1966 GMC 1000 Series Big Window Fleetside LS7

GMC is a division of General Motors that primarily focuses on SUVs, trucks, vans, buses, motor homes and military vehicles. Some of GMC’s vehicles were actually built by Chevrolet before being rebadged as GMC models. In the 1960s, Chevrolet’s range of C/K light-duty trucks was rebadged as the GMC 1000 (½ ton), 1500 (3/4 ton), 2500 (1 ton) and 3500 (1½ ton). This example is a 1966 GMC 1000 Series Big Window Fleetside light-duty truck that has undergone a ‘restomod’ – in that it has been restored, as well as given a modern makeover in certain areas. Coming from Texas with less than 200 miles on the clock after the rebuild, this vehicle is sure to get your pulse racing, as well as turn heads as you drive by.

Exterior and Interior

A cursory glance at the exterior of this 1966 GMC 1000 Series Big Window Fleetside will not reveal much as to what lies beneath the skin. Finished in an eye-catching red paintwork, the first thing that your eyes will pickup are the Raceline Executive 22” billet wheels wrapped in Continental rubber. You may notice the disc brakes lurking behind, appreciate the red-stained wood in the bed that matches the paintwork and the chrome detailing, as well as the ‘Custom’ and ‘V6’ badging too. Peeking inside will reveal a cabin that retains the original leather bench once again wrapped in red leather, as well as a modern Pioneer head unit and upgraded speaker system that the current owner claims “sounds phenomenal”, as well as a VintageAir AC system with its controls sitting in the center of the red-painted dash. You will then notice the custom Billet Specialties steering wheel, and sitting behind it, a Racepack electronic digital gauge cluster. By now, you must be realizing that this isn’t a regular GMC 1000. The vehicle has new carpets, as well as new glass with vent window and replaced tracks and felts.

Engine

That V6 badge? It’s a red herring. Whilst the GMC 1000 range did come with a 305ci V6 option, as well as a smattering of in-line sixes, this 1966 GMC 1000 Series Big Window Fleetside packs a LSX 440 Dart motor which is based on the Chevrolet LS7 V8 from the Corvette. The block is rated at up to 1,200 hp, as are the Holley Dominator dual sequence fuel pumps. A custom grind cam by Texas Speed is installed, as are Greg Good machined heads. Drive is to the rear wheels via an RPM 4L60 automatic transmission that is rated for up to 900hp. Disc brakes are installed all-round, and electric power steering is another upgrade under the hood. The fuel tank has been relocated beneath the bed. Finally, it’s received a custom tune by HPC, and has been dynoed at 619hp at the rear wheels.