally, I would keep the 287 engine or maybe put a newer Pontiac engine into that bay. The 287 (288?) and the 316 both had cast iron crankshafts whereas the 347 unit was forged. A 347 will perk that truck right up. All those Pontiac-based engines have a tendency to work the rocker arm studs out. Fortunately there was a new invention called Loctite 271 and I never had a repeat offense after using that. I might add that the rocker retaining nuts seemed to come loose as well. A little squeeze in the vice made the troubles go away.
Pontiac V8s have very hard blocks and can run a long way before they need reboring. I had one in a ’57 that sat outside with the hood and carburetor off for a good year before the owner’s dad covered it up. I got the task of pulling the engine and overhauling it.
Two cylinders badly seized but amazing enough they cleaned up fairly well; just a few freckles. But I literally had to saw the rings out of the pistons with a diamond hacksaw blade. Reused the pistons and the engine ran great after the rebuild.
That Hydramatic is a good transmission although it’s heavy and tends to seep. But it will take a lot of abuse. My attitude is if it was already set up for it why change it? A TH350 is a good transmission but not necessary.
Overall these were an interesting truck to have near the international border. The Canadian variants had Chevy engines and Powerglides. Of course the Canadian contingent really got confused in 1960 when GMC started using the V6. And the border was a vast mixing bowl…
Terry, you couldn’t have lived in the Northeast where this looks like a magnificent starting point. The door step wells alone make me smile. They are almost perfect. I have spent my entire life replacing floors, rocker panels, quarter panels, welding, pop riveting, or sigh, slathering on Bondo. I would love to take a shot at this but I have aged out. I did do a ’51 Chevy panel, several times, that I sold with 250K on the odometer! I got rid of the three on the tree and put in a factory 4 speed. Try finding the adaptor plate for that to mate with a torque tube.
Another raft of astoundingly great pictures. Tells me how bad they want to sell it.
had the chevy version 50yrs ago. buyer has their work cut out for sure