1975 GMC “Beau James” – RARE 2WD | 454 Big‑Block

Vehicle Description

Beau James is an extremely rare package, only 500 made. This truck is 50 years old, on it's original paint, and unrestored survivor that can be daily driven and enjoyed, or improved. It turns heads everywhere!
The Beau James was Limited‑run luxury trim celebrating GMC’s 75th year.
Ultrarare Spec: Factory 2‑wheel‑drive + 454 V8 + long bed. Beau James was among a small group of branded trucks including the Spirit of 76, Desert Fox, Gentleman Jim, Big 10, and a few more. As a collector I have owned most of them, and I can tell you that it takes years of searching to find a truck like this. I searched for 5 years and found this one from the original owner family in Missouri. finding this combo is like spotting a unicorn. This truck is in the National Registry where there are only 44 known Beau James trucks. It has the Lowest Serial # Recorded for a Beau James and is and is currently the first know Beau James built.. in all plants!
They have included photos of the truck, original paperwork, original title, original warranty documents, and a folder of maintenance records over time verifying the mileage is authentic.
During my time owning it, I've done basic maintenance to continue the truck's reliable daily capability. It starts right up, idles, does not stall, runs well, shifts smooths, and drives fine at hiway speeds.
It also has AC which is extremely rare on these trucks, but the AC will need a charge.
Authentic Survivor: 76,000 original miles, original drivetrain, and service records from 1975 forward.
Provenance & Condition
Collector‑to‑Collector Chain: Purchased from the original owner by a serious squarebody enthusiast.
Climate‑Controlled Storage: Garaged year‑round but driven regularly to keep seals fresh and fluids moving.
Reliably Streetable: Starts, idles, and cruises like a champ—reliable enough that the owner’s kids have borrowed it for homecoming and local cruises.
Factory Equipment (per RPO codes)
LF8 – 454ci 4-bbl V8
M40 – Turbo Hydra-Matic TH400 3-speed automatic
HE3 – 3.07 rear axle ratio
J55/J85 – Heavy-duty power brakes
N41 – Power steering
N31/N33 – Custom steering wheel with tilt column
C60 – Factory air conditioning (needs recharge)
U69 – AM/FM push-button radio
U35/U37/UF2 – Clock, cigar lighter, cargo lamp
A52 – Full-foam bench seat
Z52/Z53 – Full foam seating and gauge package
YE9 – Silverado trim
C91 – Dome lamp
K76 – 61-amp alternator
UA1 – Heavy-duty battery
F59 – Front stabilizer bar
E63 – Fleetside long bed
VF1/V46/V22 – Front & rear chrome bumpers with chrome grille
BX6/YG1 – Exterior body side molding
P01/P11/5V3 – Wheel covers (original), gold accent trim
XGS/YGS/ZGS/3DH/4DH – G78x15 bias-ply whitewalls
O1L/01U/4001ZF – Special two-tone blue/silver exterior paint
260/261 – Blue cloth and vinyl interior trim
9G2 – Beau James Décor Package
9A6 – Promotional Package #2
9A1/9A3 – GVW Plate and adapter gears
K30 – Speed control (cruise)
YK4/YK6/YA8/6K1 – Misc. processing options and overrides
Z88 – GMC conventional cab designation
8E5 – Hood ornament
Condition
This truck remains unrestored with factory original paint and interior. The body shows minor cosmetic wear appropriate for its age. The Beau James-specific striping, exterior molding, and interior details are intact. The cab and bed floors are solid, and the undercarriage is original.
The truck starts easily, idles smoothly, shifts correctly, and is capable of reliable driving at highway speeds. Steering, braking, and suspension are roadworthy. The A/C system is complete but currently non-functional due to a lack of refrigerant.
Documentation
Original Missouri title from the first owner
Original sales invoice, warranty card, and delivery paperwork
Maintenance folder from 1975 to present
Current clean Michigan title in seller’s name
Listed in the Beau James National Registry with serial verification
Ownership History
Purchased new in Missouri and retained by the original owner’s family for decades. The seller—a private collector and squarebody enthusiast—acquired it after a five-year search for this specific configuration. He has owned multiple limited-run GM trucks including the Desert Fox, Gentleman Jim, and Spirit of ’76, and considers this the rarest among them due to its build combination and provenance.
If you know squarebodies, you know the Beau James—and you also know how uncommon this 454 configuration is. Whether you’re looking for a collectible to show, a solid driver for cruise nights, or a blue‑chip investment to park in the barn, this truck ticks every box.
I have hundreds of photos and videos including walk around, vehicle running, and driving. available on request.
Message me to make this piece of GMC history yours! running, and driving. available on request.