It is typical that once they have four decades under their belts, classic Pickups will look rough around the edges. Carrying heavy loads and plunging into the wilderness will take its toll, and most are begging for restoration. However, this 1979 GMC K1500 is a very different story. Its presentation is unsurprising, considering it is a low-mileage Californian barn find. Its 4×4 drivetrain combination makes it an ideal off-roader, although the supplied photos suggest it may never have seen a dirt road. The owner feels it needs a new home, listing it exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions.

Some classics possess the “wow” factor, and this Pickup is one such vehicle. The deep and lustrous Black paint gives the vehicle a sense of presence, and I struggle to find any flaws. The seller does claim there are a few imperfections but nothing that would warrant a respray. The panels are laser straight, with the underside shots revealing factory undercoat and no evidence of corrosion. Back in the eighties, a dealer added a 4″ lift kit and larger wheels. They used this Pickup to entice potential buyers into the showroom, adding items like the highly-polished rollbar, canvas bed cover, chrome bed steps, and other cosmetic enhancements to catch the public’s eye. It retains these items and their condition is excellent. It may have served to catch the public’s eye when new, but this Stepside has lost none of that ability over the past forty-four years. A hitch receiver adds some practicality, while the trim and glass are immaculate.

I debated using the word “showroom” to describe this truck’s interior condition because it doesn’t miss by much if it isn’t. Its presentation is as impressive as the exterior, with no evidence of wear or abuse. Considering it spent at least part of its life under the California sun, the lack of UV damage and crumbling plastic suggests it was carefully stored when not plying the roads. The upholstered surfaces feature nothing beyond the wrinkles you might expect from any vehicle that has covered the 16,500 miles shown on the odometer. The carpet is spotless, while the sports gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. As with the exterior, this Pickup’s interior needs nothing. The new owner receives power windows, a sporty leather-wrapped tilt wheel, a Stowline Truck Caddy storage box behind the seat, and an upgraded stereo.

Although buyers could order a 1979 K1500 with a six-cylinder under the hood, the original dealer opted for the 400ci V8. It feeds the power and torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. With most of the urge delivered low in the engine’s rev range, it should effortlessly forge its way through some harsh terrain with the V8 barely ticking over. It would also put the hitch receiver to good use, easily hauling heavy loads. The owner added a 6″ lift kit and larger tires to improve its off-road potential even more. However, it doesn’t look like anyone has attempted to test those abilities out yet. Apart from the upgrades, the vehicle’s originality is astounding. It supposedly retains its original plugs, plug wires, and hoses. It is a turnkey proposition needing nothing but a new owner.

This short bed Stepside is a stunning vehicle. Its presentation is superb, carrying the hallmarks of a pickup that has been treated respectfully and stored correctly throughout its life. It could tackle harsh terrain with ease courtesy of its mechanical specifications and upgraded suspension and tires. However, the V8 hiding under the hood means it would be equally comfortable sitting on the highway at 70mph. Pickups of this vintage in such good condition rarely appear, making this an automotive unicorn. Could you give this stunning classic truck the new home it’s begging for?

• Location: Sevierville, Tennessee
• Mileage: 16,500 Shown
• Engine: 400ci V8
• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
• VIN: TKL149Z526861
• Title Status: Clean

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