Imagine taking a classic pickup truck from the past and giving it a reliable, modern heart. The 1959 GMC 253 pickup featured here is exactly that, a fascinating blend of vintage charm and contemporary engineering. This long-bed pickup body sits on a newer chassis, combining the best of both worlds. It offers a unique driving experience that many enthusiasts will truly appreciate. This truck’s distinct character and thoughtful modifications make it a truly special find.
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A Fresh Foundation
This 1959 GMC 253 pickup received a significant modification in 2014, according to the selling dealer. Its classic long-bed body was carefully mounted onto a modern foundation. Specifically, it now rides on a chassis sourced from a 2008 GMC 1500 van. This strategic swap brings a host of modern features and improvements to the vintage truck. It ensures a more comfortable and reliable ride, perfect for today’s roads.
Distinctive Exterior Patina
The long-bed pickup body of this GMC wears worn and faded light green paint. This gives the truck a charming, authentic patina, showing its years of character. A white grille, bumpers, and headlight bezels provide a striking contrast. You can see various dings, dents, paint chips, and scratches around the body, telling stories of its past. Rust is noted near the headlights, in the lower fenders, and in the lower bedsides, adding to its rugged appeal. The bed features a wood-plank floor, though it lacks visible runners or bolts.
Modern Handling and Stopping
Underneath its classic skin, this 1959 GMC 253 pickup benefits from significant upgrades in handling and braking. The replacement chassis from a 2008 GMC 1500 van provides power rack-and-pinion steering. This offers a much smoother and more precise steering feel than the original setup. Furthermore, the truck now features four-wheel disc brakes, significantly enhancing its stopping power and safety. Body-color 16″ steel wheels wear white hubcaps and are wrapped in 215/85 Cooper Discoverer HT3 tires, providing a reliable grip on the road.
A Revamped Interior
The cab of this GMC features a comfortable bench seat, expertly re-trimmed in black vinyl. This dark upholstery contrasts nicely with the green-finished metal surfaces inside the cab. Additional appointments enhance the driving experience. A Lokar floor shifter provides precise control over the transmission. The truck also includes a heater and defroster, ensuring comfort in varying weather conditions. Chrome hardware and knobs, along with a glovebox and vent windows, complete the interior’s thoughtful design.
Upgraded Instrumentation
Behind the three-spoke steering wheel, you will find a set of Classic Instruments gauges. These modern gauges offer accurate and clear readouts, blending vintage style with contemporary functionality. The cluster includes a 140-mph speedometer, a clock, and auxiliary gauges for temperature, fuel level, voltage, and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer indicates 7k miles, of which approximately 2k have been added under current ownership. However, the total mileage on the donor chassis is unknown.
Powering the Classic
The heart of this transformed 1959 GMC 253 pickup is a 4.3-liter Vortec V6 engine. This powerplant was installed as part of the chassis replacement in 2014, bringing modern reliability and efficiency. It features electronic fuel injection, ensuring smooth operation and improved fuel economy compared to older carbureted systems. A Champion aluminum radiator keeps things cool, accompanied by a fabricated fan shroud for optimal airflow.
Drivetrain and Underside Details
Power is efficiently sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. This transmission was also sourced from the donor van, providing seamless shifts. You can see corrosion on various underside components, which is common for vehicles of this age. Additionally, rust holes are noted below each rear cab corner, something to consider for future attention.
Summary: This 1959 GMC 253 long-bed pickup is a unique and compelling classic, expertly blending vintage aesthetics with modern underpinnings. Its faded green paint, comfortable re-trimmed interior, and powerful 4.3-liter Vortec V6 engine offer a distinctive driving experience. With its updated chassis, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel disc brakes, this modified GMC pickup delivers classic charm with enhanced drivability.
Disclaimer: The information provided about this vehicle is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy, details are subject to verification and may change.
