1972 GMC 1/2 Ton Pick-Up
Purchased New at Local Chevrolet Dealer by its Original Owner!
High Quality Frame-Off Restoration within 3,000 Miles
Show Quality Paint & Body, Interior, Highly Detailed
HISTORY – THIS PARTICULAR 1972 GMC SIERRA
Classic Cars Ltd. is celebrating 25 years in Pleasanton and, over the years, we have sold a large number of vehicles that the owner’s thought would never be sold. However, as is the case with this sympathetically restored GMC Sierra, the trucks owner has faced serious medical issues resulting in his inability to use the truck that was his pride and joy. The family has asked us to find a new “caregiver” for the truck who can enjoy it as much as the owner did for many years.It is increasingly difficult to find one owner cars/trucks, much less an example that was delivered locally and remained in the area for its entire life. This GMC Sierra is one such example. The car was delivered to its local owner in 1972 by Groth Chevrolet, Livermore, CA. just 10 miles from our location. Additionally, the truck was manufactured I the Fremont, CA. plant, just 30 miles from our location. The family reports that the truck was always extremely well cared for and was free from rust, damage and modifications when the owner decided to bring the Sierra to “As-New” condition and undertook a comprehensive, frame off restoration.
We regularly see some exceptional collectible vintage cars and trucks. However, this particular Sierra is simply one of the nicest early 70’s examples that we have seen in years. This truck represents a tastefully restored, high, one owner quality example of a desirable vintage truck. As a rust free, straight California truck, it was a prime example for a total and complete restoration. The GMC was totally disassembled, removed from the chassis and literally every nut and bolt was removed, refinished, replaced or re-plated. This truck is unusual as we often see vehicles with a list of excuses and needs. Not so with this truck that falls in the category of a “no expense spared” restoration.
The GMC Sierra runs and drives extremely well, has exceptionally high cosmetics (including show quality paint and body work), a striking interior, detailed engine compartment, and detailed chassis / underside. Also appealing is the fact that the upgrades that were completed were done tastefully to improve the drivability and appearance of the car without cutting or modifying its original configuration. Noteworthy is the fact that the owner was a talented woodworker and his craft can be seen in the absolutely striking wooden center console and dash that houses a complete set of fully functional gauges.
We rarely find ourselves at a loss of words but this truck is so nice that it is difficult to describe the high quality of the trucks cosmetics, and mechanical components / upgrades. However, the following summary will provide highlights by category of some of the many features of this GMC Sierra:
NUMBERS DECODED
VIN # TCE1422511513
T = GMC
E = V8
1 = ½ Ton
4 = Pickup
2 = 1972
Z = Fremont, CA production
511513 = Production Sequence
EXTERIOR- Frame off 2-stage re-paint with truck totally disassembled and drive-line removed from vehicle – Show level, totally free from orange peel or signs of poor preparation
– Laser straight body
– Excellent door fit with working locks
– Proper hood gaps with re-done springs for ease of opening / use
– No indication or report of previous accident damage
– Beautiful chrome, stainless trim, correct emblems
– Replaced chrome grill
– Re-chromed bumpers (front & rear)
– All new rubber trim, window felts and “soft” items replaced
– Immaculate truck bed, chromed tailgate supports
– Damage free lenses
– Halogen (4) headlights
– Excellent glass including windshield (free from stars / cracks)
– Replaced tires and restored wheels to factory stock specifications
INTERIOR- Completely restored immaculate interior including: seats, dash, door panels, headliner
– Custom designed center console housing two speakers and space for storage
– Gauge cluster of functional gauges including: Oil pressure, Voltmeter, Water temperature, vacuum (in addition to stock gauges with odometer re-set)
– All new carpet
– Rubber mats covering front
– New matching headliner & visors
– Grant steering wheel
– Fully functional lighting system, gauges, dash lights, exterior lights
– Functional horn
– Aftermarket / upgraded AM/FM CD radio
– All new gauge cluster, restored heating controls, all new interior trim…immaculate!
– Exceptional attention to detail
ENGINE- Completely rebuilt 350c.i / Turbo Hydramatic transmission
– 60 lbs. oil pressure / all gauges read properly and function
– Edelbrock aluminum valve covers
– Stainless braided coolant lines
– Upgraded red spark plug wires
– MSD ignition
– MSD coil
– Hooker Headers
– Dual exhaust / chrome tips
– New coolant / overflow reservoirs
– Chrome alternator
– Chrome Air cleaner
– New radiator shroud
– No damage inner hood panels / core support
– Die Hard battery
– New shocks / rebuilt suspension
HISTORY OF THE GMC PICKUP
Built: Fremont, CA
More than a century ago the pure utilitarian functions of the pickup truck was the key selling point. Such rough-and-ready vehicles usually were found on farms. Eventually, the manufacturers discovered that money was to be made by dressing up otherwise plain pickups, thereby expanding the customer base. The dressy pickups could still accomplish truck tasks but do them in style.
In 1972, GMC ranked 4th in production of U.S. light trucks. Nicknamed ‽Action Line” for their more modern looks, the GMC (and Chevy C10) featured coil spring trailing arm rear suspension, and greatly improved ride and handling.
While the GMC Sierra had been in production since 1967, along with its counterpart, the Chevrolet C/10, several changes occurred in 1971. A new design (the “egg crate”) with black paint over portions of the GMC grille was used. Second, an upgraded trim package was introduced on the GMC that was referred to as the Sierra. The package consisted of a variety of improvements including increased comfort features, overall nicer interiors, more padding and insulation, carpet, chrome trim, and upper and lower side molding and tailgate trim. 1971 was the first year for AM/FM radios factory installed. Finally, the front brakes on all light-duty trucks were switched from drum brakes to disc brakes, resulting in much less brake fade under heavy use. Those intrigued with details will note that the door and window cranks were slightly longer due to the molded plastic door panels, and the vent windows were now secured with a single screw on the inside of the door, differentiating it from the 1971 model year.