1971 GMC 1500 Custom Pick-Up (LHD)

The GMC (General Motors Truck Company) offered a newly revamped range of trucks from 1960, designated the C and K-Series, with C being the two-wheel drive and K the four-wheel drive versions. Featuring a new drop-frame chassis and independent front suspension, these new trucks offered car-like comfort and proved remarkably popular, particularly with the addition of a V8 model to the line-up in 1965. For 1967, the second-generation GMC C and K-Series models appeared, with revised styling (now with quad headlamps to set them apart from Chevrolet's C-10), the option of coil spring trailing arm rear suspension and a wide range of powertrain and transmission options. GMC's line-up consisted of the 1500 (1/2-tonne) model, built alongside the 2500 (3/4-tonne) and 3500 (1-tonne) versions, along with the short-wheelbase Jimmy. For 1971, GMC's 1500 could be ordered with three distinct trim levels, starting with the Custom model, the mid-range Super Custom or top-of-the-line Sierra. A few changes were made to the appearance, most notably the grille, while the addition of front disc brakes on all models was a big step forward. Another first for 1971 was the option of AM/FM radios installed at the factory. There has been a growing interest in early American pick-ups and unlike the Ford's more commonly sighted F-Series, the GMC 1500 remains a rarity on Australian roads, making the example offered here just that little bit different.