As William Durant created General Motors as an umbrella organization for a number of passenger car marques, so did he assemble General Motors Truck Company, headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan, to serve the trucking community. As he acquired Buick, Cadillac, Oakland, Oldsmobile, and Chevrolet as GM passenger cars, he acquired Rapid and Reliance and began rebranding their products. The GMC badge was first seen on trucks at the New York Auto Show in 1912.

After supplying more than 21,000 trucks during World War I, many of them ¾-ton Model 15s, GMC entered the post-war period with a long-running Model 16, which was built through 1926. Power came from a 35 bhp Continental L-head four driving through a three-speed sliding-gear transmission. A 132-inch wheelbase gave plenty of room for different types of bodies, both open and closed. Cabs, if they existed at all, were often topless, although canopy-style bodies typically covered the driver and furnished a windshield, as well.

This Model 16 GMC is believed to be the sole survivor of the era. Purchased by a GMC dealership, it was treated to a ground-up restoration with very pleasing results. The body is a long wood express pickup type, highly varnished and accented with black panel stripes. Fenders and hood are painted in gloss black. The seat is upholstered in buttoned olive leather. It is fitted with nickel headlamps and Yankee oil side and taillamps. It has “Armstrong” crank starting.

Perfect for parades or vintage truck shows, this rare survivor has won plenty of trophies. The next one could be yours.