Featured is the 1946 GMC CC 152 Half Ton Pickup which represented GMC’s first civilian use model produced after the end of World War Two. The GMC CC’s were built in 1946 and later in that year came the EC models. The big postwar modern redesign came in 1947 with the GMC FC models.
GMC Trucks
GMC as a truck brand was created out of a merger of the Reliance Motor Car Company and the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company within General Motors. GMC as a brand was officially introduced in 1912 at the New York International Auto Show.
In 1912, GM built about 20,000 trucks. Prior to the time of unveiling the GMC brand, trucks from GM were produced by both the Reliance and the Rapid companies. By 1913 all GMC truck production was performed at the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company plant in Pontiac, Michigan. Three years later in 1916 General Motors officially created the GMC Truck Division.
By the second decade of the twentieth century the Chevrolet brand and the GMC brand trucks looked very similar in appearance. During those early years Chevrolet was marketing their trucks to individuals while GMC was targeted to commercial buyers. That would change dramatically after the war when automakers increasingly made passenger comfort a top priority with light trucks.
Civilian Light Duty Trucks After the War
The first light truck built in the world was that of Gottlieb Daimler’s Motor-Lastwagen in 1896. This vehicle was essentially a cart with an engine in the front. The first truck to appear in America was the Autocar delivery wagon in 1899. Ford produced the Model TT in 1917. The Model TT consisted of a chassis and engine with factory built bodies not available until 1924. Dodge and Chevrolet produced their first pickup trucks in 1918.
After World War Two and after GI’s became more exposed to trucks through the military, upon returinng home many of them wanted one of their own. In the case of GMC, they produced more than a half million trucks for the military built for ruggedness during the war. GMC built a variety of truck sizes during World War Two from 1 1/2 ton to 10 tons. The result at war’s end was the creation of a big new market for light pickups.
Along with this new demand after the war came increased competition between the American automakers. Styling and comfort became big selling points.
1936 GMC Truck Styling
Like most automakers, GMC relied on prewar designs in the launch of their 1946 models. That doesn’t necessarily mean there were no changes but for the most part they were cosmetic. For quite a long time GMC and Chevy trucks looked quite similar. The differences they had were insignificant. Some would say they looked identical aside from exterior badges
Differences between 1946 GMC and Chevy trucks include.. GMC had horizontal bars, while the Chevrolet had a two piece grille with vertical bars on top and horizontal on the bottom. The cabs are essentially the same but interior paint colors are different. The hood and side curtains are different but the fenders on the GMC, both front and rear, are the same as Chevy. The GMC hood is about 1.5 inches longer than Chevy. GMC hoods were hinged at the middle and could be opened at either side. Radiators on both nameplates have only slight differences.
Options available for the 1946 GMC CC 152 included a radio, bumper guards, heater, spot light and seat covers.
While we’ve mentioned the many similarities between Chevrolet and GMC trucks, as it stands with today’s models, Chevy trucks are basically targeted at core truck buyers whereas GMC is marketed to the luxury truck market.
1946 GMC CC 152 Pickup Truck Specifications
The 1946 GMC Half Ton was built with a 228 cubic inch straight six providing 93 HP. This was the identical engine that was used in 1941 but with higher HP. The 1946 Chevy Pickup had the same engine with slightly less horsepower at 90.
Transmission is a three speed manual with an option for a four speed manual.
Brakes are four wheel hydraulic drums.
Front suspension included a beam axle with semi-ielliptic leaf springs and the rear a semi floating axle
Total 1946 GMC truck production was 33,800 vehicles.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are on the links below…
1946 Chevrolet Half Ton Pickup
Reference material for this article includes… GMC archive collection. For a good deal of additional GMC Truck information along with forums check out www.gmctruckclub.com. GMC: The First 100 Years by John Gunnell.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)
The 1946 GMC Collector Popularity
Light trucks built immediately after World War Two have continued to be popular with collectors. One reason is that the 1946 GMC is one of the very first trucks made for civilian use after the war. Another reason is that these 1946 models represented the start of a new age of light truck modern styling. In addition, collectors who wish to perform restoration on a 1946 GMC will find several companies supplying parts for this model.
Asking prices for 1946 GMC CC 152’s in very good condition have generally been in a range of from $25,000 to $35,000.