Vehicle Description
1916 GMC C Cab
Roots to the GMC brand can be traced to 1900, when the "Grabowsky
Motor Company" was established by brothers Max, (1874-1946), and
Morris Grabowsky, in Detroit, and renamed it Rapid Motor Vehicle
Company in 1902 when the brothers moved operations to Pontiac,
Michigan. In 1909 William C. Durant gained control of Rapid Motor
Vehicle Company and made it a subsidiary of his General Motors
Company. In 1911 General Motors formed the "General Motors Truck
Company" and folded Rapid and Reliance Motor Car Company, (another
early commercial vehicle manufacturer that Durant had acquired in
1908), into it. In 1912 the Rapid and Reliance names were dropped
in favor of "GMC". All General Motors truck production was
consolidated at the former Rapid Motor Plant 1 in Pontiac,
Michigan.
For consignment, a beautifully restored 1916 GMC C Cab flat bed
truck. It has plenty of steel with wood accompanying construction,
and is a showpiece. It presents in beautiful red and has solid oak
accenting and some black painted surfaces for contrast. Definitely
an early piece based on the type font used on the radiator badge.
The C cab is a very sought after collectible truck and was the
inspiration for the Hubley Toy company of Lancaster, PA to make a
replica which flew off the shelves.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
Among the first things one notices when looking at this truck is
the tall C shaped cabin sides. Hence its namesake C cab. This is
all steel on this truck and has been bathed in red paint. The steel
in front and on the framing has all been fully restored to
excellent condition, including the fancy radiator covering with the
unique early GMC type font used as a badge on the front top of the
radiator. Just behind, a red painted cowled hood protects the
engine and in back a red painted steel firewall. Dual black posts
are on to mount the head lighting too but there are no headlights
attached. This truck has no doors, just beautifully curved fenders
in front that melt into wood running boards for easy cab access. A
simple C-channel frame runs the length of this truck and provides a
structurally sound red painted mounting surface for the engine,
cab, and flatbed structure. Speaking of which, the flatbed is wood
and has stake sides to help keep cargo onboard. These boards have
grayed with time and remain in good condition. It's a very long bed
and is held up by black painted steel spoked wheels which have a
band of solid rubber around them with dual tires on back.
Interior
Under the C cab is the driver's compartment and it has a black and
gray plaid broadcloth covered bench strategically placed under the
roof for more driver protection from the elements. Oak storage
cabinets are underneath the seats and are finished in no stains,
just varnish, accentuating the grain. A thick pine floor houses the
gear shift lever, and handbrake. A long steering column rises for
the driver and has an oak rimmed steering wheel. The dash is all
steel and contains no gauges, just levers, and is a red painted
full metal jacket.
Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood is a restored rust and corrosion free
Continental L head 4 cylinder capable of 35hp. It is powered by gas
and has a 1-barrel carburetor on top. A 3 speed manual transmission
is on back.
Undercarriage
Perfectly preserved and restored steel framing and leaf spring
suspension is seen. Pressure treated pine boards are above the
steel structure and make up the bed. The wood underneath remains
like new so it's only the top that has weathered. Mechanical drum
brakes are on the rear only and are also painted beautiful red.
Drive-Ability
While we weren't able to get this truck fired up, the engine does
turn by hand and makes good compression.
Just a near perfect restoration yielding a fine example of an early
GMC. Capable of holding its own in any show, and driving the truck
to the show after some tinkering. Now there is something to be said
about that...
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
