Introduced in 1960, the General Motors line of C/K trucks marketed by both Chevrolet and GMC created a lasting impact on the American automotive landscape for over half a century, with their appealing combination of style and capability. The first generation remained in production until 1966 and featured body-on-frame construction with a drop-center design that combined an X-frame and a perimeter frame, which increased strength and allowed a lower-mounted cab for better handling and ingress/egress. Available engines ranged from a 230-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder to a 327-cubic-inch V-8 and could be paired with automatic or manual transmissions. Three different wheelbase lengths accommodated several different bed options in either “fleetside” or “stepside” configuration.

Exclusively sold as a two-door regular cab, early models featured twin “nostrils” on the hood above a bold character line that carried into the doors. In 1962, these elements gave way to much smaller air inlets flanked by turn signals, a design that would persist through the end of first-generation production in 1966.

Offered here from the Vehicle Vault Collection is a wonderfully restored example of a 1966 GMC 1500 Pickup Custom. It received a comprehensive refurbishment completed in 2017, after 20 years of being stored in a garage. Originally powered by an inline six-cylinder, it now features a 350-cubic-inch V-8 with an Edelbrock carburetor, Edelbrock valve covers, an aluminum radiator, and dual exhausts. The engine is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. The exterior is attractively finished in mint green with a contrasting white cab and a wood-paneled bed. Inside, the mint green paint carries onto the dashboard and doors, while the seats are finished in grey and white vinyl. The cabin is pleasingly spartan in keeping with pickup trucks of this era—an AM radio to the right of the minimal instrument panel is its sole creature comfort.

With appealing mid-century aesthetics and stout V-8 power, this comprehensively refurbished 1966 GMC offers accessible style and performance in equal measure, an excellent choice for cruise-ins and tailgating events.