Vehicle Description
One of the best-looking trucks of all time also makes for one of
the best rods. This bright red 1948 GMC 5-window pickup didn't need
any extensive body mods to look this good, it was built right in at
the factory. Combined with a smooth-running 350 cubic inch V8 and a
comfortable interior, it's a vintage hauler that does everything
right, plus it comes with a matching trailer to boot!
Bright red paint on a pickup was a familiar sight back in the early
post-war days, and the simple non-metallic red finish on this truck
definitely recalls a bygone era. The rounded fenders, hood, and cab
contrast smartly with the angular bed to make a truck that's both
stylish and functional, even though its working days are probably
over. Finish quality, thanks to a comprehensive rebuild a few years
ago, is good given the fact that it's been driven a bit since then,
yet it still fits together well enough to impress onlookers when
you slam one of the doors. There's nothing radical or unusual about
the color combination or how it's applied, but that's exactly what
you want from a fun cruiser like this, and pretty much everyone
agrees that these are great-looking trucks. Like most vintage
pickups, the beautiful wood bed has been fully restored using
painted rub strips and handsome light-colored wood planks.
That's the factory bench seat, but it's been reupholstered in
comfortable cloth and vinyl that's far better than the original
leatherette. Looking closely, other than the late-model steering
wheel, it still looks like a 1948 GMC pickup. Sure, there's a tilt
steering column and the shifter now controls a 3-speed automatic
transmission, but for the most part, they kept the original truck's
spirit alive. Custom carpets add a level of luxury and sound
control that this truck's original owner could only dream of, but
the factory gauges are still in place doing their thing. A modern
Sony AM/FM/cassette stereo has been cleverly integrated into the
dash with speakers hidden out of sight. We like the efforts they
made to keep this truck looking honest.
A 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 fits between the fenders like it was born
there and they clearly went to great lengths to give the engine
compartment a factory feel. Satin black inner fenders frame the
Chevy V8, which wears a few chrome dress-up items for looks and an
Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor for extra kick. Note how neatly all
the accessories are grouped, the professional-looking heater lines,
and the big radiator up front with an electric fan keeping it cool.
Standard manifolds feed a custom dual exhaust system with
performance mufflers for a wonderful V8 rumble from the vintage
Chevy. The rest of the driveline is all late-model GM stuff,
including a Camaro front clip, a TH400 3-speed automatic
transmission, and a 12-bolt rear end with 3.73s on a Posi, so it
rides and handles like a modern vehicle. Custom wheels with black
centers and spinners lend it a custom look and wear 215/70/14 front
and 255/60/15 rear Goodyear Eagle radials.
Fun, reliable, and handsome, this nicely built pickup offers all
the great things about a modern hot rod without the cost and wait
of building it yourself. Call today!
