5 Minutes
A Classic GMC That Stands Out
When Chevrolet introduced the Task Force line in 1955 it set a new standard for mid‑century pickup styling and equipment. The Task Force brought optional power steering, power brakes, V8 engines and an industry-first wrap‑around windshield. GMC offered its own sibling, marketed as the Blue Chip, with subtle interior differences and a distinct engine lineup that often included GMC inline‑six units and Pontiac‑sourced V8s.
Why this 1957 GMC 100 NAPCO is special
The 1957 GMC 100 on offer is a rare NAPCO‑equipped example and one of the few survivors that remains largely factory correct. Many Task Force and Blue Chip trucks were heavily modified or abandoned, but this pickup received a meticulous, no‑expense‑spared restoration that keeps the original drivetrain and four‑wheel‑drive conversion intact.
What is NAPCO and the Powr‑Pak?
NAPCO (Northwestern Auto Parts Company) built aftermarket four‑wheel‑drive kits known as Powr‑Pak after WWII. The bolt‑on conversion was designed for trucks with a Hotchkiss drive and became a popular upgrade for GM 3/4‑ton and one‑ton pickups. GMC offered Powr‑Pak as a factory option starting in 1956, with Chevrolet following in 1957. Powr‑Pak production wound down by 1959 as GM introduced its own factory 4x4 system in 1960, and NAPCO was later absorbed by Dana.
Vehicle specifications
Key specifications and features of this restored 1957 GMC 100 include:
- Engine: 347‑cubic‑inch (5.7‑liter) Pontiac V8, professionally rebuilt
- Transmission: 4‑speed manual, rebuilt
- Drivetrain: NAPCO Powr‑Pak 4x4 conversion, rebuilt
- Additional upgrades: Vintage Air AC, RetroSound AM/FM stereo, MagnaFlow exhaust, electrical fuel pump, LED lighting
- Chassis: New suspension and brake components
- Odometer: 62 miles since completion of restoration (December 2017)
Design and authenticity
The truck preserves the classic Task Force/GMC Blue Chip aesthetic with period‑correct lines, while discrete modern touches improve daily usability. The restoration kept the drivetrain original, a major factor that separates a sympathetic restoration from a full restomod. The custom paint and modern amenities like air conditioning and a tasteful stereo make the truck comfortable without obscuring its vintage character.
Performance and driving impressions
With the 347ci Pontiac V8 and a four‑speed manual, the GMC delivers authentic mid‑century V8 torque and an engaging driving experience. The NAPCO 4x4 conversion makes it more capable off the beaten path than a standard two‑wheel‑drive pickup of the era, and rebuilt suspension and brakes improve road manners and safety. Expect a truck that feels muscle‑era robust, with drivability upgraded to modern convenience standards while retaining period powertrain characteristics.
Market positioning and collector relevance
NAPCO‑equipped Task Force and Blue Chip trucks are rare and highly collectible. Experts estimate fewer than 2,000 trucks across brands received Powr‑Pak conversions, making this 1957 GMC 100 unusually scarce. Because the drivetrain remains original and was rebuilt by specialists, this pickup will appeal to collectors seeking authenticity rather than full restomod styling. Its combination of rarity, quality restoration, and tasteful modern upgrades positions it well at specialized auctions and in classic truck markets.
Comparisons and buyer considerations
Compared with heavily modified restomods, this GMC preserves historical value by retaining its original Pontiac V8 and manual gearbox. Compared to a stock Chevrolet Task Force, the GMC Blue Chip offers unique engine choices and the rare opportunity to own a factory‑installed NAPCO conversion. Potential buyers should consider provenance, restoration invoices, and the desirability of an original‑minded drivetrain versus the broader appeal of full modern conversions.
Sale details and closing thoughts
This restored 1957 GMC 100 NAPCO, showing just 62 miles since its December 2017 restoration, will be offered at Mecum's Dallas/Fort Worth 2025 auction on October 31. For classic pickup collectors and enthusiasts of period 4x4 conversions, this truck represents a rare chance to own a beautifully executed, largely original example of GMC's Blue Chip heritage.
Source: autoevolution
Leave a Comment