1936 Chevrolet Pickup

Description

Pickup trucks are perhaps the most American of vehicles, and this 1936 Chevrolet pickup with stake sides might be the most patriotic vehicle ever made. Painted a traditional color combination and offering beautifully finished wood as a contrast, this is a stylish and very attractive little hauler that offers big fun in a modestly-sized package.

By 1936, pickup trucks had evolved to be more than just passenger cars with a bed, but this lovely Chevrolet didn't skip a beat in the styling department. With a handsome V-shaped grille, full, flowing fenders, and plenty of chrome, it looks far more expensive than it is, and that was surely true in 1936 as well. Finish quality is about what you'd expect and exactly the right condition to give this little truck plenty of character and shows that it still has no fear of working. The hunter green paint is familiar to anyone who has owned a Chevy pickup in the past, and with contrasting black fenders and bright yellow wheels, it looks period-correct and very handsome. A single side-mounted spare was standard equipment and lends the basic Chevy an upscale look. The chrome is in good order as well, with an optional front bumper and wonderfully ornate grille screen. LED turn signals have been added front and rear, which are a big boost to safety in an old vehicle like this.

The interior is 100% business, but that's just fine by this old truck's standards. Brown vinyl covers the original bench seat, which is surprisingly comfortable and springy for hauls down your favorite country road. A rubber floor mat is the way it was in 1936, making maintenance easy so you don't have to worry about hosing off your boots before climbing aboard. Attractive cream-colored gauges reflect art-deco design that was used throughout the industry, even in commercial vehicles like this. You have nice, albeit plain door panels and a big steering wheel that makes the unassisted steering reasonable at low speeds and delightful on the road. The switch on the lower left is for the aftermarket turn signal setup, and the 3-speed manual transmission uses the familiar H-pattern so you'll feel right at home immediately. For ventilation, there's a crank-out windshield in addition to a cowl vent, and it actually stays pretty comfortable in there, even on hot days.

Thanks to continuous improvements throughout the 1930s, Chevrolet's bulletproof little "Stovebolt" six made 72 horsepower from 207 cubic inches, which is plenty to make it feel quick around town. The gray engine will look familiar to anyone who has been under the hood of a pre-small-block Chevrolet, as the design endured for decades. It's reassuring to see things like a recent fuel pump and a sediment bulb near the carburetor, suggesting that someone drove this truck regularly and knew how to take care of it. The 3-speed manual transmission shifts easily thanks to synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd, and while it's not geared for highway running, it's quite happy at 45 MPH. The bone-simple suspension features buggy springs and live axles at both ends, and there's not much to it beyond the ladder frame and some steering linkage. The yellow wire wheels are an upscale touch and they carry proper blackwall tires for a period look.

When all you see are ubiquitous Ford trucks at shows, this Chevy is a refreshing change. It runs and drives great and looks the way an old pickup should. Call today!