I purchased this 1994 GMC Sonoma new on July 19, 1994, from McDonald Pontiac-GMC. The purchase price was $14,763.66, and the truck had 100 miles on the odometer when I took delivery.

Thirty-two years later, it remains with its original owner (me) and currently shows just 36,437 miles. The mileage, gas fill-ups, oil changes, and repairs are fully documented in a small notebook and with bill receipts. It has a clean title from New Jersey.

The Sonoma has been garaged every night throughout my ownership. It has never been driven in snow or on salted roads, has rarely been driven in rain, and has been carefully preserved throughout its life. It has never been in an accident or had any body work. It is currently housed in my heated garage where it has lived for the past 32 years.

Truck Specifications

The truck is a 1994 GMC Sonoma Club Coupe Pickup, 2WD, with SLS Sport Decor, and Wideside Body. It has a 2.2 liter MFI L4 gas engine coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Also has power steering and power brakes. Has air conditioning (works well), leather wrapped steering wheel, air deflector and fog lamps. It rides on P205/75R15 ALS S/B RD White Letter F/R/S Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires, and heavy duty suspension package. Has underbody spare tire carrier; also AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Exterior color is #38 Bright Teal and interior is Graphite Deluxe Cloth. Has two rear jump seats and full floor carpeting with floor mats.I have the original window sticker, dealer invoice, odometer statement, delivery checklist, Protection Plus Agreement, owner’s manual, and 22-page GMC Sales Booklet. VIN: 1GTCS1945RK523616.

Why I Bought It

At the time I purchased the Sonoma, I was the owner and publisher of Military Vehicles magazine. For approximately four years, I used the truck once every two months to transport cartons of magazines from our printer in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to my home in Morristown, New Jersey. There, the magazines were repackaged and shipped to dealers throughout the United States.

I sold Military Vehicles magazine in 2000, and since about 2001 the truck has seen very limited use—generally no more than about 1,000 miles per year and considerably less in recent years.

The “Food Chain” Artwork The feature that makes this Sonoma truly one of a kind is its custom artwork.

In the 1950s and later, flames and geometric graphics became popular on customized vehicles. I wanted to do something different. My wife and I had three cats at the time, which gave me the idea of putting animals on the truck.

I was also a collector of First Day Covers and had become acquainted with artist Dave Bennett, producer of Cachetoons. Dave had created designs for the 1987 North American Wildlife series of 50 stamps and had previously worked in animation, including Charlie the StarKist Tuna and the Keebler Elves. I particularly liked the cheerful personalities he gave his animal characters.

I asked Dave Bennett if he would create an original design specifically for my truck. He agreed and came up with a three-panel animal chase that we called “Food Chain.” His original sketch is included with the truck.

The scene begins along both sides of the truck with a bird chasing a mouse. Two cats join the chase, followed by a skunk, a dog with bees overhead, and finally a bear. The animals are all completely original, not copies of any from Disney, Hanna-Barbera, Golden, Spock, etc.

The story continues onto the tailgate, where the bear takes the mouse under his protection and brings the other animals to a sudden halt. It concludes with the bear and mouse shaking paws, a scene that appears on the hood and glovebox.

The design was then airbrushed onto the truck by Andy Cappuccio, known as “Pooch” and owner of “Brush Stuff” in Cresco, Pennsylvania. Paintwork was completed in early spring 1995.

The original Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires still on the truck tie in nicely with the animal graphics. You will never have seen another truck quite like it.

Show History

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, I took the Sonoma to three or four shows each summer. It generally came home with a Best of Class or similar trophy.

More than 20 of those trophies have been saved and can be included with the truck if the buyer would like them.

Equipment and Accessories

The truck is equipped with an Extang heavy-duty bed liner and tonneau cover with three braces, all of which remain in excellent condition.

Other additions include Ultra alloy wheels with bright teal accents, an American Alloy slat grille, and matching green spiral wrap detailing in the engine compartment.

It has two trailer hitch balls (different sizes, never used) and electrical connector for lights.

Also included are a vintage Garmin Nuvi GPS unit (works fine) with its circular dash mounting disk, toolbox with many hand tools, a Bucket Boss 2-gauge 20-foot battery booster cable in a heavy-duty polyester case, first-aid kit, foam dice, cleaning brush, battery lifting strap, and a collection of heavy-duty ratchet tie-down straps and bungee cords in a Rubbermade container.

Maintenance and Known Issues Maintenance has been kept up during my ownership. The engine currently has 5W30 synthetic blend oil changed less than 100 miles ago.

There are two minor electrical issues of which I am aware. The windshield wipers operate intermittently—sometimes normally and sometimes not—and the driver's door courtesy light behaves similarly.

The undercarriage has surface rust as would be expected in a 32-year-old vehicle. None of it is severe and it poses no hindrance to the operation of the truck. (See the many photos of the undercarriage.)

Otherwise, there are no other issues of which I am aware.

Summary

After 32 years of ownership, and being 87 years old, I have decided it is time for this Sonoma to go to its next caretaker. It has been a useful truck, an outstanding show vehicle, and something of a conversation piece for most of its life. Between its remarkably low fully documented mileage, careful storage, one-owner history, and completely original “Food Chain” artwork, it would be difficult to find another Sonoma quite like it.

For shipping, you will have to arrange it all yourself, probably using an auto transport company such as Montway, Navi, SGT, or ASG. Or you can drive it. It's entirely up to you.