Dammit Jim: 47k-Mile 1978 GMC Sierra Classic 2500 Camper Special

What a unicorn we have here, with GMC’s range topper C/K pickup. All the available data says Gentleman Jim packaged rigs were limited to the 1975 model year and 2,500 production units. Let’s call this one out as a loving tribute? Perhaps they ordered some NOS Gentleman Jim decals on eBay and had it their way. Regardless, this truck doesn’t need some fabricated marketing and over the top swank to remain relevant. The Sierra Classic was the best you could get, offering brushed aluminum appliques on the dash and door cards, with a matching tramp stamp on the tailgate out back. The two-tone double down brown paint was framed by real chrome trim, none of today’s fake shiny plastic to be found here, and the honest materials are truly refreshing. The carpet was more luxurious, and the door pulls more ornate compared to lower models, but the head scratcher here is the omission of power windows. The original owner must have gotten burned by some bad electric window regulators in a past life, or just enjoyed the workout, either way we know that “a la carte” build sheet came in handy!

Another stand out feature found on this subject Sierra is the Camper Special package, tailor made for those cabover slide-in RV style backpacks. The shocks are rated for higher loads (8200 lb G.V.W. in this case) and paired with longer beds. The chrome plated tie down anchors on the outer sections of the bed could assist with mating the two, and electrical ports were installed for connecting to your temporary residence. The teepee insignia could offend some folks, so tread lightly, or if you’re the insensitive type, just park next to a Jeep Comanche so you don’t look as bad. Who are we kidding, you’re a gentleman, right Jim? From the seller’s description, there aren’t any glaring faults, the bench seats have some splits, and the tailgate has some scuffs, but otherwise squeaky clean. There’s a healthy dose of simple American character baked into this machine, and we think it’s ready and willing to live out those Marlboro man fantasies (or cruise to the local Cars & Coffee).