Vehicle Description
This 1956 Chevrolet 3100 pickup demonstrates the joy of simplicity.
In today's world where cars are rolling electronics labs, sometimes
it's nice to sit in something that isn't trying so hard, something
that just does its job like a machine and doesn't suffer without
all those little accessories that will surely break sooner or
later. With V8 power, a great-looking paint job, and a comfortable
interior, you'll probably discover that simple is better.
So let's start with the bodywork, which is very nicely done and
finished in a very 1950s shade of medium blue. Chevy was the first
to discover that making their trucks look good as well as able to
work hard meant more buyers, and there's a reason trucks like this
have become hot collectors' items of late. The best ones, like this
one, are solid trucks with great workmanship and plenty of money
thrown at them, with results that make them far too nice to be used
as mere work vehicles. Great gaps, panels that were thoroughly
reworked to be as flat and smooth as possible, and gorgeous
two-stage paint that will shine like this for years to come all
make this 3100 something you'll look forward to driving rather than
something you need to drive. A handsome wood bed floor adds a
rustic feel that seems right at home in the flashy pickup, and the
contrast between the bright chrome bumper and grille reminds us
that trucks were evolving quickly in the late '50s. Sure, it's got
some signs of use, but this one commands attention wherever it
goes!
The interior sticks to the theme, with two-tone upholstery on the
original bench seat that brings some style to the mix without being
overwhelming. Simple is the rule here, too, as the dash includes
clear analog Auto Meter instruments, a handsome wood-rimmed wheel,
and little else to interrupt the business of driving. A tilt
steering column makes it easy to get comfortable, and there's a
padded dash and black carpets pad that make it feel a bit
sophisticated without changing its personality. Otherwise, it's all
pretty much the way the factory delivered it, from the all-metal
door panels to the simple headliner that was as much function as
style.
The freshly rebuilt 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 looks lost in the big
engine bay, but the simple theme definitely works here. No complex
fuel injection, no electronics to go wrong, just a
stone-cold-reliable V8 with a Holley 4-barrel carb up top and dual
exhaust underneath. Chevy Orange paint pops in the all-black engine
bay, but there's a dedicated look to the working parts that
suggests that someone cared about getting it right without going
overboard. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission,
and there's a Camaro front clip that adds power steering and disc
brakes, not to mention the independent suspension. The truck goes
about its business with a minimum of fuss, which is entirely the
point. Flowmaster mufflers offer a great V8 soundtrack that suits
the flashy pickup, and period Torque Thrust wheels wearing
white-letter radials fill the wheel wells for a great stance.
If you don't need or want all the extras that only cause headaches
down the road, then perhaps going back to basics in a 1956 Chevy
pickup is the right choice. Call today!