As the automotive industry at large fawns over hardcore, trail-running, dune-charger off-roaders like the Ford F-150 Raptor, Jeep Gladiator Mojave, the forthcoming Ram TRX, and the recently revived Bronco SUV, the street-sport pickup truck has largely fallen by the wayside. But the world of restomods, where old-school style meets modern performance, certainly hasn't forgotten how great a classic truck with serious power under the hood can look, sound, and feel. Case in point comes in the form of a 1959 GMC 100 pickup truck restomod that was just added to the impressive slate of vehicles shaping up to be auctioned at Mecum's Kissimmee Summer Special 2020 event.
Built Up For Serious Fun
The truck began its life as a standard pickup before receiving a frame-off restoration highlighted by the installation of a 383ci V8 at the hands of White Performance and Machine in Kingsport, Tennessee. The stroker now produces a claimed output of 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, which is routed to the rear wheels through a rebuilt four-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the truck now rides low thanks to a second-generation Mustang's front end and a four-link setup at the back with TCI coilovers installed.
Ready For Cruising
Other details include Wilwood six-piston disc brakes all around. Mecum's listing claims the paint and final assembly was completed by Jose Escalante of Hot Rod South in Miami, Florida. The immaculate truck looks just as clean on the interior as on the exterior and beneath the hood, and is set to be auctioned as part of Mecum's in-person event the last weekend of August. All that remains to be seen is whether investors and collectors will be willing to brave Florida's reputation as a coronavirus hot spot to get their hands on a hot truck like this.
Source: Mecum