Vehicle Description
The vast majority of classic trucks that attend magazine shoots and
national shows sport lists of modifications that are longer than
the third volume of War and Peace. But, while those extensively
customized rigs are always cool to look at, this 1953 Chevrolet
3100 manages to carry the same level of appeal without any major
gimmicks. That's because, as we've stated numerous times, old
school pickups are timeless slices of Americana that'll likely
never fall out of fashion. The recipient of a concours-style,
frame-off restoration, this Chevy exhibits a level of quality that
was simply unobtainable on 1950s assembly lines. Pairing a 216
cubic inch 6-cylinder with a 3-speed manual transmission and
striking Burgundy paint, it's sure to turn heads. And, if you're in
the market for some sweet collector metal that can be driven, shown
and fully enjoyed, it's exactly the ride you've been looking
for!
BODYWORK/TRIM
After World War II, GM rolled out its Advance Design pickups nearly
a full year ahead of its revised passenger cars. Why? Well, most
agree that, because truck production continued throughout the war,
the General's body dies were getting worn and needed replaced. It's
a simple answer, and the kind of thinking you'd probably expect
behind such a wonderfully uncomplicated machine. Naturally, this
3100's appeal begins on the outside where all-steel lines,
memorable enough to inspire the Chevy HHR and SSR, are coated in a
fantastic layer of Burgundy 2-stage. That paint, detailed with a
Charcoal pinstripe, presents well from any angle, remaining a true
testament to rock-solid bodywork that was conducted during the
truck's no-holds-barred restoration. And everything adds up to one
crisp and clean classic that's been finished to 100% show worthy
standards!
One of the best attributes of Advance Design pickups is their
straightforward ornamentation. Not decorated to the hilt like most
'40s and '50s cars, these blue-collar runabouts illustrate how
solid design can remain fresh almost 70 years after it was
introduced. At the front of this Chevy, a show-quality grille rides
between a fresh chrome bumper, clean halogen headlights and a
correctly trimmed hood. Behind that hood, a stainless-trimmed
windshield leads a smoked greenhouse that's framed in bright,
stainless wipers and a small driver's mirror. Beneath that mirror,
a polished and bowtie-branded fuel filler floats amid stylized door
handles and painted running boards. Between those boards, a
spectacular Oak bed is detailed with stainless skid strips and
bowtie-branded rail plugs. And beneath those plugs, a "CHEVROLET"
branded tailgate reflects sleeved chains, polished tail lamps, a
second chrome bumper and polished exhaust pipes.
ENGINE
Peer in to the truck's body-matched engine bay and you'll find a
216 cubic inch Thriftmaster 6-cylinder that was professionally
rebuilt by Greeley Automotive Machine of Greeley, Colorado.
Introduced for use in large platforms, and regarded as one of the
all-time great Chevrolet powerplants, this "LBA" branded mill is a
favorite among vintage GM truck buyers because of its simple
design, adequate power and excellent durability. At the top of the
block, painted Weber carburetors mix wind, supplied by satin-finish
air cleaners, with fuel that's piped through braided lines and high
quality XRP fittings. Those carbs ride on a clean Fenton intake,
which floats above cast Fenton exhaust manifolds. Opposite those
manifolds, a fresh distributor, which sequences fire between MSD
Heli-Core Solid Suppression wires and a polished, 12-volt
alternator, twists on a tough Comp camshaft. A beefy radiator
provides cooling with the help of a large pusher fan and polished
cap. And items like a Delco-Remy starter, a silver, "Chevrolet"
branded valve cover and a polished oil cap ensure the bright blue
powerplant is very impressive to look at.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Crawling under this classy bowtie reveals body-matched floors and a
powder-coated frame that have never seen the slightest hint of
inclement weather. Power meets the pavement through a traditional
Muncie 3-speed, which is tied to a 10-bolt, highway-friendly rear
end. Correct leaf springs and big drum brakes occupy all four
corners of the chassis, mixing rugged road prowess with firm and
solid stops. A polished, dual-pipe exhaust system, which is wired
to a polished Patrick's muffler, runs the entire length of the
truck. Everything rolls on chrome steel wheels, which turn
245/60R15 Goodyear Eagle STs around "CHEVROLET" branded hubcaps.
And details like a silver oil pan, stainless fluid lines, a fresh
brake booster, a silver flywheel cover and an Optima gel cell
battery round out an impressive restoration.
INTERIOR
One part vintage and one part modern, this pickup's warm and
welcoming interior looks straight out of an old school Hot Rod
magazine. At the front of the cockpit, a glossy Burgundy dash hangs
classy Haneline gauges opposite an old school locking glovebox. In
front of that dash, a cushy seat features "CHEVROLET 53" branded
lap belts. At the bottom of that seat, clean carpet frames factory
foot pedals. Opposite that carpet, a fresh-looking headliner flows
from a polished rearview mirror to a simple dome lamp. At the sides
of the passengers, body-matched doors feature minimalist upholstery
and traditional chrome handles. And in front of the driver, a
half-wrapped Billet Specialties steering wheel laps a factory
shifter and chrome turn signal switch.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
A small binder of restoration photos
A stack of restoration receipts
A cam card
A stack of paperwork for the truck's high quality componentry
If you're looking for a unique classic that mixes a world-class
restoration with unmatched style and unparalleled fun, this truck
deserves your full attention. It's spectacular from every angle. It
plays to nostalgia and Americana that everyone can appreciate. And
it's a highly drivable piece that actually FEELS like vintage
hardware. So, what are you waiting for? Grab the phone, park this
Chevy in your garage and get ready for years of carefree
cruising!
SUMMARY
Frame-off restoration completed in 2009
Upgraded 216 cubic inch Thriftmaster 6-cylinder / Dual Weber
carburetors
Muncie 3-speed manual transmission
Sale includes restoration photos, restoration receipts and a cam
card
15-inch chrome wheels
