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Owned For 50 Years: 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup

The 1955 model year saw Chevrolet transition from its aging Advance Design commercial range to the more modern and aggressively styled Task Force series. Reflecting passenger car trends of the era, the buying public eagerly embraced the new model. Derivatives like the 3100 are more highly sought today than when new, and examples like this largely original Pickup command attention when they hit the market. Our feature vehicle has been part of the same family for fifty years, but it has reached the point where it needs a new home. Located in Eads, Tennessee, you will find the 3100 listed for sale here on eBay. Respectable bidding has pushed the price to $13,231, but this is short of the reserve. For those wishing to bypass the auction process, there is also a BIN option of $17,500.

The Task Force series saw Chevrolet make wholesale changes to its commercial range. The more rounded styling of the previous models made way for squarer body lines, and features like a wrap-around windshield were designed to improve visibility. The owner states that this one rolled off the line wearing a two-tone combination of Surf Green and Ivory, although the color names may not be entirely accurate. There are traces of the original shade visible in the engine bay, revealing Ocean Green paint. The top would have worn Bombay Ivory, as that was the only Green/Ivory combination that Chevrolet offered in that model year. Those original colors now hide below a coat of Pure White, and if the buyer elected to reinstate the factory paint scheme, that would be understandable. They would be working with a sound base because while the owner describes the Pickup as 98% rust-free, there are no problems visible in the supplied photos. The body looks clean with no issues in the prone areas like the lower cab corners. The underside shots reveal nothing but a dusting of surface corrosion. The buyer will probably choose to treat this, but it wouldn’t need to happen immediately since it hasn’t progressed far. The windshield exhibits fogging around the edges, but the remaining glass looks good. The wheels wear-non-original trim rings. However, sourcing a set of correct hubcaps should not be a challenge. Overall, this 3100 looks like a prime candidate for a faithful restoration, although there would be no shame in driving it untouched.

While its paint may not be original, this Chevy’s drivetrain remains unmolested. It is a numbers-matching classic featuring a 235ci “Thriftmaster” six-cylinder engine sending its power to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. The power output of 123hp may seem modest, but with 100% of its 207 ft/lbs of torque available at 1,500rpm, the 3100 could drag some heavy loads with relative ease. The engine bay presentation is better than you might expect from a survivor vehicle of this age. Thankfully, it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller indicates that the Pickup runs and drives well, making it a prime candidate for some enjoyable classic motoring during the upcoming warmer months.

Whoever performed the exterior color change continued the theme inside the Pickup by refinishing its painted surfaces in Pure White. Apart from the new paint and spotless cloth seat upholstery, the interior is unmolested. The radio blanking plate is intact, which is a pleasant surprise. Most of those disappeared as owners fitted aftermarket radios. That this one is present is a breath of fresh air. Another item prone to disappearing is the horn button, although that hasn’t happened in this case. The interior appears to need nothing, although if the next owner reinstates the exterior color combination, they may choose to do the same inside this classic.

It isn’t a shock that this 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup has attracted twenty-one bids when you look at its overall condition. If anything, I’m surprised that the total isn’t higher. That brings us to a point worth pondering. These classic Pickups remain incredibly desirable, with many enthusiasts clamoring to park one in their garage. The bidding hasn’t reached the reserve, but the gap between the current figure and the BIN is shrinking rapidly. Do you think that the action will continue, or is someone likely to hit the button to ensure they secure this gem? If they do, I won’t blame them. Would you?

Comments

  1. geomechs geomechs Member

    I always preferred this body style compared to the Advanced Design that preceded it. Harley Earl always liked the rounded off features but they never appealed to me. I would take this truck home in a heartbeat, providing it was more within my budget. Never cared much for the Airsick Green color other than it was original and I would entertain painting it original. The 235 would be just fine remaining under that hood and the 3spd manual would also stay in service. Original wheels with the Pointy hubcaps would also be required. A perfectly boring truck for the likes of me…

    Like 9
    • Steve Brackett

      I have a 1957 3100 shot box ,i wouldn’t sell for less than $30.000 bought it in 1978 , just had it painted last spring , this one is at a good price.

      Like 0
  2. HadTwo

    Another one saved from a 350 V-8 conversion! Given the leaf springs at all four corners suspension, and the manual steering gear box, and manual brakes…too much horsepower makes them dangerous. That inline 235
    “Blue Flame Special” and a three speed is just fine.

    Like 6
    • Jon

      @ had two. Don’t worry I’m sure it will be upgraded to an LS in short order. :)

      Like 0
  3. Glenn Schwass Member

    Very nice. I wish I could go for it but timing is everything…

    Like 1
  4. Rw

    It’s a 55 Chevy with a straight axle doesn’t that make it a Bel Air Gasser,???

    Like 1
  5. Johnmloghry johnmloghry

    I guess it must have been 40 plus years ago now, my how time flies, a friend (Todd) had one with the big back window, and if I remember right his and a 327 transplant with car 4 speed. It was a nice looking pickup but no race truck for sure. Now concerning this one I wouldn’t change a single thing. Buy it, drive it, love it.
    God Bless America

    Like 3
  6. Duane

    Sure looks like a 58

    Like 0
  7. Harold C. Griffin Sr.

    Had a 55 back in the late 60s, pulled the L6 and installed a 348 tri power with the help of a side grinder on the left manifold and steering gear helped keep the engine vibrations under control and made the 3100 short bed a lot of fun to drive.

    Like 0
    • Gil Davis Tercenio

      An L head engine is a flat head. Chevy used OHV engines. Olds and Pontiac had L head sixes at one time.

      Like 0
  8. greg

    How much more work to paint the firewall? shoddy work has to say something for what else one does not see, like the frame.

    Like 0
    • Dave

      What? And deprive you of the pleasure of pulling the motor and stripping the firewall? Then clean prep and paint literally everything under the hood so there won’t be an old/new contrast. Yeah that’s hardly any trouble at all…

      Like 6

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