Badass Targa Truck: A Father-and-Son Project Takes Center Stage
Meet the Targa Truck, a 1971 GMC C1500 pickup truck transformed into a full-on racer that’s now up for auction on Bring a Trailer. This beast of a vehicle boasts a 427-cubic-inch V-8 engine paired with a six-speed T56 manual transmission, making it a formidable opponent on the track.
The truck’s story began as a father-and-son project between Mark Bovey and his father, Martin. They purchased the GMC for $100 and spent eight years restoring it. The truck quickly evolved into a street-rod with attitude, featuring a lowered suspension and fat tires. Bovey’s participation in local autocross events raised eyebrows as the GMC outperformed Subaru STIs despite its drum brakes and manual steering.
The Targa Truck made history by becoming the first truck to compete in the Targa Newfoundland, a grueling tarmac rally covering 1,100 to 1,200 miles. Despite initial skepticism, the GMC impressed competitors by finishing second in the classic class, beating out a Porsche 911 and a Corvette. Bovey’s father even joined him for the final stages, helping with a roadside repair.
Over the years, Bovey worked with IMSA competitors and rally legends to further modify the truck. The GMC now weighs 3,611 pounds and packs 573 horsepower at 6,100 rpm, with an onboard M0TeC computer set up for traction control.
Bovey is selling the truck as his life has become busier with three sons. While it’s currently a track-day machine, it has the potential to be made street legal. The auction ends on June 1, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.
Theoretically, the new owner could take it to track days, initially weathering laughter before watching jaws drop as the GMC outperforms exotic cars. With its thundering V-8 and impressive performance, this Targa Truck is sure to turn heads.
