As they say, they don’t make ‘em like the used to, but that hasn’t stopped enthusiasts from recreating their favorite vehicles using contemporary underpinnings. Case in point – this modern-day GMC Sierra, which seamlessly blends vintage charm with present-day engineering thanks to a custom-built stepside bed design.
A quick video of the custom Sierra was posted to social media, drawing mixed reactions from users.
For those who may be unaware, GM launched into the stepside truck market in the ‘50s, offering a practical solution to loading and unloading the bed thanks to small “step-ups” placed around the bed. While the popularity of this design began to decline in the ‘80s, stepside trucks have had something of a resurgence in recent years, driven in large part by the nostalgic looks.
This particular custom GMC Sierra follows the trend with its own stepside design. The truck’s exterior features a refined, muted silver-gray paint finish, which enhances its clean, modern appearance while allowing the retro design elements to shine.
Obviously, the custom stepside bed is the highlight, with rounded rear fenders that evoke the classic look of early pickups. The bed integrates smoothly with the truck’s factory body lines, creating a cohesive, yet standout aesthetic.
At the front, the Sierra retains its stock modern fascia, including clean angular headlights with amber turn signals, a chrome-accented grille, and a polished bumper. These contemporary features contrast nicely with the retro-inspired rear, showing how classic design can work with modern styling.
The side profile emphasizes the Sierra’s dual personality. Large alloy wheels with a clean multi-spoke layout give the truck a refined look. The factory body panels provide a nice complement to the stepside bed’s custom appearance.
At the rear, the vintage theme takes center stage. A bold red GMC emblem on the tailgate maintains brand authenticity, while retro-styled taillights mounted on the fenders echo the look of classic trucks. A chrome rear bumper adds a final nod to nostalgia, providing a polished contrast to the muted paintwork.
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Does this retro-inspired GMC Sierra work for you, or is it just a failed attempt at applying some of that old-school cool to a modern pickup? Let us know by voicing out in the comments!
Comments
I’d buy one!
Build it w/o a huge screen in the dash to truly be retro. Eliminate all the non-necessary stuff and sell as low a price as possible. Would be great weekend job or tow vehicle. (K.I.S.S.)
Great+ kiss
Looks really good with the regular cab truck. Do they even make regular cabs anymore? Don’t think it would look very good on an extended cab truck.
The “regular” cab is no longer the regular cab.
They do and I drive one, great truck!
Lots more room behind the seat than the older regular cabs too (maybe 18 inches).
Just for info, they do make Regular Cab, SWB pickups. Only in WT trim. Both GMC and Chevy. I would buy one like this in a flash. Especially if you could get a nicely equipped cab on it. I use my truck for light hauling and commuting. This would be enough truck for me.
Now it needs a three on the tree and the high beam low beam switch on the floor.
Also place the starter pedal on the floor. The old GM vehicles pedal pushed the rod that engaged the starter bendix into the flywheel ring gear. At the same time it pushed the switch that connected battery power to the starter windings. “How simple and great was that?”
I had a 77, it was stylish and offered great utility. I would own one again.
With today’s PUs just being play toys for rich with beds you can not reach into or without a step later this is a practical pu ! Ranchers and farmers used them for years then they dissapeared !! Country people need a truck that is practical and economical !! Not some 10ft high tank !! Leave that for the drugstore cowboys !!
Totally agree! A truck’s axle will hit its rubber bump stop LONG before the tire will hit the inner fender well.
Had 1990 GMC rcsb with 5-speed. Wasn’t stepside, but was great truck.
My first of several Chevy trucks was a red ’56 step side with a blue flame six and 3 on the tree.
Present ride is a 2018 100th Anniversary 1500. Yep; I’m old and I like my Chevy trucks!
Heck yeah I’d buy one right now especially if they put a three on the tree in it, then they could sell all those piled up turbo four cylinders they can’t sell on the full sized trucks , but a small V-8 would be the cherry on the top to get the sound.
Most all pre-1960 pickups were “stepsides.” The Chevy Cameo Carrier was the first pickup to offer a smooth-sided fender appearance (even though it was a fiberglass cap for the existing stepside box. By 1957, Ford introduced the regular-production Styleside body and the Flareside, Stepside and Utiline boxes were pretty much gone by the 1990s, despite GM’s try to revive it as the Sportside and Ford’s revival of the Flareside. Both were history by the turn of the century…
Quite frankly I like it. Cheers!
GM should bring this design back as a factory option. Also 2 door should be available in higher trim levels. Bring back extended cab pickups. I will not buy a 4 door. Too big, ugly, and expensive.
Had one in 1979 loved it, with modern technology I would sell my Sierra and buy one.
Regards Tony🇺🇸
Step sides were the true “chore” trucks. Bring-um back!
looks great but for a little pizzaz chop the roof 4 inchs channel the sides 4 inchs make it a low rider! it is too bad they disappearead very cool looking trucks!
Had a 69 gmc and a 89 stepside. would buy this .
The Detroit News once used regular cab, step side P/Us to deliver bundled newspapers to news stands and paper stations. The regular cab was enough for a driver and a jumper. The jumper sometimes used the step to ride from news stand to news stand.
I still have my 1992 GMC Sierra 4×4 Reg. cab “Sportside” bought in 1992. 350 5 speed manual. Never sell it. About to re-do some minor updates.
It is a beauty, coupled up with the Turbomax engine.
I love it! Have my 2021 GMC Sierra Denali, but this would be a great towing/weekender.
Had a 82 Chevy Stepside and loved the truck. Like the retro look, build it with that look and the new tech and in a 4 wheel drive and I’ll buy one.