1972 GMC Sierra Grande
Big block V-8 powerful truck
More that a century ago the pure utilitarian function of pickup trucks was their selling point. Such rough-andready vehicles usually were found on farms.
Eventually, the manufacturers discovered that money was to be made by dressing up otherwise plain pickups, thereby expanding the customer base. The dressy pickups could still accomplish truck tasks but do them in style.
One such pickup — a 1972 GMC C2500 three-quarter ton Sierra Grande — was purchased in Los Angeles. The classy pickup was delivered with a camper package, heavy-duty rear springs and an 8-foot-long bed. In order to move the heavy truck, a 402-cubic-inch big-block V-8 engine delivered power to all four wheels through a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission.
The original owner maintained the GMC according to instructions from the manufacturer, which proves that regular maintenance is the key to longevity. After a decade, the still roadworthy pickup was sold to the second owner, who continued the maintenance schedule. Having no need for the camper body, it was sold.
Following almost four decades of service to the two California owners, the second owner began to think about selling the GMC. At the same time across the country in Virginia, Bill Shields was on the lookout for a used razzle-dazzle pickup.
That is when the paths of the two men crossed and after photographs of the truck were sent and information was exchanged, Shields made the decision to purchase the truck without having seen the vehicle. That was in March 2015.
Transportation arrangements soon were made and a week or so later, the California pickup arrived in Luray, Virginia, on the back of a truck. As the white-and-bronze GMC on it’s 127-inch wheelbase rolled off the truck, Shields knew he had made the correct decision.
All of the bright work on his pickup sparkled, including both of the flawless bumpers. Giving his new acquisition a thorough once-over, he confirmed all the details that had been advertised and a few pleasant surprises.
Shields said the truck is equipped with power disc brakes, which are nice to have when curbing the speed of a 2-ton vehicle. A 235-by-16.5-inch spare tire that matches the four tires on the ground is mounted horizontally under the bed.
A pair of small doors, one on each side of the bed, are there to cover the openings to the two auxiliary gasoline tanks. Shields reports that when all three of the tanks are full, the 1972 pickup truck is carrying 60 gallons of fuel.
A cosmetic feature that caught the eye of Shields was the four headlights. Two lights would work as well, but he prefers the quad arrangement. The truck is equipped with a factory-installed air conditioner, as well as dual exhausts that also were installed at the factory. An unusual feature on a pickup with a camper package is the rear sliding-glass window, but this GMC is so equipped.
One optional extra not on the truck was installed by Shields. The condition of the bench seat was like new, but Shields wanted factory original bucket seats with a center console. He managed to find what he wanted in the correct color and material.
Now that the GMC Sierra Grande is exactly what Shields has long wanted.
“It’s a powerful truck,” he said, “just what I wanted.”
Would you like to be considered for a Classic Classics article? Email your jpeg image, plus brief details and phone number. You may also submit an image of you with your treasured classic car. Type “Classic Classics” in subject box to info@ motormatters.biz.