Vehicle Description
1959 GMC Pickup
The GMC Blue Chip Series was a range of trucks introduced for the
1955 model year. The Blue Chip Series was an upmarket version of
the Chevrolet Task Force, and featured an updated, more angular
design than its GMC New Design predecessor. This new line of trucks
were available as 1955 models, which was the same year as New
Design production was winding down. Although both models share the
1955 model year, they are easily distinguishable by their different
styling. While the most well known Blue Chip variant was the light
duty version, a wide range of trucks were also produced for
commercial uses, all of which were powered by a selection of inline
six and V8 engines. In 1958, the model received a styling update
that notably added dual headlights and a wider front grill.
Production of the GMC Blue Chip Series ended in 1959, and it was
replaced by the GMC C/K.
Adorning our halls here at Classic Auto Mall is this simply
beautiful street rodded pickup truck in the form of 1959 Blue Chip
GMC 1/2 ton in nicely restored condition. Many upgrades have been
performed along the way including a 454ci V8, an overdrive
transmission, a mini-tub to accommodate the large rear tires,
upgraded seating and a more modern suspension. Not without a few
faults and flaws, but an overall meticulous job that retains the
original look with some niceties added in!
Exterior
Blue metallic covers this step side version of this light duty
hauler with single visored chromed headlights, a fantastic 1957 GMC
chrome grille and bumper, and shaved badging at the front of the
hood, which needs mentioning is a good paint job. A few faults are
noted here and there in the form of some slight bubbling, chips,
cracks and areas of prior bodywork, but otherwise we see a
mirror-like finish and one that you can use to brush your teeth in.
A wonderful wrap-around windshield and a roof integrated sun visor
are seen on the cab area and for some extra thrills, the hood is
front hinged and slides away from the glass allowing for easy
engine detailing and work. Moving rearward, lurking behind the
lightly tinted glass is the beautiful freshy redone laminate lined
bed with its shiny metal straps keeping it all together. There is a
polished diamond plate toolbox at the front of the bed as well. The
smoothed tailgate is flanked on the sides by small round tail
lights and a custom roll pan is seen below. 18 and 20-inch polished
American Racing Torque Thrust wheels are wrapped by staggered width
blackwall radials on all 4 corners.
Interior
Horizontal and vertically ribbed black panels make a background for
shiny levers and cranks on the doors and we are in Wow-Town before
we've even entered the truck. Wide black leather low back bomber
stylebuckets have been added and utilizing tuck and roll inserts
and smooth bolsters. Up front, a chrome bezel in an V shaped fan
style custom dash houses all of the factory black face
instrumentation. A modern digital AM/FM stereo has been mounted on
the smooth body matching blue upper steel dash and to the driver's
lower right are a trio of gauges within a chrome bezel. We note the
addition of Vintage heat & AC as well as ducting and vents for this
system as well as the display controller for the Holley Sniper EFI,
but more on that in the Drivetrain section. A small black
broadcloth headliner is atop the compartment, and low pile carpet
in black and very clean condition floods the cabin floor. Resting
between the seats is a custom console with a large storage box and
we note a Grant GT steering wheel has been installed atop the tilt
column.
Drivetrain
Lifting the massive hood on its forward tilting axis allows us to
view the 454ci V8 in allits black blocked glory now sitting within
the clean engine bay. This is topped by a black paintedEdelbrock
Performer intake and is fed just the right amount of air and
fossils via a Holley Sniper EFI. A 200R4 4-speed automatic
transmission on back. Way back nestled under the bed, is a 10 bolt
Posi rear axle. We note an aluminum radiator, some snappy ribbed
Weiand valve covers and the addition of power steering and power
brakes.
Undercarriage
Up in the air we are greeted wearing a mix of surface rust, a
silver painted frame, and black painted flooring along with black
steel which lines the bed. Headers and a Flowmaster exhaust system
are added, and a newer galvanized gas tank replaces the original.
Leaf spring suspension on the rear as the original had, although
relocated for the mini-tubs, and up front we note an independent
coil spring suspension. For better stopping, power front disc
brakes have been added and rear drums are now power assisted with a
dual reservoir master cylinder.
Drive-Ability
A hop inside and the truck immediately started, sounded smooth, and
was ready to go onto gear. A move of the Lokar floor shifter, and
we were cruising. A smooth ride, nice handling, and overall
comfortable interior werejust part of the joys of our tenure behind
the wheel. While this truck has both heat and AC, we picked a
perfect windows down day for the test drive and all functions
inside are operational save for the fuel gauge not working.
Driving this truck is a great experience as it will take you back
to a time where trucks were mainly used on the farm or strictly for
work. This example can certainly be used for work but would also be
very comfortable showing up at the country club, or a drive in
night, and it will be a head turner. A nicely done restoration with
great upgrades. All just right baby bear.
1018CS5005A
10-1/2 Ton
1-114" Wheelbase
8-V8
C-Oakland, CA Assy Plant
5005A-Sequential Unit Number
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.
