This ClassicCars.com Marketplace featured listing is a 1970 GMC Custom 1500 for sale in Columbus, Texas. While this might not be any bigger, this is certainly better than most.
A half-century ago the world looked very different than today. With the 60s in the rearview mirror, OEMs were focusing on the changing needs of consumers. A new class of cars hit the showrooms across America. Subcompacts addressed the desire for more affordable and economical transportation. In contrast, the 1970 GMC 1500 was a modern vision of the workhorse.
On April first, and we are not making that up, the AMC Gremlin launched a new wave of products. Five-months afterwards, on September 10, Chevrolet introduces the Vega. A day later, the Ford Pinto debuts. All three of these signified the change in consumer needs.
In its own way, the 1970 GMC Custom 1500 was doing the same thing – filling a hole in the marketplace. GM had been producing trucks since the beginning of time, or so it seems, and Chevy was doing so for 52-years. The GMC 1500 line can be traced back to 1960. However, when the second generation came out in 1968, it was clear that pickup trucks needed to be more civilized and provided creature comforts, performance, and styling that was elevated beyond basic requirements of just ranch-hands of the early sixties.
The light-duty, half-ton, 1970 GMC 1500 came in three trim levels – Standard, Custom, and CST (Custom Sport Truck). Engines came in five choices ranging from a base 250 cubic-inch, straight 6-cylinder with 155 horsepower to a 396, V8.
50-years can etch a few wrinkles and develop a number of imperfections over time. That is indeed true, yet this brown and tan GMC 1500 is defying five decades of wear and tear. Fortunately, this already had a frame-off restoration by Hot Rod Joe, Lafayette, Lain order to return this truck to its former glory. The body and underside appear to be in tip-top shape. Under the hood, this has a new GM 454 with aluminum heads and an Edelbrock Pro 3 EFI, which comes with the programmer. Coupled to the motor is a 4L80E transmission. Stopping power is via disc brakes and new tires. Air shocks smooth out the ride.
A custom 6” aluminum drive shaft, Ricks Stainless Steel tank with in-tank pump, custom stainless-steel exhaust, and numerous upgrades improve upon the 50-year old GMC Custom 1500.
This features custom brown leather interior by Steve Holcomb, power windows and power door locks, push-button electronic ignition, and AM/FM/NAV/Bluetooth/XM Radio, allows for real road trips to be as sweet as the short hops to the local home depot.
To view the listing on ClassicCars.com, click here.
