1996 GMC Sierra 1500

Description

GM has been making pickup trucks since the '30s and when you make a gazillion of them, that practice certainly makes perfect. Made to withstand all the punishment that a commercial vehicle needs to tolerate, this 1996 GMC C1500 Sierra '350SS' pickup has contrarily led a very pampered existence. Despite the truck's fantastic original preservation, it recently received a full makeover featuring a beautiful new paint job, fresh front grille, and an upgraded suspension that gives this 'Old Body Style' Sierra that killer 'slammed' stance rolling on 20-inch wheels. There can't be many that are nicer, leading us to wonder if it's time for the OBS pickups to become a genuine collector pieces. With great looks, plenty of V8 power, and unrivaled reliability, this GMC deserves your full attention.

The 4th and final generation of the beloved C/K trucks went out with a bang with the uber-popular 'OBS' (Old Body Style) design, and these gorgeous GMT400 platform trucks are rapidly rising up the ranks of classic car/truck value charts. Clean, light-colored paint jobs will always be in style, especially in a laser-straight pickup truck with a timeless design like this, and we have to admit that the Champagne finish combined with red pinstripes works especially well on the GMC C/K series of trucks. Combined with the regular cab and 'Wideside' 6.5-ft. short bed configuration, the Sierra has a sporty demeanor and a great look. The original sheetmetal remains in outstanding, laser-straight condition for being 25 years old, and the shiny Champagne repaint looks better than most GM products of the era did when they were new, needing nothing more than a coat of wax to really look great. It isn't perfect of course, but it is clear that someone has always really cared for this truck. '350SS' decals were added on this sporty OBS á la the popular Chevrolet '454SS' big brother (these decals were often added at the dealer or as an aftermarket addition by owner's, but they never signified an official trim level by GM), and they match the red triple pinstripes that outline the top of the body and a nice break in the Champagne finish. There was not much chrome fitted to these workhorses but what is there remains in pretty great condition, including both bumpers, and that brand new front grille. All the black lower body molding is in great shape too, every exterior light and lens is brand new, and the correct badging is exactly where it's supposed to be. And if you're actually going to put it to work, you'll be happy to find a heavy-duty bed that's been spray-lined with color-matched bedliner material for protection.

Slip inside and have a comfortable seat. Twin captain's chairs make this a first-class way to haul your gear and the tan cloth upholstery looks beautifully maintained. Because this is a well-appointed GMC it is optioned with several creature comforts, including air conditioning which still blows cold, plus an original Delco AM/FM/Cassette stereo, cruise control, a TheftLock system, power seats, and a tilt wheel are all at your fingertips, further blurring the line between blue-collar and white-collar transportation. You also get a spacious center console that splits the front seats, a taut headliner above, and even an airbag inside the big, comfortable steering wheel at the head of the cockpit. And we haven't forgotten that this is a truck with a half- ton load capacity that can pull half of Home Depot away with you over the course of a busy weekend, and it's also equipped with power steering and power front disc brakes to make it all manageable. The dash pad is a little cracked, which is typical for most of these inferior GM plastics from the era, but it's now covered and protected with a tan carpeted pad that matches the original carpets on the floors, that are themselves protected by matching vinyl floormats.

In 1996, a new series of motors were introduced for GM trucks: the Vortec family of engines. These motors ushered in higher horsepower and torque numbers from prior years (the base small block V8 in the Sierra jumped up 50hp from the year before), and they began a long era of great reliability and ease of service for GM production vehicles. This particular truck comes equipped with the 5.0L cubic inch Vortec V8 that has been fitted to everything from Camaros to, well, pickup trucks. With a 220-horsepower rating, there's more than enough power if you choose to leave the motor bone-stock like this one, which almost looks just like it did on the showroom floor in 1996. The 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission is also performing without complaint and there isn't a better transmission available as a mate; after all, fuel mileage matters these days. Also take a look at the super clean undercarriage, where you'll find no secrets, thanks to a lifetime in a warm climate, and again, it suggests that this truck has led a very good life. To set that killer stance, drop spindles, upgraded springs and shocks were installed up front, while the rear got an axle flip kit, C-Notch, and drop shocks. Awesome 20-inch Ridler wheels have a cool Salt-Flat look to them and add just the right amount of flash to the short-bed pickup, and it carries staggered 245/40/20 front and 275/40/20 low-profile performance radials that finish off that 'slammed' look perfectly.

This is a great-looking truck today, and if these OBS pickups continue to become more collectable in the future, we're pretty sure this Champagne 350SS will be first on the list. Call today!