Full-size 1956 GMC Suburban

Full-size SUVs were not nearly as popular as they are today when the Pick of the Day, a 1956 GMC Suburban Deluxe 100, was roaming the highways.   Although this one doesn’t look all that much different than it did back then. 

The Chevrolet Carryall Suburban first appeared in 1935, and the GMC version in 1937, and were among the few all-metal-body station wagons.  As such, the Suburban name is America’s longest continuously used automotive nameplate.  GMC rebranded its Suburban to Yukon XL in 2000.

The ’56 Suburban was produced during the second year of GM’s Advance Design generation of trucks.  As a Deluxe 100, it received a number of premium upgrades, including that massive but handsomely styled chrome grille and bumper. 

The truck, a California native, was found by its most-recent owner after sitting for 30 years, according to the Mundelein, Illinois, dealer advertising the GMC on ClassicCars.com.  He got it running and driving, and brought it up to its current presentable condition, including fresh paint, carpet and upholstery.  A factory-style air-conditioning system was installed.

With just over 64,000 miles showing on its odometer, the Suburban is powered by its apparently original V8 engine and four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission.  Much of the truck is original, such as the laminated glass that shows some bubbling along the edges, the seller notes.  “The chrome bumpers are in above-average condition for their age,” the seller adds.

The GMC does not have its middle or rear row of seats, with what look to be wooden utility boxes in their place.  If this were my Suburban, I would remove the boxes, source some replacement seats and stick them back there. 

This Suburban would be a fun hauler for taking around family and friends, or for towing duties with a vintage camper or powerboat.  The asking price is $34,900.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.