1971 GMC K1500 Custom 4×4 Pickup

“I’m very proud to showcase this rare and gorgeous 1971 GMC K1500 Custom 4×4 Pickup. Vintage GMC Pickups don’t come on the market often especially comparable to this example. This is a great opportunity!” – Marc Schiliro

This gorgeous 1971 GMC K1500 Custom 4×4 Pickup is a great example of seldom seen American Classic Truck. The second generation General Motors pickups were produced from 1968 to 1972. Unfortunately, GM lost the production records for the GMC trucks. However, the numbers exist for the Chevrolet truck models. It’s believed that for one GMC truck built, Chevrolet built 8-10 Chevy trucks. From the information gathered, in 1971, Chevrolet built 3,068 Shortbed Fleetside 4WD trucks and based on the formula roughly 383 GMC Shortbed Fleetside 4WD trucks were built. This example was built at the Fremont, California plant. As the original VIN number indicates this truck is model #KE15734 which is a 4WD, V8, ½ Ton, 115” wheel base, Fleetside. As the original Build Sheet and SPID label indicate it was ordered with the following option codes: B85- belt molding, C60- 4-season air conditioning, C80- dome lamp switch, F60- heavy duty front springs, F76- front wheel locking hubs, LS9- 350 cu in V8 engine, M49- turbo hydra-matic, N40- power steering, U63- AM push button radio, V43, rear step bumper, Z53- amp-oil-temp gauge, Z62- custom comfort and convenience deluxe, 551- white and medium bronze and 626- parchment trim. It was delivered to White Pines Motor Company in Ely, Nevada in early April of 1971. From the information gathered, this is a four owner vehicle. The third owner purchased it in June of 2014 and immediately started a complete restoration. The truck was virtually rust free from living its life in dry climates. It retained its original sheet metal, wiring, interior, engine, AC components, radiator, transmission and transfer case. During the frame off restoration process everything was restored or replaced new. Options A52- custom seat, B30- floor carpeting, N33- comfort tilt steering, U16- tach cluster, V37- chrome bumpers and P03- hubcaps on 15×8 white steel wheels were added during the build. It was completed in February of 2018 and driven roughly 1,900 miles before it was sold to the fourth owner in November of 2023. The current odometer reads 2,054 miles.

The exterior of this K1500 is bold and aggressive with its original factory design. All of the sheet metal is original with exception of the bed floor and rear wheel tubs. It wasn’t replaced because of rust but from being beat up over the years of usage. The body was repainted using a base coat/clear coat in its original colors of Medium Bronze with a white top. The rear tailgate was painted with a matching white accent highlighting the words GMC. The paint was recently color sanded and detailed to a brilliant shine. It was outfitted with all new tinted tempered safety glass including the front windshield, vent windows, door windows and rear window. All of the original glass trim including the vent trim was restored. Everything remaining on the exterior was replaced new including the wiper arms, dual mirrors, antenna, front grille, Sylvania Halogen headlights, front bumper, door handles, body moldings, tailgate molding, taillights, rear bumper, rubber seals and emblems. The truck rolls on 15×8 steel wheels that were powder coated white. The wheels are mounted to Linglong Crosswind 31×10.5×15 tires. It’s equipped with Superwinch front wheel hubs. Everything on the exterior is in working order such as the parking lights, headlights, turn signals, brake lights and turn signals.

The interior of this K1500 compliments the exterior perfectly. The cab was completely stripped and painted Medium Bronze. The floors were covered with new sound deadener. A new cover was added to the fuel tank. It was refinished in its original Parchment upholstery including the sun visors, door panels and bench seat. The door panels are decorated with simulated wood trim and decorative patterns which are also on the seat. The Medium Bronze dash is decorated with a tan dash pad and new black instrument panel. The original black tilt steering column was restored and a new 15” two-spoke steering wheel was added. Everything in the interior was replaced new such as the door sills, rear view mirror, dome light, gauges, heating and air conditioning control panel, vent ducts and outlets, ignition that matches door locks, glove box, door handles, window rollers, seat belts, pedals and carpeting. It’s equipped with a new Retro AM/FM radio with Scosche speakers under the seat. A new set of GMC embossed black carpeted floor mats were added. Everything in the interior is in working order such as the interior lights, gauges, horn, heating and air conditioning and radio.

The engine compartment is nicely detailed throughout with many new parts. The hood was outfitted with new black hood springs. The backside of the hood and firewall were painted Medium Bronze. The inner fenders and radiator support were painted in the correct shade of satin black. The truck is powered by the original 350 V8 that was completely rebuilt and runs excellent. This is one of the best built 350 V8 engines offered. The engine and valve covers were repainted in the correct shade of orange. The carburetor with choke was also rebuilt and is housed by the correct style black air cleaner. It was setup with a PerTronix electronic ignition system which includes the distributor and coil. The water pump, alternator, battery box and side post battery was replaced new. The power steering gear box and pump was also replaced new. The air conditioning system was replaced with new components including the compressor, lines, receiver, dryer and valve. The AC evaporator was cleaned and converted to R134A which blows ice cold. The engine is cooled by a new correct style radiator with new hoses and water valve. The engine breathes through the correct style manifolds and new dual exhaust system. The engine is coupled to the original Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed transmission that was completely rebuilt and shifts smoothly. The transfer was resealed and is in working order.

The undercarriage is also nicely detailed throughout with many new parts. The original frame was stripped, prepped and powder coated in the correct shade of black. It was reinstalled with new body mounts and hardware. The floors were also stripped, prepped and painted black. All the steel brake lines were cleaned and polished. The suspension was gone through including new shock absorbers. The braking system was also gone through including a new booster, master cylinder, front calipers, pads, rear drums and shoes.