Rare 38 gmc panel find

today I picked up my 38 gmc panel. This panel to my knowledge is exceptionally rare, they started this body in 39 as far as i know. I have an email in to the gm archives to find more info. Everything is there, previous owner had I for the past 50 yrs. runs and drives, original motor. Used to be a bell electric truck.

 

That's a '39. The '38 still used the '36-'37 body.
Thank goodness it's a 3 speed.

 

38 or 39 its pretty cool

 

Sweet! Are you going to restore or hot rod it?

 

Thats awesome. Can't wait for a build thread.

 

Seen this one in the desert not too long ago... way cool.

 

Looks like its in good shape. What are your plans for it?

 

Very Very nice !!!!!!

 

That truck looks familiar! Was the 1950 GMC pickup there when you picked up the panel truck?

 

Very interesting. That grill/windshield/headlights tells me its a 39.

The 38's looked like this (below), and this only as the '37's had a vertical barred grill that was a bit different overall. For '39 it was pretty much a totally re-styled truck, as in yours.

 

Great score!
Early GMC' s are extremely rare.
I say it's a '39 as well.

 

That's a fine '39! Congratulations!! That'll haul some parts for sure.

 

The truck is registered as a 38. Sending the info off to gm archives to get some answers

Drop top. Yes sir, that 50 is yours? Nice ride!

Plans. Not sure. May keep it original. I may end up selling my 55 1st series to keep this. Couldnt pass it up.

 

Great find

 

Nice score!!

 

Registrations, especially those of old cars, are not always accurate which causes problems for those of us trying to bring those cars back to glory. The '38s had a flat windshield like the white '38 PU in Graham's post. The new "V" windshield was introduced on the '39s, such as on yours. Best wishes on your build. Keep us clued in.

 

Cool looking truck, can't be many of them left.

 

looks cool!

 

Great find ! Wish it were mine

 

Great score! And it proves that they are still out there waiting for us.

 

It shocked the crap out of me when I saw it. Immediately towing home we got stopped asking questions. I have been searching google for these trucks and cannot find but 2 of them. Anyone know someone with one?

 

What a killer ride. I am stunned to see it so complete, be tough to find some body parts for that gem. Congrat's and good luck with this rare one! ~sololobo~

 

Actually came with an additional pair of rear fenders

 

That is going to be so cool when it's done. Love the shape.

 

I'de say you did rather well my friend!

 

Some states titled by calendar year in which vehicle was sold new. If it was a early low serial number '39, it may have been sold new in perhaps November or December of '38 and gotten titled as a '38. I used to have an OT '86 Ford Tempo that the state of Maryland insisted on titling as an '85 even though the serial number indicated in was an '86, and it had the third brake light which '86s had and '85s did not.

 

my packard is registered as a 38 but it's actually a 39 was registered in december1938 i guess it must have been an early order i had to find out also

 

Yes the 50 GMC is mine, bought it from the same guy you got the panel from, I had my truck and trailer in the exact spot you were a few hours after you left. I saw the panel truck last week, very cool truck.

 

Wow! Looks like a 1939 according to this http://www.gmphotostore.com/1939-GMC-Panel-Truck/productinfo/53216886/

 

when you buy parts get them for 39 most parts will fit up to 46