VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION General Discussions 1939 GMC COE , Compressor truck Rarity?

I have a chance right now to get a 1939 GMC COE.

It has beautiful patina. So from the research I've done these seems to only be less than 1000 total units. It is a Le Roi compressor truck.

The guy wants an arm and a leg and won't budge on price. What are your guys thoughts? I'd throw it on a modern drive train and frame.

It's at the high end of the market buts it's proper for what it is.


Does anyone have any real info on how many were made and if it's worth getting. With the market right now it could drop in price , or just stay there. Gotta pay to play sometimes with these things. They never really come up for sale too often. It's basically 95% rust free. Maybe more

You don't say what the asking price is but people being willing to pay outlandish money for something is why some things cost outlandish money. If you want it, buy it. It's value to anyone else is irrelevant.

That is quite an interesting vehicle. The most obvious reason for rarity is that it is a LeRoi compressor truck. Other factors are that it is COE and that it is on GMC Chassis.

From my perspective I would not purchase this with any expectations of an opportunity for value increase. The reality for most of us on this forum is that the vehicles we own are declining in value. That is simply because the demand for pre-50's vehicles is declining. It is a result of demographics related to the age of the people who identify with and want to own these vehicles. There are fewer of us every day.

You would also need to determine whether your plan to place this on a more modern chassis would increase or reduce the value.

I agree with Tiny that you are the decision maker.

The guy wants 10k no less. I'm in Arizona and he's in northern Colorado.

I'd still have to spend the money to go get it or have it transported


I have a 2009 gmc 2500hd complete rolling chassis and I was going to throw in a cummins diesel motor. I understand that this forum is about keeping things basically stock with slight creature comforts.

But I'm looking at this as all the money for just the cab. I'd be making something I think no matter how old or young you are, someone will always pay top Dollar for custom stuff as long as it's DONE RIGHT, and looks good.

I've always liked the gmc coe and have always wanted one. The rarity part is defiently an added bonus, but I just think the look can't be beat

Very cool truck!

Yes, the main thrust of this club and website is all about preservation and restoration, but there is a small group of folks who enjoy modifications, small and large.

Here is a link to the discussions about modifications: https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php/forums/86/1/personalized-modifications.html

Cheers, Dean

You may want to try finding and contacting an antique truck group to get an opinion on value and the challenges of the conversion.

So...what you want to do is take a truck that is like no other truck and turn into a truck that is like a bunch of other trucks.
I am amazed that COE trucks were ignored by the old car hobby until someone had the idea to put one on a modern chassis and make it into a pickup. From that time on, everybody and his brother wants a COE to make into another "cookie cutter" "patina" street rod truck. I have not seen an original idea in this genre in the last 15 years.
Yes, definitely buy it, cut it up, put it on your modern chassis with the Cummins. Be sure to bag it, etc, etc, etc. Since it is a COE, you will not have to locate and incorporate the obligatory tractor grille. This will save you some time. Get one of those plastic rats to take along when you display it and if you can find one, the little boy doll that has the hat on backwards and leans against the truck like he is crying. These were all unique ideas, once, a long time ago, when I still had a full head of hair.
My brothers and I have 5 COE Chevy trucks from 1940/1946. I would rather see them sink out of sight in the Mighty Missouri than for them to meet with the aforementioned fate.
You did ask for our thoughts, didn't you?

Mike

I am with you Mike, if the truck is as rare as he indicates complete restoration should be the preferred idea.
Worse luck it is his truck and most of you are in the US.
Tony

We all have our own opinions and I do respect what your thoughts are on this Mik. Definetly. Made me think twice about it for a split SECOND.

But for all practicality i think the enjoyment would be much greater as a regular useful work truck with a bed.

I would be hard pressed to even want to take that out to a car show as is. It just wouldn't fit any scene. Maybe a farm and tractor show.

And let alone the price it's going to cost to repair such large semi truck style running gear, brakes, lines, etc... that would be an arm and a leg to restore. Just to do 40mph on the freeway

Probably a PIA to drive to town just to get a few items lol


Just my .2 cents .

Thank you all for your input, I knew this was a bad spot to post it but I figured you guys would enjoy the truck and the history of the cab.

Darn! I was hoping you would put the cab and the compressor on the updated chassis. That would be unique!

Is it possible to delete the photo out of my first post? I thought i would be able to later. Just out of good manners, as I haven't bought it yet

Thank you all that chimed in. I've made my decision.