1957 Chevrolet 3100

Description

This 1957 Chevrolet 3100 pickup isn't flashy, but it has the right look to get all kinds of attention at shows and on the street. There's also a great-running small block V8 under the hood, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a stock suspension that retains the old truck feel without being a rolling road block for faster traffic. If you want a cool custom truck you can drive to the next cruise-in, this is a fine choice.

Chevy took a very big step forward with their all-new pickups, giving them car-like good looks without losing the toughness that made their pickups famous. The result was a styling home-run that's still gorgeous today, a perfect '50s look that actually makes an old pickup truck look fast. With forward-slanting details, this handsome black 3100 does indeed look like it wants to run. The finish is very nicely done, needing only a professional buff to really wow 'em at shows. The clean lines of the truck don't need any extra ornamentation, so basic black combined with bright chrome accents work just fine and let the stylish sheetmetal speak for itself. Oh, sure, there are a few custom touches like the shaved emblems up front and a custom roll pan out back, all of which contribute to this truck's awesome look. As you'd expect, the bed is beautifully refinished with lovely honey-colored oak and black rub strips, as well as a recessed fuel filler for the custom tank underneath. This is also what is called a "big window" cab, and as you can see, the wrap-around glass gives panoramic views and almost makes the roof look like it's floating. Very cool!

The interior has been skillfully updated with cloth upholstery on a comfortable bench seat that will handle three with relative ease. The bright, airy cabin is helped by that wide rear window as well as light gray door panels and a matching dashboard, which looks like it has a lot in common with the '57 Bel Air. The stock steering column is topped by a modern steering wheel with a vintage look, and it almost perfectly frames the V-shaped instrument pod. Black carpets help control noise and heat and look great, giving the interior a more upscale vibe that it lacked when it was new. It's also set up for a modern stereo with hidden speakers, with the unit currently installed just used as a place-holder. It isn't fancy and retains its truck-like utility, but the softened edges inside make it an easy place to spend some time.

You could buy these trucks with small block V8s in them from the factory, so the 350 cubic incher that's in there now is a perfect fit. It looks great with a few chrome dress-up pieces like that towering air cleaner, and still retains original components like the generator and ram's horn exhaust manifolds. Chevy Orange paint always looks right in an old Chevy, and with the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, it's a breeze to drive around town. A custom dual exhaust system has a great V8 sound without being annoying, and despite the old school suspension with leaf springs, there's a disc brake at each corner. Classic Torque Thrust wheels wear a bright polish job and 235/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear BFGoodrich radials.

A neat old truck that has been sensibly modified for today's world without forgetting that the charm of an old vehicle is in reliving the past. Call today!