As noted here before, old pickup trucks are hot! We encounter many Chevrolet/GMC’s from the ’67-’72 model years like this ’67 long bed from last week, and the values, for the most part, are ascendant. So how about older models like this 1955 Model 3100 that is located in Mount Airy, North Carolina? We know what a draw the ’55 Chevrolet passenger car still is after all of these years, so let’s see how a pickup will do. This truck is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $17,000. There is a make an offer option too. Thanks to Larry D for this tip!
This 1955 model 3100 “Advance Design” truck is a “First Series” 1955 model, produced early in the model year. It was succeeded by the “Task Force” version, known in ’55 as the “Second Series” truck due to its later 1955 introduction – the appearance is dramatically different. The VIN checks out as a six-cylinder, model 3100 pickup assembled in Los Angeles (Van Nuys).
The seller states that this truck is a life-long farm dweller and is in all original shape other than the replacement tailgate. This truck is wearing the typical fade, nicks, and scratches that a truck of this age usually accumulates. There is no evidence of rot or rust-through though some surface rust is noted. The cargo bed is in solid condition though the planking looks like it has been replaced.
The old 100 HP, 235 CI, inline six-cylinder engine has given way to a newer 250 CI six. The seller mentions that the engine has been upgraded as, “IT HAS THROTTLE BODY ELECTRONIC IGNITION” which I take to mean throttle body fuel injection. The engine image clearly shows the TBI unit sitting on an aluminum Offenhauser intake manifold. The seller claims, “THE TRUCK RUNS GREAT AND WE USE IT ON OUR FARM, WE TAKE OUR GOATS TO THE SALE AND IT STARTS FIRST TIME EVERY TIME“. We are further advised that 60 to 70 MPH cruising is no problem. There is an automatic transmission in place but it sounds as if this truck was originally outfitted with a manual gearbox.
From what can be seen, the interior is in a pleasant and clean condition. The rubber floor mat looks to be a more recent addition and the bench seat has probably been recovered. The instrument panel gauges are remarkably clear for a truck of this age, and other than the fuel gauge, they all apparently work. The seller does suggest that the vent window glass should be replaced.
This truck’s engine conversion, along with the six to twelve-volt wiring redo, and the included fuel injection upgrade all appear to have been professionally facilitated. And it’s the same case with the transmission swap based on the shift lever/brake pedal selection and implementation – the prior owners clearly cared for this truck and weren’t hesitant to invest in it. So what do you think, will this vintage Chevy truck catch on value-wise, the way the late ’60s and ’70s models have?
Sorry, but it ain’t no $17,000 truck. If it does bring that kinda money, things are getting waaaay outta hand.
Looks like he’s been trying to sell it at $18,500 for the last 2 auctions before this one.
Yup, you can buy four 1/2 mustangs for that kind of money!
Love it!
I wish the 55 first series I own was that clean. BTW, the only engine available in these trucks was a six cylinder. 265 V8 not introduced until 1955. I haven’t taken a look at the ebay auction yet, but i would assume the auto trans is a newer unit that was swapped in. The hydramatic was pretty rare in 1955
Kind of refreshing seeing the 235. When I read the sub title I though oh great another LS converted truck. But no just up grades kind of cool. 10000 all day long. My guess.
I like it. Especially if the auto has overdrive.
I would rather have the 52 Chevy tow unit in the background. His asking price is out to lunch must be the altitude up there at Mount Airy.
I will start at $7500
It says it’a an automatic – but it has a stick shift?
Mount Airy (“Mayberry”) is where Andy Griffith grew up.
They do tours in “tribute” Ford squad cars,and there’s a lot
of businesses trying to cash in on the connections.
No, it is an automatic with a gear selector stalk that looks like a manual shift lever.
JO
It’s called a “Lokar”, they make auto shift levers styled like manual levers.
I am not so sure that it is a 235. Look at the intake manifold picture. That looks like a 230/250 intake runner , …checked ebay and it is a 250