228-cid, 85-hp inline six-cylinder engine, Tremec T5 five-speed manual transmission, full floating rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 125.24-inches

In 1909, General Motors purchased the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company and formed the basis of the General Motors Truck Company, from which the GMC Truck Division was ultimately derived. In Billy Durant’s quest to expand General Motors, Rapid was a logical purchase as the company developed some of the earliest commercial trucks ever designed. That same year, the Reliance Motor Car Company was purchased by GM. Rapid and Reliance were merged in 1911, and in 1912, the GMC Truck moniker first appeared on vehicles exhibited at the New York International Auto Show. The division expanded rapidly, and during WWII, GMC Truck produced 600,000 vehicles for use by the United States Armed Forces. All were produced at the GMC main facility in Pontiac, Michigan, from 1939 to 1950.

By the end of 1949, GMC was billing its trucks as “the finest all-star truck line.” No small wonder as the marque offered 224 different types of bodies and chassis, nine engine choices, and a large variety of special equipment options. Sales were strong with 80,407 registrations; good enough to pass International Harvester to become the fourth largest truck manufacturer in the United States.

This wonderful 1951 example of GMC’s beloved, rugged pickup truck is attractively finished in olive green on custom red and black interior. It is the recipient of a very recent frame-off restoration (only 1,200 miles ago) and features its original 228-cid straight six-cylinder engine which has also recently been rebuilt and is mated to an up-rated, much more drivable Tremec T5 five-speed manual transmission. To improve the drivability, this truck also features new brakes, a fresh set of tires and new suspension units. It has been tastefully pinstriped by Wizard Pinstripers and is reported to be in top notch condition inside and out; and it is an absolute pleasure to drive. Surely this highly collectible pickup will continue to provide its new owner with the joy of showing and driving it at many shows and events across the country.