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1950 GMC 100 Pickup

by: Cyndee Kromminga

Posted on: Thursday, April 24th, 2008 at 3:36 pm by: Cyndee Kromminga
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When the 1950 GMC 100 pickup sustained a new and more modern overhaul by GMC two years prior, its features became more indentical than ever to its Chevrolet equals.

Like Chevrolet, GMC redesigned its trucks in 1948 endorsing a sharper more modern look that was, to the frustration of GMC supporters, more like that of Chevrolet than it had ever been. Deviations were restricted to small alterations in grille treatment, equipment, and mechanical specifications.

Both makes highlighted a low silhouette cab styling that was specifically postwar in taste, resisting the poise of Studebaker’s new 2R series and the simplicity of International’s new L-series. Special features were curved lines, decreased hood height, broader chrome grilles with horizontal bars and headlamps that were effectively blended with the front fenders rather than in pods.

A utilitarian touch on deluxe cab models was a three-piece rear window with curved side sections that folded around the roof and ran forward almost to the doors which assisted with rear visibility. Overall, the new model denoted an extensive enhancement in GM truck design.

GM offered plenty of change inside too with enough developments to keep pamphlet composers working overtime. Comfort and convenience was getting a lot more emphasis and in future years, the market’s request for car-type considerations would prove to be significant.

GM literature boasted of door openings four inches wider than those of prewar models, plus more window area that updated the driver’s outward vision by a stated 15 percent. The new cab design provided an extended passenger compartment with an additional seven inches of leg room. Head room was expanded in excess of an inch even though the height of the cab was decreased.

One piece instrument panels had toeboards “scientifically insulated for complete driver comfort,” as stated in a GMC catalog. The hidden door hinges, a foot actuated parking brake, integral cowl ventilation and easy action steering column and gearshift were comparably valuable. The 228 cid GMC 6 cylinder engine developed 96bhp.

If you are a collector of or want to become a collector of the 1950 GMC 100 keep in mind the pros and cons of doing so.

Pros-It has more luxuries than its Chevy equivalent and a sleeker design than Chevrolet’s 3100 series.

Cons-It can be hard to find and the replacement parts are few, plus its value is only about two-thirds than that of a comparable 3100 series Chevrolet.