1980 GMC Jimmy Restomod

Description

When the big automakers walked away from the full-sized two-door SUV market, they left a lot of fans out in the dark. Fortunately, great trucks like this 1980 GMC Jimmy still exist. But this is no garden variety vintage SUV; instead, it's a built performance truck with 502 cubic inches, a 6-speed gearbox, and a road-hugging suspension that works to hook it all up.

The black and red paint job is going to get you a lot of attention and gives the Jimmy a clean, uncluttered look that won't get dated. With a truck that you're going to keep for a long time, that's important. And it's in excellent shape, showing signs of careful maintenance over the years and looking pretty much the way you'd expect a high-performance truck to look. The doors fit and sound the way you remember and the color-matched removable hardtop top gives it an all-of-a-piece look. There are no signs of abuse or accidents in the way it looks and details like the big chrome bumpers, cowl-induction hood, and bold chrome grille remind us that this is a truck that doesn't mind being a truck, not a wimpy "crossover." The GMC brand hadn't started their upmarket march in 1980, but the retro-looking GMC emblem on the tailgate, tinted windows, and wicked stance all suggest that this truck would fit right in today.

The red cloth interior is all luxury and largely stock. Wide buckets up front show minimal wear and are comfortable enough for all-day drives. Fold-down armrests make it comfortable and the wrap-around instrument panel will look familiar to anyone who drove a GM truck in the '80s. The gauges are still bright and this Jimmy came loaded with options, including power windows and locks, a tilt steering column, and air conditioning. Somewhere along the line, the original radio was dumped in favor of a digital AM/FM/CD/iPod tuner, and it sounds great. You may also notice the Hurst shifter between the seats, which is linked to a Richmond 6-speed manual transmission. Back seat space is massive, with a plush bench seat that's perfect for two but will hold three in a pinch. Full carpets make it feel luxurious and the cargo bay is truly massive. If you're going somewhere in a hurry and taking a lot of stuff, this Jimmy is what you need.

The engine is a brutal 502 cubic inch GM crate motor with aluminum heads, a big Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and MSD ignition. With 502 horsepower and about that much torque on tap, this truck is scary fast, probably out-gunning anything else built in 1980 by a pretty wide margin. The engine bay is nicely finished, with mostly OEM parts visible throughout and service access is awesome. The A/C has been upgraded to R134a refrigerant (needs to be serviced) and most of the hardware is OEM making for a very stealthy build. The 6-speed manual transmission is linked to a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end with 4.11 gears inside, so you can imagine that acceleration is impressive. It's clean and tidy underneath, with signs of careful maintenance, recent shocks, and a rumbling dual exhaust system that never gets annoying. Custom 17-inch Billet Specialties wheels look right and carry staggered 255/60/17 front and 285/60/17 rear performance radials.

You remember these trucks fondly and there still aren't any alternatives that can keep up with this one. Big power, awesome looks, plus receipts and a reasonable price make this Jimmy a winner. Call today!