1955 Chevrolet 3100

Description

The all-new 1955 Chevrolet pickups were a hit with the new truck buying public and they remain popular even in the 21st century. This bright red 1955 Chevy 3100 has that classic look and adds some V8 power and an updated interior to combine what is arguably the best-looking truck of the period with modern conveniences that make it a pleasure to drive today.

Bright red always works on old pickups, but this isn't some faded old farm truck. No, this one seems to have led a pretty good life showing off its crisp, clean lines and a coat of shiny, but not perfect paint that is only a few years old. It's easy to see why these trucks were a hit, with the forward-canted fenders that make it look fast even sitting still (not that pickup trucks needed to be fast in 1955, but it's still a great look) and a handsome egg crate grille that linked Chevy's truck line with their automotive offerings. The crease that runs from the headlights to the back of the cab and is picked up again in the rear fenders is sharp and well-defined and we especially like the utilitarian look of the side-mounted spare tire. As is customary with a vintage pickup, the bed has been beautifully finished with what appear to be pine boards and body-colored rub strips to tie it all together. Chrome bumpers look substantial and have been polished up and the original taillights have been replaced by '39 Ford units with blue-dot lenses for a bit of a custom twist.

With Camaro bucket seats, a center console, and a revised dashboard, it sure doesn't feel like 1955 inside. The gray upholstery and matching details are neutral enough to work anywhere and the whole thing has a very complete, well-thought-out look. Gray carpets help control noise and are a big improvement over the original rubber mat and the doors were cleverly painted gray to help with the illusion. It's fitted with a polished tilt column and a woodgrained steering wheel, so it feels quite modern from the driver's seat. Beautiful vintage-looking gauges monitor all the vitals and look like they belong there with their period lettering and off-white faces. There's also a clever AM/FM/iPod stereo in the original radio's location, so the dash was not cut or modified to accommodate it. And this is what is referred to as a "big window" cab thanks to its wrap-around rear glass that makes it feel bright and airy inside.

You could get a V8 in your 1955 Chevy, but the 350 cubic incher that's in there now is a lot more powerful than anything they were building back then. It is, however, dressed pretty faithfully with Chevy Orange on the block and an air cleaner from a 1955 Cadillac, which is a popular period modification. An Edelbrock intake manifold and matching 4-barrel carburetor help build power and the tubular headers feed a set of glasspack-style mufflers that give this old Chevy a fantastic sound. A TH350 3-speed automatic powers a 10-bolt rear end with 3.42 gears inside, so it's a good highway cruiser that still feels quick around town. The suspension is largely stock, but that's not really a bad thing, and power front disc brakes were added to help with safety. Traditional Cragar mags with Mickey Thompson radials add an aggressive look and an ideal stance.

Look around and you won't find a whole lot of these trucks finished to this level and still priced affordably. Popularity is increasing, so make this one yours by calling today!