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1979 GMC Caballero (Truck)
2dr Pickup
8-cyl. 350cid/170hp 4bbl
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$11,200*
-5.1%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
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Jan 2025
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1978-1987 GMC Caballero Pickups stats
Highest sale
$27,500
Lowest sale
$3,300
Most recent sale
$10,500
Sales
77
Photos
1 photoImage may not reflect selected vehicle.
Past sales
$10,500
1979 GMC Caballero (Truck) Base
15000 M
Standard
North America
Nov 29, 2024Bring a Trailer
View details
$12,305
1980 GMC Caballero (Truck) Base
44038 MILES
Automatic
North America
Oct 15, 2024Hagerty Marketplace
View details
$12,100
1981 GMC Caballero (Truck) 1/2 Ton
1115 M
Automatic
North America
Sep 4, 2024Mecum Auctions
View details
$16,275
1985 GMC Caballero (Truck) Diablo
79000 M
Automatic
North America
Jul 15, 2024Bring a Trailer
View details
$8,250
1987 GMC Caballero (Truck) 1/2 Ton
9149 M
Automatic
North America
Jul 10, 2024Mecum Auctions
View details
$7,419
1985 GMC Caballero (Truck) Diablo
Automatic
North America
May 15, 2024Cars & Bids
View details
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Model overview
Model description
Following in the footsteps of the larger 1972-77 GMC Sprint came the new, down-sized GMC Cabellero. Unlike Chevrolet’s El Camino, on which both were based, GMC Truck Division chose to give their sporty light truck a new moniker when it debuted in the fall of 1977. The trucks utilized Chevy Malibu front sheetmetal, Monte Carlo doors, rear bumper and tailgate from the Malibu station wagon and essentially only the bed, roof and non-windshield glass were exclusive.
What was surprising was that it took until as late as 1972 for GMC to get a car-based pickup at all. After all, the El Camino originally came out in 1959 to take on the Ford Ranchero.
Being based upon the all-new A-body, the 1978 Cabellero had a co-exclusive 117-inch wheelbase shared with the El Camino. The extra length was handily used in the bed region, which was the same length as the prior year. Initially the Cabellero came standard with the Chevrolet Division 200 cid V-6, which was a small-block V-8 engineered with two fewer cylinders. Optional was the Buick Division 231 cid V-6 (with automatic transmission only), providing 105 hp versus the standard 95 hp. The Chevrolet small-block V-8 of 305 cubic inches was also optional, producing 145 hp. A four-barrel 350 with 165 hp was available for extra cost.
For 1979, a 267 V-8 of 125 hp was added, and for 1980 the 200 cid V-6 was upsized to 229 cid 115 hp, with the Buick V-6 relegated to California-only duty. A Diablo sports version with hood graphics and extra trim was available right from the beginning. By 1985, El Camino and thus Cabellero production had been moved to GM’s plant facilities in Mexico, so the name was now even more fitting.
The 1979 trucks were virtually unchanged from the 1978’s, and for 1980 a hood ornament and grille change were the only noteworthy changes. For 1981, the grille went back to resembling the 1979, and for 1982 a new front-end was adopted, which persisted to the end.
There are no break-outs of 1978 GMC sales, but for 1979, the Cabellero sold 6,412 copies; for 1980, 4463; for 1981, 3994; for 1982, 2573; for 1983, 2160; for 1984, 2702; for 1985, 3057; for 1986, 2795; and the final 1987 year, unknown.
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Common Questions
The value of a 1979 GMC Caballero (Truck) can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,750 for a 1979 GMC Caballero (Truck) in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1979 GMC Caballero (Truck) at auction over the last three years was $10,500. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1979 GMC Caballero (Truck) at auction over the last three years was $3,300. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 2 1979 GMC Caballero (Truck)s sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1979 GMC Caballero (Truck) was $10,500 on November 29, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.