Hard-Working GMC Gets Retired

This 1940 GMC 250 flatbed truck started its career on a farm in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where it worked hard for many years earning its keep. After a number of years, it was parked in a barn, where it remained until about 1986. The GMC was given a minor restoration and was sold to a new owner in Indianapolis, Indiana, who only put about 1,000 miles on the truck. Again, it was allowed to sit for about ten years, until its current owner, Michael Reese of Kempton, Pennsylvania, bought it in 2007. Along with the truck, Michael acquired the original title that showed two liens against the truck by the first owner. Michael had it repainted Pimpernel Scarlet over black, restored the bed, and rebuilt the 228-cid engine, which still ran well. However, in order to make the truck drivable to distant shows, he decided to repower the GMC with a 1957 GMC 270 engine and install a 1950s Brownie Junior overdrive. This allowed higher speeds and lower engine RPMs on those long-distance travel shows and events. The truck is also equipped with a four-speed transmission and a Timken split rear with 4:56 ratio. When Michael acquired his GMC it had only 23,000 miles on it – since then, he has added 11,000 to that total by driving it to shows in Indiana and Massachusetts. To make traveling easier, Michael restored a 1953 Fleetwing travel trailer for the GMC to pull to the shows. “I get a lot of honks and waves on the highway,” he said. Restoring this truck was a labor of love for Michael, and he enjoys showing off his treasure whenever he gets the chance.