Gorgeous Green 1971 GMC K1500 Features Vortec Power, Modern Amenities: Track Time Tuesday Presented by the All-New Nitto Recon Grappler™ A/T
Immaculate 1971 GMC K1500 has just the right amount of modern upgrades to enhance its timeless looks.
Now that restomod trucks are every bit as hot as restomodded cars, we’re beginning to see some pretty amazing builds surface for sale. Case in point – this amazing 1971 GMC K1500 that’s currently up for grabs at Bring a Trailer. The subject of this week’s Track Time Tuesday presented by Nitto is easily one of the coolest restomod truck builds we’ve come across in some time, and it’s utterly perfect in pretty much every regard, combining the best of vintage style with plenty of modern amenities.
The seller gave this GMC K1500 a complete body-off refurbishment back in 2016, rebuilding it from the ground up and repainting it a very attractive shade of green. The bumpers were finished in matte black, which lends a more modern look, though the chrome grille was left alone. The aftermarket front bumper holds an LED light bar, while power-operated side steps aid ingress and egress. Finally, all the lighting was replaced with LED units, while the gas filler was relocated behind the driver’s side taillight for a cleaner look.
The suspension was next on the list, and received a few upgrades including an Off-Road Design 6-inch lift kit, Fox shocks with remote reservoirs, 3/4 ton axles, and G2 differential covers. That made room for a set of 17-inch Method beadlock-style wheels wrapped with 35×12.5-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, which cover a set of four-wheel disc brakes.
A restomod wouldn’t be a restomod without a modern powerplant under the hood, however, and that’s precisely what you’ll find here – a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 that’s been treated to an open-filter intake, an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, and Doug Thorley headers. The newer engine sends its power to either the rear or all four wheels via a 4L80 four-speed automatic transmission and a 205 dual-range transfer case.
Peek inside the cabin, and you’ll find a bench seat that’s been covered in gray leather, which helps it match the door panels, rubber floor mat, and leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel, providing a nice contrast for the body-color dash and other bits and pieces. A Bluetooth Alpine stereo, door-mounted speakers and subwoofer, and Classic Instruments gauges add a few modern touches to the classic cabin. Altogether, this 1971 GMC K1500 features just the right amount of newer goodies to enhance its timeless style, which is precisely why restomods have become so popular in recent years – when done right, they truly represent the best of both worlds.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
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