For Sale at Auction: 1946 Chevrolet 3100 in Auburn, Indiana

Introduced in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the 1946 Chevrolet Series 3100 �-Ton Pickup marked the return to civilian production and helped set the tone for America's postwar work trucks. As part of Chevrolet's Advance-Design lineage, the Series 3100 represented a clean break from prewar styling, embracing smoother lines, a wider cab, and a more modern, driver-focused layout. Powered by Chevrolet's dependable 216.5-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine, the Series 3100 delivered modest horsepower but durability, paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Built with farmers, tradesmen, and small businesses in mind, the truck prioritized reliability and ease of service, traits that quickly earned Chevrolet a dominant position in the light-duty pickup market. Visually, the 1946 model is defined by its tall, vertical-bar grille, integrated front fenders, and generous glass area, features that improved visibility and comfort compared to earlier trucks. Inside, the cab offered a more car-like environment, with better seating position and improved ergonomics, reflecting Chevrolet's understanding that pickups were becoming everyday transportation as well as work tools. Today, the 1946 Chevrolet Series 3100 is celebrated as one of the most recognizable and collectible American pickups, prized for its timeless styling, mechanical simplicity, and role in shaping the modern pickup truck. Part of The Oscar Roberts Estate Collection since 2004, this pickup has been in the Roberts family for the last 50 years. Acquired by Bonita Roberts' father, Hubert James in the mid-1970s, he is believed to have been just the second owner from new. The recipient of a body-off-the-frame restoration from 1999 to 2006, the restoration was led by Bonita herself, Oscar's wife. Documented by a large file of invoice records, the entire truck was gone through, given a body-off-the-frame restoration; work included installing a new wiring harness, re-chroming all components, installing a stylish oak bed, and finishing it in a tri-tone color scheme that has held well throughout the Collection's long-term ownership. In 2025, the 216-cubic-inch engine was overhauled and upgraded with a 235-cubic-in inline six-cylinder engine. During this, other upgrades were made, which included a 12-volt conversion, installing a new fuel tank, fuel sender, fuel filter, and fuel pump, rebuilding the carburetor, adjusting the brakes, and replacing the alternator pulley and belt. Combined with its body-off restoration and thoughtful mechanical upgrades, this Series 3100 offers the ideal balance of period character and improved drivability. Presented with long-term 50-plus years of family ownership and a large file of documentation, it stands as a well-preserved and carefully enhanced example of Chevrolet's iconic postwar pickup that's ready to be enjoyed on the road, the ranch, jobsite, or as a classic weekend grocery hauler. * Body-off-the-frame restoration completed in 2006
* Upgraded to a 235-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine and 12-volt conversion in 2025
* Owned by the same family for the last 50 years
* Iconic postwar styling with thoughtful upgrades

Introduced in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the 1946 Chevrolet Series 3100 �-Ton Pickup marked the return to civilian production and helped set the tone for America's postwar work trucks. As part of Chevrolet's Advance-Design lineage, the Series 3100 represented a clean break from prewar styling, embracing smoother lines, a wider cab, and a more modern, driver-focused layout.

Powered by Chevrolet's dependable 216.5-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine, the Series 3100 delivered modest horsepower but durability, paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Built with farmers, tradesmen, and small businesses in mind, the truck prioritized reliability and ease of service, traits that quickly earned Chevrolet a dominant position in the light-duty pickup market.

Visually, the 1946 model is defined by its tall, vertical-bar grille, integrated front fenders, and generous glass area, features that improved visibility and comfort compared to earlier trucks. Inside, the cab offered a more car-like environment, with better seating position and improved ergonomics, reflecting Chevrolet's understanding that pickups were becoming everyday transportation as well as work tools. Today, the 1946 Chevrolet Series 3100 is celebrated as one of the most recognizable and collectible American pickups, prized for its timeless styling, mechanical simplicity, and role in shaping the modern pickup truck.

Part of The Oscar Roberts Estate Collection since 2004, this pickup has been in the Roberts family for the last 50 years. Acquired by Bonita Roberts' father, Hubert James in the mid-1970s, he is believed to have been just the second owner from new. The recipient of a body-off-the-frame restoration from 1999 to 2006, the restoration was led by Bonita herself, Oscar's wife. Documented by a large file of invoice records, the entire truck was gone through, given a body-off-the-frame restoration; work included installing a new wiring harness, re-chroming all components, installing a stylish oak bed, and finishing it in a tri-tone color scheme that has held well throughout the Collection's long-term ownership.

In 2025, the 216-cubic-inch engine was overhauled and upgraded with a 235-cubic-in inline six-cylinder engine. During this, other upgrades were made, which included a 12-volt conversion, installing a new fuel tank, fuel sender, fuel filter, and fuel pump, rebuilding the carburetor, adjusting the brakes, and replacing the alternator pulley and belt.

Combined with its body-off restoration and thoughtful mechanical upgrades, this Series 3100 offers the ideal balance of period character and improved drivability. Presented with long-term 50-plus years of family ownership and a large file of documentation, it stands as a well-preserved and carefully enhanced example of Chevrolet's iconic postwar pickup that's ready to be enjoyed on the road, the ranch, jobsite, or as a classic weekend grocery hauler.