Motor Sourcing | Segment 01 – 1956 NAPCO GMC Model 100

In 1956 GMC did not make a 4-wheel drive truck. If you wanted 4-wheel drive, you purchased a brand-new GMC truck for around $1,923, and turned to the North American Parts Company (NAPCO) who dropped out the front axle and installed a new NAPCO planetary front drive axle, a transfer case, and a shift lever bolted to the passenger frame rail. The X in this truck’s VIN indicates it was produced in the 56 series 100 and with 6041 as the series number it would have been 5040th truck off the line. Fairly early in a production run of probably 30,000 light duty trucks.

According to the GM Heritage Center, the 1956 GMC Pickup was the GMC version of the more well-known Chevrolet Apache pickup. GMC was positioned a step above Chevrolet, focusing on the commercial line and ads touted it as 'Top of the Light-Duty Class.' The 1956 GMC styling was virtually unchanged from 1955 and featured sleek sides, unique tail lights and a panoramic windshield. Some of the GMC trucks were powered by a 316.6 cubic-inch V8 engine (Made by Pontiac) delivering 180 horsepower with a 4-speed Hydra-matic transmission.

“Blue” was originally equipped with this Pontiac V8; however, the prior owner had removed the original engine for a 350 SBC swap. We wanted to go back with the correct power plant, and thus the search began.

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