At the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, Autohunter Cinema saw “The Color Purple.” No, we didn’t watch the 1985 movie – we got an up-close look at this 1966 GMC 1500. Back in 1971, it was painted Iris Mist, Pontiac‘s light shade of purple, and pearl white by one of the automaker’s factory workers. We also spoke with veteran Brandonn Mixon, who bought the truck several years ago and overhauled it with his family.
During the course of the customization process, Mixon started the Veterans Community Project, which builds transitional housing for homeless veterans. He and his family kept the distinctive paint job, but upgraded everything else. The Color Purple rides on a powder-coated frame, an air suspension, and a set of white 22-inch wheels. Inside the cab is a set of coordinating purple and white Buddy Bucket seats as well as a custom-made Holley digital gauge cluster. Of course, Mixon and his family didn’t leave out the engine, which is now a supercharged LS 5.3-liter V8 that cranks out 585 horsepower on the dyno. Watch our interview with Brandonn Mixon to learn more about this cool truck with a great story that led to wonderful things for people in need.
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