This 1951 Chevrolet Panel Truck is a stunning example of a
professionally customized classic with a mere 40 miles since
completion. With an investment in its restoration of approximately
$340,000, this is a showstopper. This custom panel truck body is
mounted on a 1975 K-20 Blazer chassis with numerous upgraded
components. The design, engineering and fit and finish are truly
impressive. The extensive modifications, such as a 454 V-8 engine,
automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, and stunning paint, truly
make this panel truck unique and impressive. This fully customized
truck would be fantastic for frequent use or for shows. This Panel
Truck was a rust-free California example that was acquired
approximately 20 years ago by Rich Gates, owner of Vintage Auto in
Aguanga, CA. Vintage Auto specializes in premier auto restorations
garnering a stellar reputation in the industry. Rich and his team
have restored nearly ten classic cars for Harry Clark and Classic
Promenade, including several classics that were shown at Pebble
Beach.Over the past ten years, Mr. Gates proceeded to invest in a
3,000-hour complete custom restoration and $40,000 in parts that
makes this truck truly unique, beautiful to look at and thrilling
to drive. The livery is a stunning three-tone, custom color design
which includes a deep blue, light blue and orange combination. The
paint has beautiful luster and shine and is fully polished and
ready for show. The show-quality chrome is in beautiful condition.
The stance of the truck is impressive and complete with Rancho
Suspension components and complemented by black American Racing
Wheels, which are wrapped in BF Goodrich 32 x 11.50-15 off road
tires. The chrome side pipes, with heat guards, are tucked under
the running boards and include orange paint accents in the interior
of each pipe. A nice custom addition are the electronically
actuated side-steps that appear from beneath the running boards as
each cab door is opened. Another unexpected addition is the hand
fabricated, full-tilt front end which is the perfect way to display
the highly beautiful and detailed engine compartment during shows
and tours. The Chevrolet bow tie logo is a unique design element
that is displayed beneath the front grill and on the running boards
and side-steps. The high-quality paint and exterior components show
very well overall and make a stunning and lasting impression. The
panel trucks interior is as stunning and impressive as the
exterior. The light blue paint lends a bright and clean feel to the
overall interior. The black vinyl upholstery is in near as new
condition and shows well, as do the black composite door panels.
The interior chrome pieces show very well throughout and are
complemented by the Philippine Mahogany wood trim which originate
from a 1957 Chris Craft boat. The cab portion of the truck is
complete with black carpet, which shows very well. The rear
interior floor is also complete with Philippine Mahogany panels and
beautiful chrome separation strips. All pieces show very well
throughout. The dash is in beautiful condition complete with all
new vintage-style gauges and a vintage-style AM/FM Bluetooth radio.
The period correct heater is mounted below the dash and near the
floor mounted automatic transmission and the transfer case gear
shifters. The automatic transmission shift lever appears as a
period manual transmission shift lever, which lends to the period
correct overall feel of the interior. The interior is stunning and
the attention to detail is very evident. The beautifully detailed
and painted engine compartment, complete with a hand fabricated,
custom tilt front end, is the home of the nicely appointed
Chevrolet 454 cu in motor complete with chrome valve covers, chrome
alternator and white powder coated Hedman Hedders. The 454 has 40
miles since the complete rebuild and produces approximately 450 hp
with 9 to 1 compression. It has been bored 30,000 over, blueprinted
and balanced with ported and polished heads, an Edelbrock Performer
cam shaft and an Edelbrock Performer 2-0 intake manifold topped
with a Holley 750 Double Pumper carburetor. The automatic
transmission and transfer case were also rebuilt with 40 miles on
each and both operate smoothly and quietly. All black components
are powder coated and show well. The 1975 K-20 Blazer chassis is
powder coated and show ready. The off-road suspension kit is a nice
visual complement to the overall look of the exterior with white
shocks and yellow boots. The engine compartment shows well
throughout and is ready to be shown. This 1951 Chevrolet Panel
Truck is as pleasing to the eye as it is to drive. This
one-of-a-kind custom build by Vintage Auto would be a nice
modern-driver addition to any classic collection and perfect for
shows and tours. For more information and details, please call,
text Chip Henson at 1.602.509.4776 or email us at
[email protected]. This Chevrolet is available for
inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer
FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate
shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are
interested in financing.
