Did GMC have a sales data book like Chevy?

[bpmcgee]

I have a '61 Chevy sales data book, and I have the '61 GMC CANADA sales data book, but I've never even seen a 61 GMC US sales data book.

I didn't realize it, but the GMC Canada book isn't sufficient. Canadian GMCs were much more like rebadged Chevies than US GMCs. They offered the V8, and NOT the V6.

Did they make such an animal as a domestic sales data book? Does anyone have a copy of it?

Brian

[Dave Boboltz]

Brian,

I cannot answer your question directly for the 1960-1961 time frame, but in the mid-70s I recall seeing GMC Truck Databooks at work (GMC Truck and Coach), 4 inches thick with red covers.

I do not have any copies of a data book.

Dave Boboltz, Waterford MI, 1964 K1002 305E

[Dave Boboltz]

More Information: I checked with the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan, regarding 1960s GMC Data Books. They do have an archive with some amount of GM documentation. From one of their staff, this reply:

"While we do have GMC Data Book pages from the 1960s (1962, 1963, 1969), we do not have complete Data Books with the covers in our collection."

Dave Boboltz, Waterford MI, 1964 K1002 305E

[bpmcgee]

Dave,

Do you think it's possible to get a copy of what they have?

B

[Dave Boboltz]

B., I do not have that answer. You would need to ask them. They can be reached at gmhc@gm.com.

I am also trying to get in contact with Mr. Don Meyers who is a GM Historian and who lives in my area, to see if he might have access to any early 60s databooks. The books are quite thick and I would imagine getting a copy to you would be labor intensive and cost prohibitive.

Dave Boboltz, Waterford, MI, 1964 K1002 305E

[bpmcgee]

Thanks, I sent them an email. Let me know if you hear from Mr. Meyers.

B

[Dave Boboltz]

To the members of this website,

Today I spoke to Mr. Don Meyers of Lake Orion, Michigan, who has quite a bit of historical information regarding GMC Trucks, including GMC Truck Data Books from 1962, 1965, 1966, 1969, and 1970. Don worked in GMC Truck and Coach Engineering during the time period that the big block V6s were in production. Don does not do the internet, so if there are Data Book inquiries to be made, you might give Don a call at 248-693-1227. The books are quite huge and it is impractical for Don to copy the entire data book for members of this forum; he might be able to copy onesie-twosie sheets for you.

Also, Don does not claim to be a GMC Coach historian, but he has a contact if you need it.

Dave Boboltz, Waterford MI, 1964 K1002 305E

[Ed Snyder]

To the members of this website,

Today I spoke to Mr. Don Meyers of Lake Orion, Michigan, who has quite a bit of historical information regarding GMC Trucks, including GMC Truck Data Books from 1962, 1965, 1966, 1969, and 1970. Don worked in GMC Truck and Coach Engineering during the time period that the big block V6s were in production. Also, Don does not claim to be a GMC Coach historian, but he has a contact if you need it.



Don Meyer is being modest if he claims not to be a GMC historian. He's been exactly that for many, many years. I communicated with him a few times via snail mail several years ago. I even sent him color copies of all my '60s GMC sales brochures to add to his collection. I wasn't sure if he was still with us. He's gotta be at least in his 80s by now.

[6066gmcguy]

I have a Copy of a GMC Sale Data book from the early 60s, they would replace the pages as updates were made, my book looks to be 62ish. its just a copy, and has hunders of pages, cost me about $70 to copy it. I also have a 1963-66 book I got off ebay.

[bpmcgee]

6066,

The proximate cause of my question is that I'm looking for data specifically for my '61 GMC. And given that I have both the US Chevy and CA GMC books for this year, I realize I'm close to being able to answer an interesting question (to me) - "what exactly were the differences between the trucks by brand and region?"

B

[bpmcgee]

More Information: I checked with the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan, regarding 1960s GMC Data Books. They do have an archive with some amount of GM documentation. From one of their staff, this reply:

"While we do have GMC Data Book pages from the 1960s (1962, 1963, 1969), we do not have complete Data Books with the covers in our collection."

Dave Boboltz, Waterford MI, 1964 K1002 305E

Dave,

You must have spoken with the right person! I just got a reply and it said they have nothing for '61 :(

B

[GMCNUT]

6066,

The proximate cause of my question is that I'm looking for data specifically for my '61 GMC. And given that I have both the US Chevy and CA GMC books for this year, I realize I'm close to being able to answer an interesting question (to me) - "what exactly were the differences between the trucks by brand and region?"

B

We can probably answer that question without a data book based off everyone's experiences and observations but I do have a 1960 or 1961 GMC data book upstairs and will fetch that and see if I can help you find whatever info you might want to know from in it or make copies of certain pages etc

[bpmcgee]

We can probably answer that question without a data book based off everyone's experiences and observations but I do have a 1960 or 1961 GMC data book upstairs and will fetch that and see if I can help you find whatever info you might want to know from in it or make copies of certain pages etc

Would you mind copying some pages? I'd be happy to compensate you for your trouble!

I really only care about the light duty trucks, and I'd like the pages that show the specifications and options, the pages which describe the color schemes, pictures of the interior, and the pages outlining the factory wheel sizes (that always seems to be a question).

B

[6066gmcguy]

For the model year 1961 there was less differances than 1963 and newer. all trucks used the same basic frame & body, GMC used only the 305 V6 for power while Chevy used their line of inline 6s & V8s. Canadian GMC were just rebadged Canadain Chevys.

GMC had a diiferant hood, dash, grill & tailgate. most of this info can be found on the website, or whats left of it posted in the links above.

The GMC Data Book was a lot bigger then the chevy book, as seen in the photos below. I also posted Paint chips from paint suppliers. also some scans I made a while back of some of the pages in the book.

[1960gmcv12]

I am a new member but i don't think so I've never seen one but some of the Chevrolet ones say gmc model available

[BobBray]

I have been looking for a '67 GMC data book for years. The Chevy ones come up on Ebay from time to time, but the GMC editions are rare.