Vehicle Description
This dialed-in 1954 Chevrolet 3100 5-Window pickup is looking for a
job. Willing to put in long hours, carry heavy loads, and look good
while doing it, it can still be used as a truck. On the other hand,
with its quality restoration, this is also a great-driving vehicle
that's got a comfortable ride and solid power to go with those
timeless good looks. Capture the best of both worlds with a hobby
vehicle that you can use as Chevrolet intended without worry, and
still drive it to the local cruise night where it'll draw a big
crowd every time.
Blue Pearl is always a great choice on a vintage pickup truck, and
thanks to the wonders of modern paint finishes, this one looks far
better than it did when it was new. It was refinished over 20 years
ago, but thanks to expert care and maintenance, it still looks
great with only minor signs of use. The Advance Design pickups are
a favorite among truck enthusiasts, and they were one of the first
trucks to take into account that just maybe all those farmers and
carpenters wanted something that was stylish and comfortable as
well as durable and versatile. Fit and finish are quite good and
unlike so many of these trucks, it managed to keep all its original
trim for that old-school simplicity that is a big part of the
truck's charm. Up front there's a chromed grille that's in great
shape, and all the body panels appear to be OEM. The bed's full of
stylish lumber that was nicely stained and glazed, with
paint-matched slats and a black snap-on tonneau cover that all work
together to add a little flair to the original design. There's also
custom smoothed tailgate and rear bumper form a later model truck
out back, while in front a bright one-piece front bumper matches
the bright grille just above. All the bright pieces provide great
contrast against the dark blue finish, and this is one of the last
vehicles to use factory-installed running boards, which are always
a welcome feature. I don't know, maybe it's just a little too nice,
but this truck still seems to want to get to work.
The two-tone black-and-blue interior covers the basics with a
little added style, and that's part of the truck's charm. The bench
seat will accommodate three in a pinch, and has been reupholstered
in black vinyl and blue diamond-patterned velour. All the original
instruments are in place and have bright crisp markings inside two
big round pods (along with the clock above them), and the
light-blue steel dashboard is a handsome design that's functional,
too. The door panels match the pattern on the bench seat, as does
the velour headliner above, and plush carpets help further insulate
the cabin from road noise and heat. Like many trucks of this era,
there was no radio when it was new, nor are there any other modern
creature comforts to speak of now, but that's not really what
buying one of these vintage haulers is about. Listening to the
torque build up as the inline 6 shifts through gears is all the
entertainment you should ever really need. Steering is made is
easier thanks to the large diameter 3-spoke steering wheel, and
there's a turn signal unit mounted on the column and seat belts for
safety. It's not exactly luxurious, but it's a great place to
experience life in the slow lane.
Chevy's 235 cubic inch "Thriftmaster" is under the hood doing a
great job, and if you've ever driven a vehicle with one of these
engines, you know they're smooth and torquey. This particular
Straight 6 is the original numbers matching unit, and the
presentation under the hood is very close to stock, with a chrome
valve cover and air cleaner atop the single barrel carburetor
providing some flash against the black inner fenders and firewall.
It fires up quickly and idles well, and moves the stocky little
truck easily, empty or loaded. Maintenance is easy, and keeping
these running is never a chore, especially with upgraded components
like the 12-volt electrical system. On this one, the hoses, belts,
plugs, wires, starter, and fuel pump appear to be relatively
recent, further proof of a life lived under the care of
conscientious ownership. The torquey motor is managed by its also
original and rather rare GM Hydramatic 3-speed automatic
transmission which shifts very smoothly, and spins a 10-bolt rear
end out back. It's very solid underneath, too, with all new brake
components and KYB gas shocks and a recent dual exhaust system that
adds a little rumble to the Thriftmaster's soundtrack. Upgraded
Ralley wheels with Goodyear Eagle GT white-letter radials update
the look, and the truck has a slight rake to make it look a bit
more aggressive.
Fun hobby vehicles don't get much more attractive than this, and
when they're also useful the argument is easy to make. Call today
and give this truck a job!