We see our share of classic pickups at Barn Finds, but a search of our archives suggests that this could be the first 1949 GMC FC253 1-Ton Pickup we’ve featured. It is a stunning classic that would suit a meticulous owner who wants to hit the starter and drive away into the sunset. Under the hood is its original motor, and the vehicle runs and drives beautifully. If it sounds too attractive to resist, the GMC is listed here on eBay in Portland, Oregon. The bidding has reached $12,600, although it is yet to hit the reserve.
Some older classics fail to make an impression on potential buyers, but that isn’t the case with this 1949 GMC FC253 1-Ton Pickup. Scrutinizing the supplied photos reveals a vehicle with few faults and one that should turn heads wherever it goes. The panels wear Forest Green paint that shines beautifully. There’s little doubt that it has received a prior restoration, and the level of finish suggests it was performed to a high standard. The paint is flawless, while the panels are laser straight. Even the damage-prone running boards are excellent, with no scuffing or other issues. It is common to see commercial vehicles of this vintage with rust problems, but you will struggle to find a spot of corrosion anywhere on this GMC. The signage on the doors is vinyl, and the seller indicates that heating them would allow the new owner to remove them without leaving a trace. The bed timber is in excellent condition, with no signs of rot or abuse. The glass is apparently 100% original, although both windshields have previous chip repairs. They don’t show in the supplied photos, but such a defect is acceptable in any vehicle of this vintage. The original owner wanted their Pickup to stand out from the crowd, so they ordered it with the optional chrome grille and hood ornament. The grille has some light pitting, but like the glass defects, that is nothing to complain about. One of the coolest features of this classic is the turn signals. Produced by Tele-Optic in Racine, Wisconsin, they were a dealer-fitted extra that adds a classy touch to the exterior.
If this Pickup’s exterior is stunning, its interior is equally impressive. Once again, there is nothing to fault. The red vinyl upholstery exhibits no evidence of wear or damage, while the rubber mat is in as-new condition. The painted surfaces show consistent color, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. Nothing is missing, and everything works as it should. While it may be considered a workhorse, this GMC features a functioning factory radio and a heater to make life on the road more pleasant.
While GMC often utilized Chevrolet (and previously Pontiac) engines in their commercial vehicles, they marched to the beat of a different drummer with the 1949 FC253. This classic’s engine bay features its numbers-matching 228ci six-cylinder engine that I would describe as lazy. That doesn’t mean that it’s a bad motor, but with its 95hp appearing at 3,200rpm and 183 ft/lbs of torque peaking at 1,000rpm, there is little reason to rev the head off this six. Backing the 228 is a four-speed manual transmission that features “granny” first gear. When you assess this drivetrain combination, it’s easy to see why the FC253 had no issues carrying its recommended maximum load capacity. It is also worth remembering that this is not a vehicle that will be comfortable racing along at freeway speeds. It would be at its best cruising at 40 to 45mph, although hitting 50 is possible. If you’re not content to live life in the slow lane, this Pickup probably won’t be your ideal candidate. However, the numbers-matching status is the first piece of positive news for potential buyers to consider. The FC253 runs and drives perfectly. The seller supplies this YouTube video that shows the vehicle in action. The engine purrs like a kitten, and the Pickup heads down the road with no squeaks, rattles, or signs of other odd mechanical noises or smoke. It is a turnkey classic that needs nothing.
I can’t help but feel that the photos don’t do justice to this 1949 GMC FC253 1-Ton Pickup. This is a classic that I’d like to see in person because it seems to offer so much to its new owner. That begs the question of where the bidding might go before hitting the reserve. An online search reveals this isn’t the first time it has been on the market this year. It failed to sell when the bidding reached $24,250 in July. It also came to auction in March, and while the listing indicates it sold for $46,250, the fact that the same seller has listed it now suggests they may have been the victim of a non-paying buyer. I could not locate any other recent sales for a Pickup of this type, and the result from the seemingly successful auction appears to gel with values provided by NADA. If they are accurate, there is the potential for a truck of this caliber to top $60,000 before the hammer falls. The relatively subdued bidding suggests this may be unlikely, but nothing is stopping the action from heating up as the end draws near. Even if you are not seriously considering making a play for this classic, it could be worth watching the auction. It could potentially prove entertaining towards the end.
Sure was some good work put into this beauty. Don’t know about the price but the buyer will get something special either way. If I’m not mistaken there are rear gear sets available to up the ratio to enable this guy to hit the highways.
A truck this old with a working original radio? This thing is a unicorn!
I like this one! Used to be lots of Tonners around when I was a kid, but the vast majority of them had extensions on the box and a hoist so they could haul grain. It was always interesting to see the differences between the American and Canadian Chevy trucks. Model numbers were the first things you would notice. A Chevy 3800 would be a 1430 in Canada. The Chevys ran that anemic oil pressure 216 on both sides of the border while the GMC ran the 216 in Canada but ran its own in the USA. Interesting that the most spectacular engine grenade job I saw in a GM truck was a 270 in an American 1,1/2 ton truck. I had a fair number of Chevy 216 and early 235 engines put up a lot of racket but nothing came through. I think most of these came with a 5.25/1 axle ratio and a 4.56 and a 4.12 would be optional. You would get some pretty long legs with a 4.12 and a set of 17 inch rims but watch it drop like a rock when it looked at a knoll let alone a hill.
This is a really nice truck; I sure wouldn’t kick it off my driveway but it won’t bring anything near what a 1/2 ton will; there just aren’t enough fans…
Hi Geo, sure is nice, even though I was never a “New Design” fan. What bothers me here, is some of these folks, go all out for originality, regardless if some things should have remained in 1949. The wheels should be converted to tubeless, it should at least go 55 without the world coming apart, and we’ve talked about the safety of a dual brake system, no matter how slow the vehicle may be.
GMCs were a tick above a Chevy( A Chevy with lockwashers, some say) and were worth the extra $142 dollars( $1735 today)to some . Not quite a Diamond T ( at 3 times the cost) but these trucks literally put the US into pickup trucks, and never looked back. The pickup truck, I’d have to say, has stood the test of time more than any of our vehicles. Pickups like this were so universal, for many farms, this was the only vehicle they had, and served a multitude of duties. Unlike today, where a pickup seems to be the last resort for any kind of decent vehicle today, but then, a pickup was all business. This, for what it is, really is a sweetheart. I’d love to see the new owner trying to do the “2 step” starting procedure,,
On my 49 half ton I wanted to put on radial tires and went to two tire dealers who both told me they would not feel comfortable putting radials on my stock 4.5 inch rims. And as there was no safety ring on the rim the tires could come off in a turn.
I have restored three of these trucks and the owners insisted on radials and somehow convinced dealers to install them. I ended up getting a set of Firestone bias-ply tires and can honestly say they work well. These aren’t the bias-ply tires your father had!
Your comments on the master cylinder is valid. I have new wheel cylinders, a master cylinder, flex hoses and new steel brake lines. I have faith because as I recall my 1967 Chevelle and an earlier Olds had single pot masters. I am not saying a dual pot is not necessary but a proper new single pot system is fine. One thing I do follow is setting emergency procedures in case of a brake failure. I have the same back of my mind procedures if the engine in my Cessna fails.
There is a video on YouTube of a 1300hp Mercury Comet suffering a stuck throttle on a city multilane road. The driver stopped the car by ramming into another at a red light. He never thought of turning off the ignition.
That’s a Buick six under the hood. Drawbacks include the 5-window can not 7-window, and the split rims. It’s a work truck with a radio, nothing more.
Too bad GMC didn’t think to use a Pontiac straight eight…
I doubt that (the comment about the Buick six). Buick hadn’t built a six cylinder engine since 1930. All Buicks, starting in 1931, ran straight eights, with the last straight eight being used in the 1953 Special. Buick Supers and Roadmasters received nailhead V8s in 1953.
I always thought the GMC engines were Pontiac based. I’m sure the old flathead sixes from the 30s were. I remember seeing a Pontiac Chieftain symbol cast on the block of a ‘38 T-15. The V8s that came out later were essentially Poncho with the exception of the 322 that powered the big Chevy LCF models…
This truck sold in March on BaT for $46,250 (!) from this seller. Buyer sold it back to this seller after personal circumstances changed. Relisted on BaT last month and bid to only $24,250 (reserve not met).
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1949-gmc-fc253-pickup/
Now listed on eBay, but I recommend going to the previous BaT listing for a better viewing experience than eBay. I hope it finds a new “forever home.”
Beautiful truck! A lot of people like the short box half tons and although I own a 1949:Canadian half ton I really like the longer bed on the 3/4 and one-tons.
I believe the bigger trucks like this have an open drive shaft unlike the torque tube in the half tons. I do not like my TT set up but experts say they are bullet proof.