Every so often, we have to revisit the sad beauty of old workhorses left unrestored and found just as they are, with decades of patina telling their story. Few vehicles make such photo-friendly subjects as GM’s Advance Design trucks—or New Design, as the GMC versions were called. And it’s even more of a treat when the images come from CC Cohort regular contributor Ralf K (Don Kincl).
The GMC in the opening photo was found outside a restoration shop in Olympia, Washington. I’m not sure what’s sitting in the truck’s bed—or, more accurately, over the rear frame. But let’s not think about that for too long; we have a couple more Chevrolet/GM workhorses to look at in this short gallery. Next up is another Advance Design model sitting in the same lot.
Despite the rust and patina, this Chevrolet looks a bit closer to roadworthy condition. We’ve covered these 1947–1955 models pretty extensively here at CC, so check out the links below. When it comes to these groundbreaking trucks, I tend to favor the Chevrolets, especially the looks of the earlier models, before the heavy-handed nose job arrived for 1954. Regardless, they’re all lookers. And this one is for sale, too. Any takers?
A different kind of workhorse in this last image: the family type. A 1961 Chevrolet Nomad, and while it sure looks worn now, this was once a shining ride. Back in ’61, the Nomad was Chevy’s top-of-the-line wagon, and remnants of its former glory can still be seen in its extroverted styling (though tamer than the 1959’s). The bright trim, glossy finish, and confident, distinctive shapes—a car that was meant to make an impression, and still does.
I assume this one still runs. Those glitzy wheels certainly suggest so. Perhaps glory will find its way back to this old Nomad, sometime in the future?
Related CC reading:
1954 Chevrolet 3600 Pickup – Placid Advance Design
1961 Chevrolet Parkwood Wagon – Last Call For Wagon-Names Only (For a Few Years Anyway)
The widow maker split rims are deal breakers for me but that Nomad wagon looks good.
There are modern brand “F” wheels with the correct off set to use instead of those darn (well named) “widow makers” .
I’m lucky in that when I was young, mid 1960’s I got to run a fuel oil route using a clean old totally original 1949 Chevy 2.5 ton tanker .
Much fun, that poor old thing smoked like a train but was 100 % reliable, this means a lot in January in Rural New England .
For many years my shop truck was a clapped out 1949 3100 series (1/2 ton) Chevy with a 1957 full pressure oiling 235C.I.D. i6 engine, what a fantastic truck it was .
-Nate