If your idea of a classic vehicle involves polished chrome and concours originality, this probably isn’t for you.
If, however, you like chopped roofs, exposed V8 power, whitewall tyres and a truck that looks like it drove straight out of a Hollywood movie set, this incredible 1946 GMC Rat Rod deserves a closer look.
Heading to Historics Auctioneers’ Summer Serenade sale at Windsorview Lakes on 18th July, the professionally built GMC carries an estimate of £16,000-£21,000. Better still, Historics has published an extensive gallery with dozens of high-quality photographs showing every angle of the build.
This isn’t somebody’s unfinished project.
According to Historics, the GMC has been professionally constructed using a genuine full steel-bodied 1946 truck, sitting on a brand-new custom chassis with So-Cal suspension and a heavy-duty Ford 9-inch rear axle.
Power comes from a brand-new Chevrolet 350ci small-block V8 producing around 330bhp, backed by a TH400 automatic gearbox, electronic ignition and a four-barrel Holley carburettor.
The result promises effortless cruising backed by the unmistakable soundtrack only an American V8 can deliver.
Perhaps the most surprising detail is where the bodywork received its final finish.
Historics states that the truck was clear-coated at the Mercedes-AMG Formula One facility in Brackley, using the very same paint booth employed by the Formula One team.
Despite the purposeful rat rod appearance, the quality of the workmanship is said to be exceptional, with the underside finished to the same high standard as the exterior.
While many custom builds spend their lives on trailers, this GMC has clearly been built to be enjoyed.
The odometer shows around 1,650 miles since the V8 installation, while the truck has recently benefited from fresh engine oil, transmission fluid and differential oil.
Inside, bomber-style seats continue the aircraft-inspired theme, while the restored timber load bed and bespoke fuel tank demonstrate the level of attention given throughout the build.
Historics says it starts instantly, runs superbly and has proven itself equally capable of local shows or longer road trips.
Whether you love rat rods or hate them, one thing is certain: this GMC won’t pass unnoticed.
With its chopped cab, exposed side-exit exhausts, aggressive stance and bare-metal finish, it’s exactly the sort of vehicle that attracts crowds before the engine has even been started.
Historics believes recreating a truck of this quality today would comfortably exceed £90,000, making the guide price look particularly interesting.
If you’d like a closer look, Historics has published a comprehensive gallery packed with detailed photographs of the exterior, interior, engine bay, chassis and build quality.
View the full listing here:
https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-200—1946-gmc-hot-rod/?lot=20076
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