Appealing to both historians and enthusiasts GMC Light Duty Trucks is a chronological overview of the popular General Motors vehicles that have been long considered Pontiac's trucks. It begins by tracing their roots to the year 1902 and origins as the long-departed Rapid and Reliance brands. The story continues with the pair joining an emergent General Motors and 1912 consolidation as GMC. A discussion of significant early milestones follows: Model 15 of 1914 the first "true" GMC; the role of GMC's military vehicles during the First World War; and, the impact of General Motors' acquiring Yellow Cab Manufacturing Company, which it merged with General Motors Truck Company and led to the wide range of GMC light duties when Yellowcab trucks, the Pontiac Delivery and Chevrolet Commercial Bodies were integrated into the evolving GMC line. Next the important middle years are reviewed, highlighting effects of GM's corporate styling leadership on GMC; the offering expansion of the immediate pre-World War II era that brought several distinctive types to the line-up; the all-new 1939 model light truck engine, cab and bodies; contributions to the Second World War allied military effort; and, the birth of GMC Truck & Coach Division. The major postwar styling and functional redesigns of 1947 and 1955 are covered in detail along with the arrival of civilian 4x4 pickups and, in particular, the ambitious Breakthrough Engineering efforts for 1960, culminating in the V-6 engine program that marked the high tide of GMC uniqueness. The book concludes by summarizing the past three decades when a broadening diversity of added models-sport utilities, diesels, full-size and mini vans, multi-purpose vehicles, and compact and mid-size pickups contributed to a massive growth in customer acceptance.

Focusing on GMCs most fruitful six decades, from 1927 to 1987, this book offers a prologue and epilogue to round out the 100+ year history of GMC trucks and their predecessors Rapid and Reliance, with particular emphasis on the heavy-duty models. In-depth coverage of all models, engine specifications, year-to-year changes, and model-by-model genealogy charts is included, as well as the story of GM's role as a heavy-duty truck maker and the influences of Max Grabowski, William Crapo Durant, and Alfred P. Sloan Jr. An essential book for truck enthusiasts, historians, restorer's, and anyone interested in General Motors. Archival photos, many from the National Automotive Historical Collection, show these models in pristine form.

The truck's role in American society changed dramatically from the 1960s through the 1980s, with the rise of off-roaders, the van craze of the 1970s and minivan revolution of the 1980s, the popularization of the SUV as family car and the diversification of the pickup truck into multiple forms and sizes. This comprehensive reference book follows the form of the author's popular volumes on American cars. For each year, it provides an industry overview and, for each manufacturer, an update on new models and other news, followed by a wealth of data: available powertrains, popular options, paint colors and more. Finally, each truck is detailed fully with specifications and measurements, prices, production figures, standard equipment and more.

Covers all models of Chevrolet trucks from 1918 to 1995 and gives vehicle description, explanation of vehicle codes, chart of models with original prices and specs, production data, engine details, technical information, and important historical facts.

"The full illustrated history of Chevrolet, from the Series 490 to today's Silverado and Colorado"--

A superb color history on Chevrolet's pickup trucks from 1918-1984. This in-depth history traces the trends in truck styling and focuses on the popular 1950s and 60s period.