GMC trucks: books - history, models and technology

GMC Heavy Duty Trucks 1927-1987

Focusing on GMCs most fruitful six decades from 1927 to 1987, this book also contains a prologue and epilogue to round out the 100 plus year history of GMC trucks and their predecessors Rapid and Reliance, with particular emphasis on the heavy-duty models.
In-depth coverage of all models, engine specifications, year-to-year changes, and model-by-model genealogy charts are included as well as the story of GM's role as a heavy-duty truck maker and the influences of Max Grabowski, William Crapo Durant, and Alfred P. Sloan Jr.

An essential book for truck enthusiasts, historians, restorers, and anyone interested in General Motors. Archival photos, many from the National Automotive Historical Collection, show many of these models in pristine form.

GMC DUKW - America's Amphibious Duck in World War II and Korea (Legends of Warfare)

The General Motors Corporation DUKW was without a doubt the most successful amphibious military vehicle ever constructed. This is due in large part to the enormous amount of scientific and engineering talent that was devoted to the project. Included in the design team were America's Cup winner Rod Stephens, adventurer and environmentalist Dennis Puleston, and scientist and engineer Palmer C. Putnam.
The DUKW was so successful and so widely used that Gen. Dwight Eisenhower described it as "one of the most valuable pieces of equipment produced by the United States during the war."

This book chronicles the development and use of these vehicles from concept to combat in WWII and Korea.
Through dozens of archival photos, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of surviving vehicles, these iconic armored fighting vehicles are explored, and their history is explained.

GMC DUKW-353 Amphibian Truck - Technical Manual (TM 9-802)

A modification of the 2 1/2-ton "deuce", the DUKW amphibious truck was designed in 1942 by a team that included a British sailor, an American yacht builder and an MIT engineer. Powered by a GMC Straight-6, 270 cubic inch engine, the DUKW's six drive wheels allowed it to move up to 50 mph on the road and at roughly 6 mph in water.
It was the first vehicle ever designed to allow tire pressure to be adjusted from inside the cab, allowing it to operate easily and efficiently on sand, rock, gravel and paved roads. The vehicle lacked armor, but one in every four produced came equipped with a machine gun ring mount. Overall, the DUKW weighed 6.5 short tons empty and could carry 2.5 short tons or twelve soldiers.
The DUKW's career in combat was unique, being used to ferry supplies and men from ship to shore, and operating in flooded environments. It was used in landings in the Pacific and European Theaters, including at D-Day, and many were also used during the Korean War at Inchon.

Incidentally, the term "DUKW" is not a military term, but rather an acronym coined by General Motors. "D" stood for the year it was designed, 1942. "U" stood for "Utility", "K" for front wheel drive, and "W" for two powered rear axles.
Over 21, 000 DUKWs were built during WWII. Some remain in use today as amphibious tour buses.

Originally created in 1945, this War Department technical manual contains a full description of the DUKW and shows how to operate and maintain it.
Originally restricted, this 500+ page manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

GMC Light-Duty Trucks - An Enthusiast's Reference

Appealing to both historians and enthusiasts GMC Light Duty Trucks is a chronological overview of the popular General Motors vehicles that have been long considered Pontiac's trucks. It begins by tracing their roots to the year 1902 and the long-departed Rapid and Reliance brands.

The story continues with the pair joining an emergent General Motors and the 1912 consolidation as GMC. A discussion of significant early milestones follows: Model 15 of 1914 the first "true" GMC; the role of GMC's military vehicles during the First World War; and, the impact of General Motors acquiring Yellow Cab Manufacturing Company, which it merged with General Motors Truck Company and led to the wide range of GMC light duties when Yellowcab trucks, the Pontiac Delivery and Chevrolet Commercial Bodies were integrated into the evolving GMC line.

Next the important middle years are reviewed, highlighting effects of GM's corporate styling leadership on GMC; the offering expansion of the immediate pre-World War II era that brought several distinctive types to the line-up; the all-new 1939 model light truck engine, cab and bodies; contributions to the Second World War allied military effort; and, the birth of GMC Truck & Coach Division.

The major postwar styling and functional redesigns of 1947 and 1955 are covered in detail along with the arrival of civilian 4x4 pickups and, in particular, the ambitious Breakthrough Engineering efforts for 1960, culminating in the V-6 engine program that marked the high tide of GMC uniqueness.

The book concludes by summarizing the past three decades when a broadening diversity of added models - sport utilities, diesels, full-size and mini vans, multi-purpose vehicles, and compact and mid-size pickups contributed to a massive growth in customer acceptance.