The first new Chevy trucks after World War II came out for 1947 and were referred to the Advance-Design. That was GM’s way of describing a line of trucks that were larger, stronger and sleeker in comparison to the earlier AK Series. They would be popular enough to outsell Chevy’s rivals, including Ford with its new F-Series models that came out after 1948. This 1951 edition of the truck, believed to be s Series 3100 ½ ton model, is located in Quincy, Illinois and available here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $17,500.
Postwar production for the new Advance-Design Chevy trucks got underway in mid-1947. They looked thoroughly modern and had an “alligator” style hood hinged at the rear where the proven 216 cubic inch “Stovebolt” inline-six motor was housed. The trucks would be in production through 1955 and would change little over time, with the 1951 editions receiving vent windows. Due to the simplicity of these vehicles, restorations are not considered difficult and reproduction parts are readily available.
The seller’s pickup looks super straight and solid, either having been well-cared for over the past 70 years or the recipient of a restoration. There appears to be no rust or damage anywhere and the bed has been redone with nice wood floors. We’re told it runs and drives great and the famous Chevy engine that displaces 92 hp is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. All the buyer may need to do is install the windshield wipers, glovebox and the new hub caps that come with the truck.
Additional photos are provided by the seller at Collectors.Fotki. These pickups are popular with collectors these days and resale values are stout. Hagerty pegs one of these 3100s in Fair condition at $11,100, while Good is $21,400. Assuming the seller’s truck fits the latter description, it looks as though it could be a great catch for someone looking for a vintage model.
Nice find, but I think it’s a 1950 with no vent windows. That poor little “babbitt pounder” gonna be stretched to the limit on todays roads. Good luck with that.
Howard,
I forgot to mention in my ad that the 216 engine was replaced with a 265 6 cylinder engine. The title says that it is a 1951 model year
265 cu in was a V8. You probably met 235 cu in. It could be a 1951 year model and someone changed the doors from a 1947 1/2 to a 1950 model. I also do not remember 3100 series 1/2 tons have a 4 speed in the floor. Only 3 speed on the column.
Larry
I own a 51 3100, the vent windows on the doors were introduced in 1951 to replace the side vent on the drivers side. Your truck is void of the drivers side vent indicating it is a 51 cab. The doors may have been swapped out with pre 51 doors for the looks of a clean window at sometime in its past.
1949 and 1950had no wing windows 1947 and 1951 had wings.
they had the 216 dipper babbitt motor. they never put a 265. maybe a 235.
Very decent price for a very nice truck. As you said, Howard, not one for today’s main thoroughfares but driving it on side roads in to town would bring a smile.
Agree with Howard, no vent windows would indicate ,it is not a 51. GMC got vent windows in 49 or 50, and so did Chevrolet.
Howard is right, this pickup is a 1950 and has the 235 6cyl engine. I also have a 1951 Chevrolet 1 1/2 ton 5 Window Pickup that I will be advertising soon on Barn Finds. It is a resto rod that has the LT 1 engine with the 6sp trans, cow catcher front guard, outside sun visor and dually wheels
The engine is not a 265 maybe a 235. Chevrolet also had a 261 built into this same engine block with a bigger bore for the cubic inch increase. Easily identified by a very large oil filter on the left side of engine. It was a full flow filter with 3/8″ lines except the very first year of introduction which used the standard partial flow filter. The 261 was only installed in big trucks like dump and buses. I believe the seller is confused with a 265 of the first V8’s that came out in 1955.
Bimmerbill,
Sorry I meant to say 235 6cylinder and Howard is right, it is a 1950 year model. This is what I get when I try to write an ad when I am over tired, lol
Hey Larry, I was not trying to be a smart axx and if I had the money would probably be calling you but I am 82 and have too many cars (too many projects). The reason I inserted the info on the 261 is the engine picture did not show the left side and IF it did have a 261 would diffidently make it sell faster. Good luck to you
Bill
I had a 1950 GMC five window from the mid 70’s until 1990. It was NOT the vehicle of choice for speeds above 55. But it was a nice old truck that never let me down. Well, except the day the master cylinder went south.
That is nice. Only needs some nice half moon hub caps and thin trim rings, and I’d be off and rolling…
I would agree that is a later full pressure engine probably a 235 although I have found these benefit with the fitting of the earlier water pump kit to avoid overheating
Like Howard says, I’m going to have to go with 1950. A lot of babbitt-pounders were replaced with 235s which offered some limited improvement in bottom end reliability. However, from a service standpoint, I saw very few 216’s do anything more than get a loose rod. I like this truck. A four-speed is a great improvement to a three-speed any day…
I believe that 4 four speed is got the super low gear since it is a floor shift and not the column shift. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Low is Granny Gear…