1972 GMC Jimmy 4×4

Description

The GMC Jimmy was introduced in 1970 as a counterpart to the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, a pioneer sport utility for other GM dealers to offer. It was designed to compete with other popular off-road vehicles of the time, such as the smaller Ford Bronco and International Harvester Scout, but the Blazer and Jimmy were the first to be based on a full-sized pickup chassis shortened to a 104-inch wheelbase. This innovation both increased interior space and lowered the cost of production by using a shared platform. It was available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. 

The 1972 GMC Jimmy offered several engine choices, from an inline six to the famed 350 cu-in V8. Buyers could choose from a three-speed automatic, and three- or four-speed manual transmissions. The Jimmy featured a folding soft top and optional removable hardtop, and the interior was designed for comfort and durability, with options for bucket seats and a rear bench seat. Options like air conditioning, power steering, front disc brakes, and even automatic transmissions were not available with the competition, making the Blazer and Jimmy unique in the marketplace. 

Highlights 

• Replacement Chevy 350 cu-in V8 with Edelbrock intake manifold and carburetor 

• Three-speed automatic transmission 

• Dual-range transfer case with 3.73:1 rear gears and locking manual front hubs 

• Toyo 33×13.5 Open Country M/T tires on 15-inch Mickey Thompson Wheels 

• The chassis number (TKE182F514206) decodes as: 

  • T – GMC Truck 

  • K – 4x4 (Four-Wheel Drive) 

  • E – V8 gasoline engine 

  • 1 – 1/2 ton 

  • 8 – Suburban or Jimmy 

  • 2 – 1972 model year 

  • F – Flint, Michigan, final assembly plant 

  • 514206 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Upgrades to this 1972 K5 Jimmy include: 

  • LMC Truck front bucket seats 

  • Removable rear seats from a later-model GM SUV  

  • Black vinyl upholstery 

  • Polished tilt-adjustable steering column 

  • Front power disc brakes 

  • Power steering 

  • Skyjacker six-inch suspension lift 

  • Dual exhaust system 

  • Air conditioning 

  • Sony Bluetooth stereo 

  • Kenwood speakers 

Known Imperfections 

• The front bumper has a very small hump on the top lip just to the passenger side of center 

• The chrome front grill has some very small pitting 

• There are some scuffs/scratches on the finish of hardtop interior 

• The hardtop interior is original finish never been repainted 

Included 

• Service records 

• Original sun visors in the original blue interior color 

Ownership History 

This 1972 GMC Jimmy is said to have been registered in California from new and was acquired by the consignor in 2013, who states, “⁠I have known about this specific truck since I was 16 years old. I tried to buy it when I was 16. So, I know it has remained here in the mild climate of California’s central coast since the late 1990's at least.”   

The seller also states, “An earlier-style Chevrolet grille was added under previous ownership, and the truck had been repainted blue. In 2024, it was fitted with a replacement rear bumper, windshield, wiper blades, side mirrors, exterior door handles, and lock cylinders in addition to replacement housings, bulbs, and lenses for the exterior lights. The weather stripping around the truck has been replaced, which includes the seals between the hardtop and body and the upper door window surrounds. Additional service includes replacing the power steering pump, rebuilding the steering box, overhauling the power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes, adding braided stainless-steel lines, and replacing the emergency brake cables. The air conditioning system was overhauled in 2024 with a replacement compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and hoses as well as an LMC Truck chrome dash vent kit. The upper dashboard pad, carpeting, armrests, door panels, inner door handles, window cranks, window regulators, defroster vents and ducting, and window felts and run channels were replaced, and the transmission also serviced in 2024. Finally, an electric choke was installed and the spark plugs, ignition wires, starter, battery, belts, and hoses were replaced last year. The five-digit odometer shows 12k miles, approximately 2,000 of which were added under current ownership, though the total mileage is unknown.”