The 1952 truck sales brochure was geared towards the commercial
world, but that didn't stop designers from filling it with colorful
illustrations of the extensive and entire line of heavy duty Chevy
trucks. In fact, it took 31 pages to cover the complete line with
technical illustrations of specifications and mechanical
components. It touted, "battleship construction, alligator jaw
counter balanced hood, adjustable seat, and new door handles."
For consignment, a 1952 Chevrolet 3800 series 1 ton stakebodytruck
showing 68,999 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This truck
now packs a 350ci V8, runs on 12 volts, and recently served as a
delivery truck for rustic furniture!
Exterior
The period combination of Forester Green, especially in its single
stage application, looks just right on this big truck with the
grille guard, fenders, running board and visor presenting in
complementary black. The 19.5-inch wheels are also black, lending
to a rugged profile on a truck that looks unstoppable. Those wheels
are carrying fresh tires, with a date code of mid 2022. Wooden
stakes that line the bed and bed floor are not fresh, which is
perfect because their patina tells a thousand stories consistent
with the overall vibe of this working man's truck. Out back, a
diamond steel plated apron with embedded tail lights is accompanied
by a hitch receiver, all balanced by the grille guard and robust
bumper up front that protects the green bars of the grille. A big
visor and cab lights top the truck and a single side mirror swings
way out to see around the bed. Other than overall patina, paint
chips are noted and peeling, occasionally with some surface rust,
along with some bubbling in spots.
Interior
Gold painted steel and black inserts drip with patina and lead to a
clean bench in black vinyl that spans the cab and is in very good
condition. We're sure the three spoke steering wheel has some
stories to tell and it looks the part, fronting a two gauge
instrument panel that relays six bits of critical information and
in the center of the gold dash is an AM/FM radio while the ribbed
design runs through the speaker and over the glove box. Textured
rubber flooring is where we'll place our dirty boots, and a tall
shifter rises from the floor to meet the driver's hand. The black
vinyl headliner is wavy in spots and a sun visor is provided to the
driver nearby.
Drivetrain
Under the big alligator hood is a 350ci V8 with a 4-barrel
carburetor putting out 150 horsepower. Esthetically, we would call
it driver quality which is consistent with the truck. Meanwhile,
it's mated to GM's heavy duty SM420 4-speed manual transmission
that sends power to the dually rear with 3.73 gears. Our consignor
tells us newer kingpins are in!
Undercarriage
Relatively clean and straight underneath with the typical coating
of surface rust. The dual exhaust looks fresh and runs through
glasspack style mufflers just before turning east and west and
exiting to the sides. Drum brakes occupy all four corners and heavy
duty leaf springs are front and rear. From our vantage point, the
underside looks dry.
Drive-Ability
There's no doubt that this is not the first time a stakebed truck
has been traveling in Morgantown PA, and it suits our fair town
full of farmers and working people! The truck provides decent power
for its size but you won't be winning any red light rallies.
Visibility from on high is impressive and the view out the back
window is only partially impacted by the stakes. We note the horn,
wipers, gas gauges, brake lights, and turn signals are not working.
We find the radio finicky. Beyond these things, all remaining
functions operate as they should and we return to the mall to find
a nice, big spot under the lights!While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
So many options here, including using this truck for work! It would
also be ideal for parades. Maybe you envision two stage paint and
an updated interior? It's got great bones for that too! Hay rides
in the fall? Sure thing! Whatever your vision is, this vintage 1
tonner checks all the right boxes!
21KSE2251
21-Janesville, WI Assy Plant
K-1952
S-3800 Series
E-May Build
2251-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
Vehicle Details
1952 Chevrolet 3800
Listing ID:CC-2012674
Price:$24,500
Location:Morgantown, Pennsylvania
Year:1952
Make:Chevrolet
Model:3800
Exterior Color:Forester Green
Interior Color:Black
Transmission:Manual
Odometer:68999
Stock Number:7950
VIN:21KSE2251
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