Late 1955 was an important time for Chevrolet as it introduced ints new Task Force truck range. Not only did this new model offer more modern styling than its predecessor, but it brought a V8 to the table for buyers seeking increased performance. Our feature truck is one of those new models, and adding to its attraction is that it features this new V8 coupled to an overdrive transmission. It has been off the road for many years, but it is a solid and complete classic that would make a satisfying restoration project. If you find yourself attracted to the prospect of owning a classic Pickup, you will find this gem located in Encampment, Wyoming, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set his No Reserve auction to open at $6,000, but there have been no bids at the time of writing.

The Task Force range brought smoother and sleeker styling to the table compared to its predecessor. It also saw the introduction of a wrap-around windshield to improve visibility. This Commercial Red example is largely complete, and it is a hot prospect for restoration. Its panels have accumulated the sorts of dings and dents that you might expect to find in a vehicle of this type and age, but they all appear to be repairable without the buyer needing to resort to panel replacement. The seller says that a previous owner changed the bed at some point, but the replacement appears to be in good condition. Apart from the hubcaps and rear bumper, all of the trim is present. The glass appears to be in good condition, with no visible signs of cracks or clouding. It’s probably no surprise to learn that the buyer will be facing some rust repairs, but the issues don’t appear to be extensive. There are the usual issues with the lower cab corners and lower fenders, but with replacement steel readily available and affordable, addressing those problems will be unlikely to break the bank. There is also some rust developing in the outer floor edges, but I believe that patches would be a viable solution. The frame wears a heavy coating of surface corrosion, but like the windshield header, there are no signs of penetrating rust.

Lifting this old classic’s hood reveals what makes it pretty special. The engine bay is occupied by its original 265ci V8 that would have produced 145hp and 238 ft/lbs of torque in its heyday. Not only did the original owner choose to equip this truck with a V8, but he went the extra yard of ordering it with the three-speed manual transmission with the optional Overdrive. For purists, everything remains unmolested, right down to the oil bath air cleaner. This old girl has been off the road for many years, but the seller coaxed the motor back to life using an external fuel source. He says that the fuel tank is gummed with old fuel, and the buyer will need to rebuild the carburetor, but there will be other issues to consider. The state of the transmission and Overdrive are unclear, as the owner hasn’t driven the truck. It also has no brakes, which is no great surprise. However, with the vehicle being numbers-matching, it should be an excellent prospect for a faithful restoration.

As with the rest of the vehicle, this 3100’s interior is complete, and returning it to its best would be a satisfying task for the buyer to tackle in a home workshop. The seat wears aftermarket upholstery, but the rest of the trim appears to be original. The wheel has seen better days, but the owner includes a replacement with its original horn button intact. I’ve previously discussed interior restorations on these pickups and how straightforward the process can be. An owner with some patience and skills with metal preparation and painting could return the interior to its former glory without spending a fortune. Interestingly, the original owner didn’t just drop money on this Chevy’s drivetrain because he ordered the vehicle with a heater and factory AM radio. One of the control knobs is missing off the radio, but the rest of the dash appears intact. Those optional extras should make journeys in this classic more enjoyable than in most offerings from this era.

Given the overall popularity of classic Pickups in today’s market, I am surprised that nobody has dropped a bid on this 1955 Chevrolet 3100 to test the water. That leaves a tantalizing thought for potential buyers to consider. There are only a few days left on the listing, and there’s a possibility that if the status quo remains, a solitary bid could prove successful. With that thought in mind, are you tempted to monitor this auction to see if you can be the lucky bidder? If you do bid, I wish you luck because I’d love to see this gem returned to its former glory.