Vehicle Description
1971 GMC Sprint Pickup
The GMC Sprint is a coupe utility/pickup that was produced by GMC
for the 1971-1977 model years. The Sprint was renamed Caballero for
the 1978 model year and produced through 1987. The rear-wheel-drive
car-based pickups were sold by GMC Truck dealers primarily in the
United States and Canada as the GMC version of the Chevrolet El
Camino. Trim designations, emblems, and wheel trim differentiate
the GMC from the Chevrolet. The vehicles were built on the GM A
platform through 1981; for 1982, it was re-designated the G
platform as the A platform switched to front-wheel drive.
For consignment, a first year Sprint with a VIN starting 53801,
indicating a Malibu sedan pickup trim and a V8. What's the big deal
with that? Although basically a re-badged El Camino, GMC only
produced 4,364 Custom Sprints in 1971! Total production that year
was 5,536, so no matter how you slice it, this is a rare piece of
American automotive! As such, they don't come up for consignment
very often. If you're in the market for a Chevelle-based El Camino,
think about three things...G-M-C!
Exterior
Dark Antique Green paint spans the length of the truck, sandwiched
by a gray rocker panel split by silver trim, and the black vinyl
roof. The flying B pillar buttresses angle rearward to the sides of
the bed and the vinyl is in excellent condition. SS stripes in the
same charcoal gray as the rocker panels grace the hood and the
black tonneau drapes over the cross-bed braces and snaps into
place. For a little country flair, there's a strip of wood applique
on the tailgate with the coveted Sprint emblem just above. The bed
is covered by a rubber cover end to end and while we were in there,
we noticed some rust at the base of the tailgate and on some
connective hardware. The chrome bumpers show every well and
chrome-tipped dual exhaust peeks out from underneath. Black Chevy
SS 15-inch wheels and 225/70/15's raised letter Dunlops occupy the
corners. We noted several rust bubbles, intrusions, and paint drips
on the gray rocker area.
Interior
Very simple, very effective, and very original, we see green panels
for the doors with shiny knobs and cranks. The green vinyl split
bench seat and green dash pad look fantastic and create nice
contrast with the rest of the interior, most of which is black.
That includes the stock steering wheel and dash where beveled pods
house the factory gauges. The heater and A/C controls are standard
GM and the radio is a more modern model supported by speakers
behind the seat. Black vinyl mats cover the dark green carpet,
denoted as "dark green jade," and a Hurst shifter is in the center
console, ready to be pushed and pulled into action. The headliner
is in place and tight.
Drivetrain
A 350ci V8 shows off some chrome Edelbrock valve covers while
bright red heater hoses catch your eye next. Fuel is delivered
through a single 4-barrel carburetor. Power is sent through a
4-speed manual Saginaw transmission to a 12-bolt rear sporting 2.73
gears. Power brakes haul the Sprint, disc in front and drums in the
rear.
Undercarriage
For a car from 1971, the underside is in good shape with minimal
surface rust in some spots. The true dual exhaust emanates from
headers and travels back to Flowmaster mufflers, over the rear
axle, and out through those previously mentioned fat chrome tips.
Independent coil springs for the front and a 4 link with coil
springs for the back are on and accounted for.
Drive-Ability
Smooth acceleration that does get you up to highway speeds, smooth
ride, and nice handling...accompanied by that special, unencumbered
V8 sound. There's nothing quite like the "El Camino" body style
with the compact cab and that long bed following behind...the
ultimate car/truck combination. All functions were working as they
should!
They say El Caminos, and therefore Sprints are the mullets of the
car world; business up front and party in the back! And with a
healthy V8 under the hood, the business end can get the party to
smoke some tires. Joking aside, this is a unique American car...out
of the 5,536 built, who knows how many are left and roadworthy.
Contact the mall soon if this sparks your interest!
536801K101985
5-GMC
26-Malibu V8
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
1-1971
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
101985-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 71 53680-1971 GMC Sprint 2 Door Sedan Pickup
BDY K310414-Kansas City Body #
TR 731-Antique Dark Jade Elk Coated Fabric & Antique Dark Jade
Green Coated Fabric
PNT 43 43-Lime Green
06B-2nd Week June
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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