Some classics receive a second chance at life, but this 1957 Chevrolet 3100 Short Bed would benefit from a third. Refreshed in the 1980s, its paint looks tired. However, it has virtually no rust, and the engine bay houses an upgraded 350ci V8. The Pickup is a turnkey proposition, allowing its new owner to indulge in the classic motoring experience while they formulate a plan for this beauty. The seller has listed the Short Bed here on Craigslist in Great Bend, Kansas. They set their price at $14,500, but don’t indicate whether that figure is negotiable.
Launched in 1947, Chevrolet’s “Advance Design” commercial range was the company’s first Post-War model, serving well until the mid-1955 introduction of the more modern “Task Force” replacement. The latest offering enjoyed a relatively short production life, with the last examples rolling off the line in 1959. Our feature Task Force 3100 Short Bed left the factory in 1957, and much has changed since that day. The seller states that a previous owner refurbished the vehicle in the 1980s, but it has spent most of the intervening years in storage. The paint exhibits deterioration, with a matte appearance and a selection of chips and marks. However, it isn’t peeling off in sheets, and there are no major dings or dents. The fact that the Pickup is said to be virtually rust-free would allow the buyer to take their time contemplating this old workhorse’s future. The seller supplies this image with the seat and mat removed. The floor has a consistent coat of surface corrosion, but no evidence of steel penetration. The previous build included installing Tread Plate in the bed, but since it appears only to be sitting there, swapping it out for timber is a viable option. The trim is present and in generally good condition, the glass is clear, and the wheels, although they don’t appeal to me, give the Pickup a sense of purpose.
Disappointingly, the seller supplies no engine bay images. However, this Short Bed should deliver performance that would have been the stuff of fantasy when it rolled off the line. The seller confirms that lifting the hood will reveal a 350ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Turbo 350 automatic transmission. The seller doesn’t mention suspension or brake improvements, but they say that the motor sports an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor. We can speculate on the engine’s power and torque figures. Still, both should be significantly higher than the 140hp and 210 ft/lbs delivered by the original 235.5ci Thriftmaster six, as quoted in that year’s Sales Brochure. The seller states that the engine sounds sweet and that the Pickup runs and drives extremely well. The new owner can slip behind the wheel, twist the key, and point this Short Bed towards the horizon.
This Pickup’s interior is a mixed bag that could make a bold statement following some TLC. It appears that the seatcover and rubber mat are relatively new, with no wear or other issues. Some painted surfaces look okay, while others have chips and marks. The wheel is missing its center, and there’s a gaping chasm between its base and the column shroud. It has obviously had some form of radio or stereo in the past, but that is long gone. However, the gauge cluster features clear lenses and crisp markings, and there are no missing switches or controls. The beauty of commercial vehicles of this vintage is that dismantling the interior is typically pretty easy. Therefore, whipping the inside of this Short Bed in a home workshop would be relatively easy and very rewarding.
The more that I look at this 1957 Chevrolet 3100 Short Bed, the more possibilities it raises. Leaving the Pickup largely untouched is a viable option because its lack of rust and good mechanical condition means the buyer could enjoy the vehicle in its current form for years. Addressing any panel shortcomings and applying a fresh coat of the existing paint shade would be a straightforward approach for those wishing to improve the presentation. However, I would probably throw caution to the wind, strip away the existing paint, apply a period-correct shade like Cascade Green from the ’57 Corvette color palette, and swap the bed’s Tread Plate for urethane-coated timber with polished joining strips. Do you find that idea appealing, or do you have other visions for this solid project candidate?
“Hello, this is Bob speaking.””This here the Bob got a pickup truck for sale?””He said, yeah; I said, Where are ya?””Fourteen east on County 12; turn right on the one-lane gravel road; you can park in the yard; beware of the dog; wipe your feet off; knock three times, and bring your billfold.”
Close quote.
I don’t know if CW McCall was immortalized more by his “Classified Ad” song or if ’57 Chevy pickups were. Whatever the case, they both got a lot of mileage out of it.
They say, “Where were you?” when certain events happened. I well remember being in Fifth Grade when President Kennedy got shot. And when this song came out, I was fixing a chainsaw.
That was 52 years ago, and I couldn’t get enough of that song. I bought the 8-track tape, “Wolf Creek Pass,” and wore it completely out.
And you look at it, in 1974 a ’57 Chevy was only 18 years old. Girls that age were just past the age of “jail bait,” and had graduated to “—-teasers.”
To this day, if I had the right connections, I’d still think seriously about a truck like this. Of course I’d prefer it a little bit more original. Maybe even have to “Use a nail to start her; I lost the key.” Just the same, this is a good truck, with a lot of potential. But lose the wheels!
“Nail to start it”, ( to jump the starter solenoid?) oh that’s sweet, and went over many a head, my friend. Don’t forget the “jumper wire” from the battery to the coil, and we were cruisin’ Quick stop at the gas station, everybody chipped in a quarter, and the night was ours.. We may as well be speaking swahili. Not sure if these had the locking ignition,( not steering) easily over riden by the preceding procedure. I bet I just got a smile out of every “timer that did that.
I had a similar truck once in the 70s, not sure why I bought it. Was a ‘black ’56, stepside, 327, 4 barrel, car 4 speed, fender exit headers, and drop front axle. More of a drag truck. One of many foolish knee jerk purchases, and didn’t have it long.
When I look at the posting and then look at yours, we’re clearly dealing with 2 different groups. Naturally, I like yours much better, but I’m afraid that group is disappearing, and I really wonder what younger folks really think of these “relics”. I suppose one could go either way at this point, but you know as well as I do, it’s destined to be a “clown truck” from here on in. :(
Proud Dad moment: My 12 year old son, who is into cars, saw a 57 Chevy (Belair, I think) 4 door on the road and got super excited, exclaiming he wanted one of those as his first car. This could fit the bill, although not sure it’s the safest option. I do like the idea he can only ride with one person, possibly two. (Although, knowing him, he’d probably load kids in the back.)