1955 GMC Suburban Restomod Is Hiding An LS1 Surprise

Nobody really thinks of something like this 1955 GMC Suburban as a performance vehicle. However, this unique classic SUV is being offered by Fast Lane Classic Cars Inc. with some serious upgrades, making it quite potent even by today’s standards.

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Anyone who knows will go wild once they see the 5.7-liter fuel-injected LS1 V8 crammed under the hood of this classic Suburban. Exhaust headers connect to a dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers for a nice tone under load. Balancing out that nice power bump is a custom Pro Touring front and rear suspension, power steering, plus a Ford 8.8-inch rear end with 3.55:1 ratio. If you’re going to do a restomod, it’s worthwhile shooting for the moon with modern power, which is exactly what happened here. Paired with a 4L60E automatic transmission and four-wheel power disc to make this GMC more manageable, just about anyone can drive it without worry. With an aluminum radiator and electric fans, you also don’t need to worry about overheating.

Matching that hot powertrain is a smooth and well-composed exterior. The deep blue paint job presents so well when polished, matching the glistening chrome details like the roof rack, bumpers, and handles. The whole thing rolls on 20-inch American Racing Salt Flat wheels.

As you can see from the photos, the interior wasn’t skipped over in the least. It couches you in luxury, going far beyond the original Spartan setup with a custom tan leather and diamond stitching wrapped over bucket seats for the first two rows and a bench for the third. AutoMeter Pro-Comp gauges are crisp and easy-to-read. Modern dual zone temperature control includes air conditioning, so you and your passengers stay comfortable during any season. A custom steering wheel is attached to a chromed tilt-adjust steering column. You get to cruise with your favorite tunes blasting through the custom sound system, which includes subwoofers behind the third-row seats.

The Suburban is an automotive legend, having been around since 1935, making it the longest-running nameplate in history. It’s always been truck-based with three rows of seating, providing the ultimate in passenger and cargo space, plus towing capability. To find one with these kinds of modifications would be difficult to impossible, especially done so well.