How many 1946 GMC trucks were made?

There isn't a publicly published single total for all 1946 GMC trucks. Production was distributed across multiple model lines and plant locations, and the official figures are kept in GM's archives rather than summarized in one public tally.

In this article, we examine why pinpointing a precise figure is challenging, outline the factors that influence counts, and point to the primary sources where researchers can verify numbers stored in GM's historical records.

What makes the figure hard to pin down

The exact number depends on how production is counted and which models are included. After World War II, GMC continued civilian truck production across several categories, and counting needs to account for variations in body styles, chassis configurations, and regional manufacturing plants. Because some wartime plants remained transitioning to peacetime output, and because model-year boundaries were less clearly separated than in later decades, a single public total for 1946 does not appear in standard reference works.

• Civilian postwar trucks encompassed a range of light, medium, and heavy-duty chassis, each potentially recorded in separate production tallies.


• Manufacturing overlap with late-1945 and early-1947 activity means some figures are dispersed across year-end reports rather than a clean 1946 line item.


• Publicly available sources often publish by model series or by dealer catalog rather than a comprehensive company-wide annual total.


• Official, authoritative totals exist in GM's internal archives and catalogs, which are not always accessible to the public.

Because of these factors, a precise, widely cited public number for “how many 1946 GMC trucks were made” does not exist in common reference materials.

Where to find authoritative numbers

Researchers seeking an exact tally should consult primary archival sources maintained by General Motors and affiliated historical organizations. The following avenues are typically pursued to assemble a precise figure.

1. GM Heritage Center: Year-by-year production records for GMC trucks, including breakdowns by model line and plant when available.


2. GMC Truck Historical Society and related dealer literature: Publications and catalogs from the era may list production figures or provide corroborating data points.


3. Period trade publications and industry journals (circa 1946): Articles and factory reports sometimes summarize output by model or by segment.


4. GM corporate histories and museum collections: Summary histories and archival abstracts that reference postwar production volumes.

Access to these records is typically required for a precise total, and figures may vary by how a researcher aggregates civilian output, conversions, and exports.

Summary

In short, there is no widely published single total for all 1946 GMC trucks. The number depends on how production is counted across multiple models, plants, and postwar transitions. For an exact figure, researchers should consult GM’s archival resources and period primary sources.

What makes the '46 Chevy truck iconic?

The combination of its bold styling, rugged engineering, and proven reliability earned the K10 a lasting reputation as a go-anywhere, do-anything truck. Today, it is admired not just for its power, but also for its timeless tough appearance and classic American truck design.

How much is a 1946 Chevy truck worth?

The value of a 1946 Chevy truck can range from approximately $5,000 for a project-grade truck to over $100,000 for a high-end, custom, or fully restored model. Factors such as condition, model (e.g., 3100, 3600, 3800), mileage, and modifications significantly impact the price. For example, a fully restored or modified restomod can fetch high prices, while a restored or unrestored truck in good condition might be valued around $15,000 to $40,000.
 
Factors affecting value

• Condition: Prices vary dramatically based on whether the truck is a project, a good driver, a high-quality restoration, or a concours-level vehicle. 
• Model: Different series have different values. The 3100 is the 1/2 ton model, while the 3600 and 3800 are 3/4 ton and 1 ton models, respectively. 
• Modifications: Trucks with modern upgrades (restomods) can be very valuable, especially with a powerful engine, modern suspension, and other features like air conditioning. 
• Rarity: Some configurations, like the Panel Truck or dually, can be rarer and more desirable. 
• Market Fluctuations: Prices depend on the current market, with recent sales ranging from under $10,000 for project trucks to over $50,000 for well-done examples. 

Value examples by condition

• Project/Restorable: As low as $5,000, but could be higher depending on what's included (e.g., a project truck with no motor but including the title and another frame may be valued differently). 
• Good Condition: Around $15,000 to $25,000 for a solid, presentable truck, notes J.D. Power and Hagerty. 
• High-End/Restomod: Can range from $40,000 to over $100,000 depending on the quality of the build and the components used. For example, a well-built restomod with a modern V8 engine, 4-wheel disc brakes, and power steering can easily exceed $40,000. 

What engine is in a 1946 Chevy pickup?

A 216ci Inline 6-cylinder with a 1-barrel carburetor feeding it, and a 3-speed manual transmission behind is all in non-running condition. The engine will turn over but will not run. The rear end sports 4.11 gears to put power to the ground.

What year of GMC Trucks to stay away from?

The 2014-2019 GMC Sierra 1500 models are generally considered years to avoid due to a range of issues, including electrical problems, transmission failures, and engine concerns. Specifically, the 2014-2015 model years were prone to transmission failures, while 2016-2018 models reported significant braking and technology issues. Models from 2019 continued to have problems with build quality and technology. Older models, particularly those with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, are also vulnerable to lifter failure. 
Years to avoid for GMC Sierra 1500

• 2014-2015: These early models in the fourth generation were plagued with electrical problems, especially with the new infotainment system, and had high rates of transmission failures and engine knock. 
• 2016-2018: These years continued to experience issues with 8-speed transmissions, a.k.a. torque converters, that could result in rough shifting, or "shudder". Some 2016 models were also recalled for braking system problems. 
• 2019: The 2019 model year saw issues with build quality, and continued transmission problems were reported, along with engine and technology complaints. 

Other models to approach with caution

• Older models with AFM: GMC introduced Active Fuel Management (AFM) on 2007-2011 models and continued to use it on subsequent models with 5.3L and 6.2L V8s. This system can lead to lifter failure, particularly if the system has not been deleted or the oil has not been maintained. 
• Models withZF 6-speed manual transmission: Trucks with the ZF 6-speed manual transmission, particularly 3500s from 2005 and earlier, can be difficult and expensive to repair due to specialized parts.