Restoration: 1948 GMC Truck

Rich Fowler•2 April, 2024

It takes a special breed of auto enthusiast to tackle a rust-to-remarkable restoration, but thankfully for us there are "visionaries" like Kyle from Carter Auto Restyling in the world who not only take on the impossible but video their journey so we can come along for the ride.

Kyle knew from the beginning that this would be a monster job. When he arrived to collect the truck he discovered that, "It didn't look like this in the pictures". But Kyle found a way to view the situation positively: "if you stand way back and don't look at it, it is fine".

Kyle's restoration of this field-find 1948 GMC five-window pickup included a lot of rust removal and dent repairs, a partial chassis replacement and an engine swap. The end result, as I'm sure you'll agree, is exceptional. So sit back, grab a cuppa, click play, and enjoy the ride.

Rich Fowler

Writer

"If it moves and makes a noise, count me in. That pretty much sums up my lifelong passion for motoring and motorsport history. Rich has worked in various roles in the digital and motoring media world, starting his career at Autosport and also working at Auto Action, Motor, and as the founder and publisher of Motorsport Retro.

Most recently, Rich successfully launched Collecting Cars in the Australian market, growing the brand from 0 to $150 million in sales in just 3 years."

Classic TV: Mitsubishi Magna AWD

In 2002, Mitsubishi made history by releasing the first all-wheel drive series production car built in Australia, the Magna AWD. Soon after, it also changed history with the same car's advertising campaign.

The Retro Rides Podcast Episode 6: Sam's glorious HQ Monaro and an All Aussie Auto Show preview

This week, Cam and Rich are joined by Sam Princi for a 'Walk & Talk' on his 1973 V8 HQ Monaro. They also preview the upcoming All Aussie Auto Show in Sydney.

Classic cars drifting on an ice circuit at The ICE St Moritz

Classics in the snow: The ICE St. Moritz

While most concours events are held on the most pristine lawns at golf clubs and palaces, The ICE in the affluent Swiss town of St. Moritz is just a little bit different.

More inAmerican

Top Tips for Buying a Used Dodge Challenger (1970-73)

When Chrysler in the US belatedly got around to building a proper Pony Car, it came in two sizes, with different length wheelbases and some of the most powerful production engines ever made. Collectively, they were the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda, a feisty duo which offered too little and arrived too late to take full advantage of the relatively short-lived Muscle Car era.

Here's your chance to own the first 600mph land speed record car

In 1965, Craig Breedlove's 'Spirit of America Sonic I' became the first vehicle to cross the 600mph barrier, and now you could have the chance to own it when it goes to auction on February 27, 2025.

Rear View: 1964 Ford Mustang

Demure enough for church-going, racy enough for the dragstrip, and modish enough for the country club, the original Ford Mustang was designed to appeal to young, educated, style-seeking but cost-conscious buyers. Clearly, it nailed the brief.