1916 GMC C Cab
Roots to the GMC brand can be traced to 1900, when the "Grabowsky Motor Company" was established by brothers Max, (1874-1946), and Morris Grabowsky, in Detroit, and renamed it Rapid Motor Vehicle Company in 1902 when the brothers moved operations to Pontiac, Michigan. In 1909 William C. Durant gained control of Rapid Motor Vehicle Company and made it a subsidiary of his General Motors Company. In 1911 General Motors formed the "General Motors Truck Company" and folded Rapid and Reliance Motor Car Company, (another early commercial vehicle manufacturer that Durant had acquired in 1908), into it. In 1912 the Rapid and Reliance names were dropped in favor of "GMC". All General Motors truck production was consolidated at the former Rapid Motor Plant 1 in Pontiac, Michigan.
For consignment, a beautifully restored 1916 GMC C Cab flat bed truck. It has plenty of steel with wood accompanying construction, and is a showpiece. It presents in beautiful red and has solid oak accenting and some black painted surfaces for contrast. Definitely an early piece based on the type font used on the radiator badge. The C cab is a very sought after collectible truck and was the inspiration for the Hubley Toy company of Lancaster, PA to make a replica which flew off the shelves.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
Among the first things one notices when looking at this truck is the tall C shaped cabin sides. Hence its namesake C cab. This is all steel on this truck and has been bathed in red paint. The steel in front and on the framing has all been fully restored to excellent condition, including the fancy radiator covering with the unique early GMC type font used as a badge on the front top of the radiator. Just behind, a red painted cowled hood protects the engine and in back a red painted steel firewall. Dual black posts are on to mount the head lighting too but there are no headlights attached. This truck has no doors, just beautifully curved fenders in front that melt into wood running boards for easy cab access. A simple C-channel frame runs the length of this truck and provides a structurally sound red painted mounting surface for the engine, cab, and flatbed structure. Speaking of which, the flatbed is wood and has stake sides to help keep cargo onboard. These boards have grayed with time and remain in good condition. It's a very long bed and is held up by black painted steel spoked wheels which have a band of solid rubber around them with dual tires on back.
Interior
Under the C cab is the driver's compartment and it has a black and gray plaid broadcloth covered bench strategically placed under the roof for more driver protection from the elements. Oak storage cabinets are underneath the seats and are finished in no stains, just varnish, accentuating the grain. A thick pine floor houses the gear shift lever, and handbrake. A long steering column rises for the driver and has an oak rimmed steering wheel. The dash is all steel and contains no gauges, just levers, and is a red painted full metal jacket.
Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood is a restored rust and corrosion free Continental L head 4 cylinder capable of 35hp. It is powered by gas and has a 1-barrel carburetor on top. A 3 speed manual transmission is on back.
Undercarriage
Perfectly preserved and restored steel framing and leaf spring suspension is seen. Pressure treated pine boards are above the steel structure and make up the bed. The wood underneath remains like new so it's only the top that has weathered. Mechanical drum brakes are on the rear only and are also painted beautiful red.
Drive-Ability
While we weren't able to get this truck fired up, the engine does turn by hand and makes good compression.
Just a near perfect restoration yielding a fine example of an early GMC. Capable of holding its own in any show, and driving the truck to the show after some tinkering. Now there is something to be said about that...
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
