1956 Chevrolet 3100

Description

This 1956 Chevrolet 3100 pickup demonstrates the joy of simplicity. In today's world where cars are rolling electronics labs, sometimes it's nice to sit in something that isn't trying so hard, something that just does its job like a machine and doesn't suffer without all those little accessories that will surely break sooner or later. With V8 power, a great-looking paint job, and a comfortable interior, you'll probably discover that simple is better.

So let's start with the bodywork, which is very nicely done and finished in a very 1950s shade of medium blue. Chevy was the first to discover that making their trucks look good as well as able to work hard meant more buyers, and there's a reason trucks like this have become hot collectors' items of late. The best ones, like this one, are solid trucks with great workmanship and plenty of money thrown at them, with results that make them far too nice to be used as mere work vehicles. Great gaps, panels that were thoroughly reworked to be as flat and smooth as possible, and gorgeous two-stage paint that will shine like this for years to come all make this 3100 something you'll look forward to driving rather than something you need to drive. A handsome wood bed floor adds a rustic feel that seems right at home in the flashy pickup, and the contrast between the bright chrome bumper and grille reminds us that trucks were evolving quickly in the late '50s. Sure, it's got some signs of use, but this one commands attention wherever it goes!

The interior sticks to the theme, with two-tone upholstery on the original bench seat that brings some style to the mix without being overwhelming. Simple is the rule here, too, as the dash includes clear analog Auto Meter instruments, a handsome wood-rimmed wheel, and little else to interrupt the business of driving. A tilt steering column makes it easy to get comfortable, and there's a padded dash and black carpets pad that make it feel a bit sophisticated without changing its personality. Otherwise, it's all pretty much the way the factory delivered it, from the all-metal door panels to the simple headliner that was as much function as style.

The freshly rebuilt 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 looks lost in the big engine bay, but the simple theme definitely works here. No complex fuel injection, no electronics to go wrong, just a stone-cold-reliable V8 with a Holley 4-barrel carb up top and dual exhaust underneath. Chevy Orange paint pops in the all-black engine bay, but there's a dedicated look to the working parts that suggests that someone cared about getting it right without going overboard. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, and there's a Camaro front clip that adds power steering and disc brakes, not to mention the independent suspension. The truck goes about its business with a minimum of fuss, which is entirely the point. Flowmaster mufflers offer a great V8 soundtrack that suits the flashy pickup, and period Torque Thrust wheels wearing white-letter radials fill the wheel wells for a great stance.

If you don't need or want all the extras that only cause headaches down the road, then perhaps going back to basics in a 1956 Chevy pickup is the right choice. Call today!