1956 GMC Suburban Deluxe Cab

GMC's Suburban was first known as the 'Town and Country.' It was GMC's version of the Chevrolet Cameo pickup and for 1956, styling remained virtually unchanged from 1955. It retained the sleek sides, panoramic windshield, and unique tail lights. There were lightweight fiberglass fenders attached to a steel cargo box with a hidden spare tire compartment.

This example is powered by a 316.6 cubic-inch V8 engine delivering 180 horsepower. When new, it sold for $1,923. It rides on WSW tires, has chrome bumpers and a grille, and is a fully optioned Deluxe Cab. There is a 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmission and one of just 1,000 Suburbans produced by GMC from 1955 through 1957.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2010

GMC was positioned a step above Chevrolet, and ads touted it as 'Top of the Light-Duty Class.' The new-for-1955 GMC styling was billed as 'Blue Chip Design' and the prestige model was the very special 'Suburban' pickup.

The Suburban was GMC's version of the more well-known Chevrolet Cameo Carrier. Originally intended to be called the 'Town and Country,' the name finally selected for production was 'Suburban.' It was a curious choice since Chevrolet was already using the name on its passenger utility vehicle!

Like the Cameo Carrier, the Suburban pickup was built from 1955-1958 and used bolt-on fiberglass fenders to achieve the modern smooth-sided look. Sales for the combined three years of Suburban pickup production have been estimated at less than 1,000 units, making the GMC version very rare.

Our featured GMC Suburban pickup is well-equipped with options, including deluxe cab equipment. Power is provided by a Pontiac -built 316 cubic-inch V8 with 180 horsepower, backed by a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission.