1953 | GMC 3500 1-ton

GMC Pickup Truck 1-Ton Dually | 1953

Highlights:

- Restored in the USA
- Original California truck
- 12V electrical conversion and electric wipers installed
- Rebuilt 3.7L inline-six engine with manual 4-speed gearbox
- Dutch registration on classic plates

The seller offers for sale a 1953 GMC 1-Ton Dually Pickup Truck, equipped with a 228 cubic inch (3.7L) inline-six petrol engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. This truck underwent a restoration in the United States. Originally a California vehicle, it was later purchased in Oregon before being imported to the Netherlands. It now carries a valid Dutch registration.

The restoration included a rebuild of the engine, replacement of soft brake lines, fresh brake fluid, and the installation of electric windshield wipers in place of the original vacuum system. The truck has also been converted to a 12-volt electrical system.

Dimensions of the vehicle are substantial, with a total length of 5.55 meters, a width of 2.13 meters, and a height of 1.97 meters. The large loading area measures 2.75 by 2.13 meters. Gross vehicle weight is 4000 kg, with an empty weight of 2065 kg.

The condition of this vehicle is generally well-maintained with signs of light use since the restoration. The exterior paint is in good condition but is not the original factory color; it presents as a brighter yellow tone. Minor imperfections and small dents or scratches may be present.

Interior presentation is neat with recently upholstered new black leather upholstery on the original bench, a refurbished dashboard area and refreshed trim, although some sun fading is visible on the door panels and the headliner is sagging slightly on the passenger side.

The GMC pickup trucks of the early 1950s were part of General Motors’ Advance Design series, which ran from 1947 to 1955. These trucks marked a turning point in post-war American utility vehicles, offering a more spacious and comfortable cab design while maintaining the rugged usability that farmers and small business owners expected. The 1-ton dually variant, like the one offered here, was especially popular with tradesmen and those needing to haul heavier loads, thanks to its dual rear wheels and reinforced chassis.

GMC differentiated itself from Chevrolet pickups of the same era by offering more powerful base engines and more robust drivetrains. The inline-six "228" engine used here was known for its durability and ease of maintenance. These trucks were often used well into the 1970s in working environments across the US, which is a testament to their engineering longevity.

While most pickups from the period were relatively spartan, this example benefits from some comfort-oriented upgrades such as a leather-upholstered bench seat and improved 12V lighting and accessories. The robust construction and simple mechanics make these trucks ideal candidates for vintage utility use or classic vehicle collections. Today, restored models such as this are valued not only for their historical significance but also for their raw, mechanical charm that stands in contrast to modern pickups. As a California original, this truck likely avoided the rust issues that plague many midwestern examples, and the Dutch import status with current registration makes it immediately road-legal in the Netherlands.

Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.

Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.

Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.




We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in North Holland province, the Netherlands.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.


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