In April, 2006, I spotted a 1958 GMC Suburban Carryall on eBay. It had a reserve that turned out to be unreasonable. Plus, the old truck was located in Toronto, Canada, a four hour trip from Howell, Michigan.
After the auction ended, I contacted the seller to see if he might be more reasonable. I should have checked into a psychiatric institution instead of pursuing this vehicle, especially after finishing my 1939 Ford deluxe coupe, frame-off restoration.
This Task Force Suburban was such a rare vehicle, I just couldn’t pass it up. I remember these car-trucks from my younger days drag racing up and down Woodward Avenue, but only as work vehicles utilized by plumbers and construction companies. I don’t think I ever saw one of this vintage after the early 60's.
A friend and I set off for Toronto one fine morning and arrived safely and without getting lost (before GPS). The deal was made and we loaded it on the trailer. Although I could have driven it home, I didn’t want to take any chances. The seller had the elusive third seat, but wouldn’t include it in the purchase. He also had a 1958 Suburban, already restored, that he was going to put it in for posterity, I guess.
I had done my customs homework, and knew that a US made vehicle (right down the road in Pontiac, Michigan) being brought back to the country of origin would incur no duty. This didn’t stop all the car aficionado customs officers from admiring it and wanting to sit in it and have their pictures taken. I readily complied.
Last edited by Phak1; 10/08/20242:15 PM. Reason: Edit weird characters
