William Durant, the founder of General Motors, not only created iconic passenger-car brands Buick, Cadillac, and Oldsmobile, but also recognized the potential of the burgeoning trucking industry in the early 20th century. He acquired two truck manufacturers—Rapid Motor Vehicle Company and Reliance—then merged and rebranded them as the General Motors Truck Company. Based in Pontiac, Michigan, Durant’s now-iconic new brand launched at the 1912 New York International Auto Show.

Following World War I—during which GMC supplied over 21,000 trucks, including many ¾-ton Model 15s—the company introduced the Model 16. Produced until 1926, this truck featured a 35-horsepower Continental L-head four-cylinder engine and a three-speed sliding-gear transmission. With a 132-inch wheelbase, it could be fitted with various bodies, both open and enclosed. Many of these trucks had minimal cabs, often without tops, though some had canopy-style bodies with a windshield.

This GMC Model 16 ¾-Ton Express was formerly part of the Merrick Auto Museum in Grand Island, Nebraska. It is said to have been purchased by a GMC dealership, which reportedly commissioned a ground-up restoration to its present condition. The result is striking, with the long wood panels of its cargo bed varnished in a lovely natural finish and featuring black panel-striping to match the gloss black fenders and hood. Lovely button-tufted olive leather covers the seats and coordinates well with the green frame rails. Other features include nickel headlamps, Yankee oil sidelamps and taillamps, and an Armstrong crank for starting.

Perfectly suited for parades, vintage truck shows, or as a striking promotional vehicle, this exceptionally rare GMC Model 16 will make a delightful addition to any collection.