One of my favorite features of car listings on the various sites we peruse are the photos of the previous owners, or first owners, when the vehicle was in its prime. They are few and far between, but every now and again we get listings for trucks like this 1953 Chevrolet here on craigslist that show the truck and its previous caretaker both at a time when they likely felt far younger. The Chevy is now for sale in Charleston, SC with a $12,500 asking price.
Obviously, the Chevy isn’t as crisp as it once was (the same can be said for all of us, most likely) and it was recently removed from its parking spot of 23 years. The inclusion of the photo with a first or at least previous owner makes me wonder if the truck has remained in that individual’s care until recently. Wouldn’t you love to know the stories that went along with it? Did it belong to a sportsman, who used the Chevy for its useful bed to haul back deer and ducks? Or was it a workhorse, supporting a budding contractor’s business?
These stories tend to get lost as the years wear on, unfortunately. The seller points out that the 23-year-old dust still hangs on the paint. If you’re looking for a truck at a slightly lower price point, be sure to check out the Barn Finds Exclusive we have for a running and driving ’55 Chevy truck in Georgia. This Chevy’s six-cylinder mill still runs as well, and the seller mentions the only work being done is “….brakes and flushing the fuel system.”
It’s impressive that the Chevy remains in the preserved condition that it does, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see the single-stage paint bounce back nicely with a solid buffing. The seller doesn’t explain this photo, which may indicate the interior has been removed to some extent. Regardless, if you’re looking for a truck with some history, it’s likely this ’53 model could provide endless hours of stories if you track down the previous owner.
For 12K that’s a spendy story to try to drive.
Little pricey for a old photo opt.
The body is not to bad other than some minor rust in floor and looks like cab corners are still gr8 and just some fade of paint. It runs is a good start for the 235 I6 with a kick starter and side mount spare tire.
This truck brings high 20s restored and rods upwards of mid thirties. It’s a good deal if one could get it from seven to ten grand with brakes and running and it’s decent good body.
Long or short bed? The angles chosen obscure the length. If it’s a long bed, $4,000-6,000 at best, short bed $5,500-8,000 at least around here. These sort of truck can generate strong interest from overseas buyers if they are located near a port.
Steve R
It is a short bed half ton pickup. See the external stake pocket mounts at the front corners of the bed? If it was a long bed there would be a second set right in front of the rear fenders.
Thank you.
Steve R
Too much
nope
These show up locally as drivable gems for far less than the ask. The early photo makes it look like the grille was heavily mooshed or pushed in by something heavy enough to do that sort of damage. Pretty typical color for this year. Not sure the seat photo does anything for me other than wish the seller luck at $12.5k. Like the 55-56 Chevy hood ornament.
Posting states it has a three speed on the collar? Guess that’s better than lipstick on the collar. Seller “might trade for 67-68-69 Camaro.” Right? Not if our latest BF discoveries are any indication. $12,500 is not a good starting point for negotiation given the additional photos.
Flipper probly bought it for $1,250.
@Chebby, I believe the seller is a family member of the original owner, hence the old photos when the truck was newer, being used. Just a wide-eyed speculator at $12 large, not a flipper.