- Seller: Sherryl D
- Location: Parker, Colorado
- Mileage: 14,685 Shown
- Chassis #: H55K005030
- Title Status: Clean
Chevrolet introduced its Advance Design range in 1947 as its first significant vehicle redesign following World War II. It remained in production until early 1955, and this 3100 Pickup would be among the last to roll off the line. The last two years of production were the only ones to feature the bull nose grille, making this a relatively rare find. It is an unfinished project, but with the owner sadly passing away in 2022, it needs an enthusiast willing to fulfill their vision for this classic. The hard work is done, making it a prime candidate for someone who wishes to tackle a project but cannot undertake a complete restoration. Finding that new home is the first step, with the seller listing the Pickup with us at Barn Finds Auctions to make it happen.
It can sometimes be difficult to understand or appreciate the work that has gone into a project build. Still, the seller includes a wide variety of photos of progress in the gallery below to provide insight into the build process. It appears the owner didn’t seek pristine presentation but wanted this 3100 to be an honest classic that carries a few of the panel scars and imperfections that attest to the life it has led. Having said that, the Mariner Blue paint is consistent across the exterior, with only a few imperfections. The winning bidder could return the Pickup to active service in its current form. However, performing a repaint at this point would allow them to address the minor panel bumps and bruises on the journey to flawless presentation. There is something very appealing about leaving the exterior untouched, so the world can see it has never been a trailer queen. The photo gallery shows evidence of the work performed to ensure this classic is rust-free, with areas like the cowl replaced as a solid base for this build. The frame and underside are painted Black to prevent future problems, and the bed features beautiful new timber. The trim is intact, and the glass looks impressive for its age.
This Pickup’s exterior might not be perfect, but the engine bay is spotless. It houses a 235ci six that will send 123hp and 207 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. Those figures are modest by modern standards, but they are also deceptive. Peak torque arrives at a mere 1,500rpm, making the 235 an incredibly flexible engine. It allows the 3100 to carry a full load without the driver being forced to “row” the shifter to extract the Pickup’s best performance. The engine’s immaculate state indicates it received a rebuild during the restoration. The pickup doesn’t currently run, but the visual indications are that it wouldn’t take much time or effort to achieve that goal.
This pickup’s interior is another area that requires very little to present at its best. The owner stripped and repainted the metal surfaces, adding a new Black cover on the seat, a new headliner that matches the painted surfaces, and a new rubber mat on the floor. All that remains for the buyer to do is source and install a set of door trims to finish the interior. I performed a brief online search and had no trouble locating a pair that matched the seat for $80. Therefore, that represents a cheap and easy job for the winning bidder to undertake.
I have grown to appreciate older Pickups, and I understand why they are desirable. They invariably have plenty of character, and they offer unrivaled versatility. I find it incredibly sad that the owner never had the chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor with this 1955 Chevrolet 3100. However, someone now has a chance to realize that dream. It would be easy to address the panel flaws and apply a fresh coat of paint so the Pickup presents flawlessly, but I don’t think I would follow that path if it found its way into my workshop. It has earned those bumps and bruises, and the beautiful interior offers a perfect contrast. You may have other visions that differ from mine, and the best way to make those visions a reality is to become the winning bidder.
Bid On This Auction
Bob@35 bid $9,250.00 2024-08-21 12:01:06
psirotary bid $9,000.00 2024-08-21 11:58:04- Bob@35 bid $8,750.00 2024-08-21 11:57:11
- psirotary bid $8,500.00 2024-08-21 11:55:20
- Bob@35 bid $8,250.00 2024-08-21 11:54:10
- psirotary bid $8,000.00 2024-08-21 11:52:32
Paul W Smith bid $7,500.00 2024-08-21 11:50:40
Jammin bid $7,250.00 2024-08-21 11:34:21- Paul W Smith bid $7,000.00 2024-08-21 11:16:48
- Jammin bid $6,750.00 2024-08-21 11:15:34
csammons bid $6,500.00 2024-08-21 11:03:07- psirotary bid $6,250.00 2024-08-21 09:50:28
- Paul W Smith bid $6,000.00 2024-08-20 10:57:24
- psirotary bid $5,500.00 2024-08-19 13:42:04
Stone broke bid $5,000.00 2024-08-18 18:44:07- psirotary bid $4,750.00 2024-08-18 18:06:04
- Stone broke bid $4,500.00 2024-08-18 17:42:43
GolfGod36 bid $4,250.00 2024-08-17 11:57:13
David Boettcher bid $4,000.00 2024-08-17 09:45:44- Bob@35 bid $3,750.00 2024-08-17 08:03:22
- GolfGod36 bid $3,500.00 2024-08-16 17:46:39
- psirotary bid $3,250.00 2024-08-16 11:01:45
- David Boettcher bid $3,000.00 2024-08-15 16:02:44
- psirotary bid $2,750.00 2024-08-15 14:11:57
AJ bid $1,200.00 2024-08-15 10:36:39
Myron bid $400.00 2024-08-15 09:01:46- csammons bid $100.00 2024-08-15 08:44:43
Agree with the phantom writer. Get it running and go drive it. It’s good looking like it is and it’s a good tribute to the owner’s efforts.
Engine not running? After all the work & expense put into the truck, why wasn’t the engine worked in?
Hi. My late husband did drive the Chevy regularly, but it has not been driven since his passing in early 2022.
Someone is going to get a really good deal on this great truck. I had a 1947 3100 Five Window and I used it for trips to town from the ranch and moderate trips to events. Never went over 45 MPH, easy to work on, and a real looker. The guy that bought my ranch bought the Truck, worked out well for everyone.
My wife won’t let me bring any more cars, trucks, or motorcycles home unless it is a Camaro for her.
Excellent example of a mostly stock original.
I would love to purchase it however I live in Baltimore,MD kinda far I would offer $1500
I would buy for $6200
I would buy the truck for $6200
You have a beautiful pickup! Someone is gonna be super thrilled driving that rig!
The photos confuse me a bit. The truck photos at the bottom are a different truck. Can anyone clarify? Thanks
My apologies if the sequence of the photos is confusing. The cab photos at the bottom are before and during restoration. Let me know if you have any other questions.
wish I could afford what I know it’s worth.
Lovely beast.
A lot of hard work and love went into this beauty. All the best on your auction.
Thank you Nevadahalfrack and all the others who offered encouraging words!
This is a neat truck. A couple of questions – 1) from the underhood photo (3rd photo in listing) it looks like the truck had a heater that is not currently installed. Does the heater or any other spare parts come with the truck? 2) How soon after the end of the auction must the truck be picked up?
James Eveson. I usually don’t comment on other peoples comments but $1,500.00 is a huge insult to the owner and the effort that has been put into this beauty. It was worth more than that before it was even touched. You should be ashamed. Now to response to HBC. If you look close at the engine pics, there is at least one that the engine is actually running in. My guess is at worse, clean out the carb and the fuel tank. Put in some new gas and if the tires are good enough, you could drive this truck home, no matter where you lived.(In the U.S.) All respect intended to the article’s author(which the new format BF no longer divulges) I would have to do the bodywork and give it a nice clean yet simple paint job. Not because I won’t use it, because it would be my daily driver but only because you don’t see many of these anymore and also I just like a shiny vehicle. I really wish my circumstances were different. I would make sure this truck was in my garage. I had a 58 Chev. I had to sell it due to health issues and I REALLY miss the feel of being behind the wheel of an older truck. Absolute props to the builder and if heaven is fair then he is driving one just like this all day long. Good luck with this one and whoever gets it I hope they appreciate it as much as I would.
Do not know the reserve but I hope
My bid is not insulting and I hope it
to be a significant bid. Thanks Sherry, please let me hear from you on the truck as I live in Arizona and would need to know what I may need if you decide to accept one of my bids. Will I need to tow or start and drive to get the truck to a new home here in good old AZ. Thanks much Paul
Hi, Paul. I wish I could give you a satisfactory answer about whether to tow or drive. My knowledge about vehicle maintenance is pretty minimal. What Davey Boy said about the “at worst” possibility of cleaning the gas tank and carb seems reasonable to me. The truck has been stored in the garage and not driven or started since my husband passed in February of 2022. I can tell you he was an excellent mechanic, learned a lot in the U.S. Coast Guard as an engineman (Vietnam era), and loved working on the old truck. I guess if I were in your shoes, I’d look into towing. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I’ve wanted a truck like this for over 50 years! I’m glad I get to own this truck and the love and effort your husband put into it. I also have a connection to Colorado, and in particular to Parker where my kids live. I can’t wait to pull up in front of their house and show off this beauty.