Collector Car Corner – Reader recalls GMC’s V12 engine from 1960

Collector Car Corner - Reader recalls GMC’s V12 engine from 1960Another illustration of the V12 engine shows its length and use of a single block utilizing most of the internals of two V6 engines. However, with a single shared crankshaft measuring over four feet in length and utilizing seven main bearing journals, it goes far beyond mating two V6 engines together. (Courtesy GMC Trucks)
Collector Car Corner - Reader recalls GMC’s V12 engine from 1960

Here’s an ad from 1960 featuring the line of GMC trucks and its new engines, including the first ever V6 truck engine and a powerful V12 built for semi and tractor trailer type applications. (Courtesy GMC Trucks).

Collector Car Corner - Reader recalls GMC’s V12 engine from 1960

Another illustration of the V12 engine shows its length and use of a single block utilizing most of the internals of two V6 engines. However, with a single shared crankshaft measuring over four feet in length and utilizing seven main bearing journals, it goes far beyond mating two V6 engines together. (Courtesy GMC Trucks)

Q: Hi Greg and if you answer this question, thanks in advance. My friends and I (all retired and mostly computer illiterate) have been discussing V6 truck engines and I absolutely remember a GMC V12 cylinder engine that was available in 1960 in big trucks. Can you please tell us about this engine, and that there definitely was a V12 available? Thanks much, we read your column every week here in Pennsylvania at our local coffee shop. Sincerely, Charles S., happily retired and born in the 1942.

A:  Charles, I’d be happy to help out. You are correct that in 1960, GMC Trucks designed and made available a unique V12 engine that comprised of two V6 GMC engines united by a sole engine block and crankshaft. Other than that, the engine comprised of most of the main parts of two 351-inch V6 engines that appeared that year for use in pickups and heavy-duty trucks. Noteworthy is that GMC was the first manufacturer to offer a V6 in the truck line (pickups included) and it used its 351-inch V6 design for its new V12 engine.

The V12 was available through 1965 in the heavy-duty truck line (see advertisement attached) and topped out at 702 cubic inches (two times 351) of brute strength and torque. The engine was officially called the “Twin Six V12” by the marketing department. The engine developed 275 horses and 630 lb. ft. of torque from 1600 to 1900 rpm, and was able to climb hills better than a diesel engine with minimal downshifting according to reports from General Motors.

Notable is that even today, both Volkswagen and Audi have released similar thought engines, as both of their 12-cylinder models applied similar thought. However, the major difference between GMC in the 1960s and VW/Audi today is that Volkswagen (with its Phaeton) and Audi (with its Audi W12) mount its V6 engines side by side in a “W” design attached to a common crankcase instead of lengthwise. Thus, even though it looks like GMC’s V12 is two mated V6 engines, in reality it is not so thanks to the shared single block and four foot crankshaft.

Today, the chances of finding one in a wrecking yard is next to impossible as enthusiasts have scoffed them up and rebuilt them. If you can get someone with a computer to show you, one of the nation’s top rebuilders and developers of the GMC V12, namely www.thunderv12.com, has a website I know you’ll enjoy. It’s loaded with interesting history on this many times forgotten GMC engine, along with photos and info galore. They rebuild these engines to modern day specifications, using quality parts throughout, better oiling and cooling systems, modern ignition systems and even had ARP Rod Bolts and Fasteners, the top name in the aftermarket performance industry, design and supply all of the connecting bolts, fasteners and studs used in the assembly.

GMC heralded its V12 back then as an engine that would easily run over 200,000 miles, which at that time was usually reserved for the ultimate of semi and tractor trailer type diesel engines instead of a GMC-built gasoline V12.

Thanks for your letter Charles and best wishes to you and your friends.

(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist who welcomes reader questions and comments on collector cars and trucks, auto nostalgia or old-time motorsports at 116 Main St., Towanda, Pa. 18848 or email to greg@gregzyla.com.)