Vehicle Description
The vast majority of classic trucks seen in magazines and at shows
sport a list of modifications longer than War and Peace. While
those extensively customized trucks are always cool to look at,
this 1954 Chevrolet 3100 manages to carry the same level of appeal
without a single notable body modification. The recipient of an
extensive, frame-off restoration, the truck exhibits a level of
quality unobtainable from the assembly lines of the 1950s.
Featuring a 235 cubic inch inline six cylinder, a three speed
manual transmission and a color sure to turn heads in any
situation, few trucks in our showroom have generated such a buzz.
If you're in the market for a classic piece of Americana that can
be driven, shown and fully enjoyed, this '54 Chevy may be exactly
what you're looking for.
BODYWORK/TRIM
At the core of this natural magnetism is Chevrolet's Advance Design
which took GM trucks a step forward by offering more interior room,
better visibility and improved looks. By 1954, the design had been
refined to such a degree that it remains a head-turner even by
today's standards. To make sure the exterior fit and finish of this
3100 was show quality, all panels were taken down to bare metal and
massaged to perfection before being shot with a glossy coat of
Lipstick Red. While lighter than the Romany Red or Morocco Red
found on the 1954 Chevrolet option list, this color absolutely sets
off the immaculate body work. Panel fitment is equally good. All
gaps are even and the doors shut much easier than any original
truck we've encountered.
These trucks were designed to be aesthetically pleasing and, in the
mid-1950s, that meant chrome. At the front of the hood, chrome trim
houses a blue bowtie logo above the impressive chrome "bull nose"
grille. At either side, Wagner round lights in chrome bezels look
showroom-fresh, as do the amber turn signals mounted in the grille.
Below the grille, a simple chrome bumper rounds out the front end.
At the sides, "3100" logos adorn the sides of the hood while black
running boards contrast nicely against the Lipstick Red finish. A
spare tire hangs just behind the cab, neatly tucked into the fender
cutout. Wooden bed rails add some style to bed and match the
hardwood used for the beautifully finished bed floor. Out back,
"Chevrolet" is spelled out across the tailgate in gloss black that
matches the running boards. At either side, small round taillights
hang in chrome bezels about another show quality chrome bumper.
Naturally, all glass work looks new as well. Absolutely no expense
was spared on the exterior of the Chevy.
ENGINE
Open the hood and you'll find a high-pressure 235 cubic inch OHV
six cylinder. A tag on the doorframe certifies 105 net horsepower
at 3,600 RPM, but that wasn't where these engines shined. Designed
with towing in mind, they produce in the neighborhood of 200
lb./ft. of torque in stock form. This one shows as well, if not
slightly better, than it did on the Chevrolet dealership lot of
1954. Up top, a black oil bath air cleaner sits atop a Rochester
carburetor perched on an intake that extends off the driver's side
of the engine. Below it, a factory-style cast iron exhaust manifold
channels spent gasses to the exhaust system. On the passenger side,
the distributor sends spark from its easily accessible spot to the
side of the engine. Up front, a factory style radiator keeps things
cool while a fan and alternator turn off the belt just behind it.
The original 6-volt electrical system has been upgraded to a
12-volt system featuring an Optima battery hidden under the
floor.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Crawling underneath this 3100 reveals a solid frame coated in
chassis black. Correct leaf springs and drum brakes occupy all for
corners of the chassis while a 3-speed transmission featuring a
fresh clutch handles shifting duties. Power is put to the ground
through a rebuilt 10-bolt rear end and a solid axle. A single
muffler exhaust system runs the length of the truck, meeting a
stainless tip that hangs under the curved rear bumper. Underneath
the bed, all supports under the oak floor have been repainted body
color for some extra show points. Like the rest of the truck, the
underside of this 3100 is simple but effortlessly attractive. At
the corners, painted steel wheels, wrapped in white wall tires,
connect the drivetrain to the road.
INTERIOR
Between the doors, the cab is simple but appealing. A restored
black vinyl bench seat makes room for driver and passenger alike.
The use of black continues onto the upper half of the door panel,
headliner and utilitarian rubber mat that covers the floor. From
the driver's seat, a speedometer and multipurpose gauge with
temperature, battery, fuel level and oil readouts sits directly
behind a period-correct black steering wheel. On the passenger
side, a locking glove box sits directly above an appropriately
decaled Chevrolet heater/defroster unit. The dash itself is metal
with a small grille in the middle. Painted body color with a bowtie
and "Chevrolet" spelled out across the center in black paint, the
dash looks perfect amidst the vintage interior. A prismatic traffic
light viewer has been added for some extra retro flair. And a
hidden Clarion CD player provides the soundtrack.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
Restoration photos
Restoration receipts.
This 1954 Chevrolet 3100 has historical significance, rugged
elegance and vintage swagger that set it apart from most restored
and modified trucks. It plays to nostalgia and Americana that
everyone can appreciate while remaining a highly drivable truck
that feels like vintage hardware. Whether you're racking up
trophies at shows or just spending a Saturday night out on the
town, it's guaranteed to be the center of attention wherever you
go.
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a detailed, frame-off restoration
235 cubic inch 6-cylinder
3-speed manual transmission
12-volt electrical system
Modern audio
Oak bed
Lipstick Red paint
15-inch wheels
10-bolt rear axle
Sale includes restoration photos and restoration receipts
