Sometimes things aren’t all that they seem. This 1951 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup hints that it might be anything but average, but the actual story only becomes apparent once you begin to dig below the surface. The owner has created a fantastic custom that combines bags of character with modern touches and performance to burn. That makes it all the more astounding that he has decided to part with it after pouring so much blood, sweat, and money into creating this classic. Located in Brownsburg, Indiana, you will find this Chevy listed for sale here on eBay. While the bidding has reached $16,200, this remains short of the reserve.

The Pickup wears its original Seacrest Green paint, and this has worn away over the years to expose bare steel that has developed a coating of surface corrosion. The owner has treated this to prevent further deterioration, and it appears that he has applied a coat of satin clear to preserve the aged appearance. There has been some penetrating rust in common areas like the lower cab corners, but he has patched this, and the vehicle appears to be structurally sound. The bed wears new timber, while some of the trim and chrome continue the “aged” theme that we see with the rest of the exterior. It’s when we delve below the surface that this classic’s story really begins. The owner has mounted this 1951 body on a 1989 S10 chassis, which means that the buyer is not faced with an old frame that could deteriorate over time. The owner has slammed the truck markedly, and its stunning appearance is enhanced by the fitting of 20″ US wheels with Baby Moon hubcaps.

The modern touches continue when we lift the hood and take a peek around the engine bay. We find that this 3100 is powered by a 350hp small-block crate motor that features Headman headers, a 4-barrel Edelbrock carb, and an MSD ignition. Those ponies find their way to the rear end via a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. Thanks to the owner’s decision to include power steering and brakes, maneuvering this classic shouldn’t be difficult. The owner hasn’t simply slotted this drivetrain in and hoped for the best. He has replaced the fuel lines, fuel tank, brake lines, and transmission lines. An aluminum radiator with an electric fan takes care of cooling duties, and an abundance of cosmetic enhancements mean that the small-block presents beautifully. The owner doesn’t indicate how well this truck runs or drives, but the impression is that it should accomplish both tasks pretty well.

The interior shots that the owner supplies are pretty sparse, and none of them provide potential buyers with a visual overview. The listing indicates that the upholstery is new, as is the carpet. The original gauges have made way for a set of Dolphin gauges, while a Kwik Wiring Harness should banish any electrical gremlins. A Bluetooth stereo provides entertainment on the move, but there are a few items that the buyer might need to consider. The Pickup doesn’t feature a heater, so unless you live in a warm climate or are pretty hardy, that is one shortcoming that might need addressing. The vehicle also doesn’t have windshield wipers at present, and that’s one issue that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Wet weather is just around the corner, and I can’t say that I’ve ever subscribed to the idea of navigating by Braille when the weather turns nasty.

I’ve had the privilege to write about a couple of custom pickups in the last couple of days, and this 1951 Chevrolet 3100 is the less radical of the pair. That doesn’t mean it is the lesser of the two because it is a case of “horses for courses” in the classic world. This one has bags of character, and it is ready to be enjoyed immediately by its next owner. However, there is also scope for further development, which leaves the way clear for someone to add some personal touches. If you were to buy it, what would you add or change?