A barn-fresh find outside Champaign, Illinois, this 1949 Chevy 3100 Pickup shows no signs of having moved under its own power in some time. Described as not running in the listing here on Craigslist, the five-window specimen can become your project for a mere $4500. The truck’s script appears to read “H. Washburn, Carlyle, Ill,” but none of the truck’s historical details or story made the spartan listing. Thanks to reader Gunter K. for spotting this authentic barn find.
General Motors’ first post-war light trucks came to market in May of 1947, according to ClassicIndustries, and the new “Advance Design” trucks grew larger in almost every dimension. The bench seat accommodated three adults, a challenge in the prior generation trucks, and newly offered tool storage beneath. Advance Design also meant the seat elevated as it slid forward, cleverly anticipating that shorter drivers appreciate a more commanding view of the road. Decidedly newer-looking, the Advance Design trucks feature a one-piece front-opening hood and headlights integrated into the fenders. Shiny details on the dashboard and large twin dials class up the interior. What looks like a steel gray color in the door jambs and elsewhere suggests the red hue may have come to this truck later in life.
Rear corner windows and stainless windshield and side window trim suggest this is a Deluxe Cab, though rear corner windows were optional on base models, according to Hemmings. Art deco tailgate script call out the manufacturer, and mismatched reflectors add authenticity.
If original, this should be the 216.5 cid (3.6L) six-cylinder engine, making 90 HP. Check out pages of fascinating details on these trucks here at GM, Either a three or four-speed (with a tractor-like “creeper” gear not used in normal driving) manual transmission connects to 4.11:1 rear differential, sacrificing top speed for more effective power at workhorse speeds. Would you modify this post-war pickup or leave it stock?
I would preserve it the way it is for my travels.
My dad’s 1950 model is almost identical, although Dad’s is in better shape (zero rust through) and must be a slightly less fancy trim (no corner cab windows and no chrome trim around the side windows). I noticed this one has a single tail light on the driver side like Dad’s. I guess the passenger tail light and/or turn signals were optional back then. The truck belonged to my great grandfather and has always been in the family. Still runs fairly well. Brakes are a little sketchy. I drove it some in high school, redid the brakes, etc. That may be why the brakes are sketchy lol. Not sure I really knew what I was doing at 17. I remember rebuilding the cylinders, bleeding the brakes, etc. Was my first time working on a project by myself, so I probably made a few mistakes!
Yes the second taillight and turn signals were optional from what I’ve read. We forget how Spartan trucks were, back in the day….
I would say it likely still has the original doors, since they’re the full window style (no vent window) and flipper door handles. Those changed to vent windows and push button,
stationary mount, door handles in 1950-51.
I think you can get conversion parts to put better brakes on these trucks now; I have a friend who did that modernization on his ’50 model because he does drive it frequently.
The traffic laws in the State of Alabama require that a vehicle has to have one taillight. I understand that when the Model T Ford went into production, it only had one taillight and that’s when the law was written.
My ‘51, first car, had the pull down door handles on the original doors.
Being a 5 window this is a great buy. Provided it’s not totally rotted. I’d keep the original finish considering the period correct signage.
I am originally from Hoopeston, Illinois and am interested in the truck. I now live in Texas but would come get or have a friend get it to his house. Tell me how. (806) 268-1291
I’m from Texas and used to drive through Hoopeston to visit one sister-in-law in Ohio to visit the other sister-in-law in Illinois… nice little town, my wife and I used to stop at the store on Dixie and Orange.. loved that Dixie was in Illinois… lol I like the pickup, would love to see it fixed up
It’s near Champagne, Illinois click the Craigslist link and contact the seller
Ummm call a tow truck or buy a bus ticket. Or tell your friend lol WTF
I’d get it running and do all the usual stuff to get it safe and dependable and leave it as is.Looks like the drivers running board is rotted thru but hard to tell might be black paint splotch or something.Definetly have to check it out underneath being an IL truck.Cool truck for the $.glwts.It will be sold quick.
Someone found Fred sanford’s truck!
His was a ’51-’52 Ford but close enough
Elizabeth I’m commin.
Yard Art
“Either a three or four-speed” …….Looks like 3 on the tree to me. :-) Terry J
This truck has a lot going for it. Stainless trim, chrome grille, five window cab, and don’t overlook this has the correct factory radio in it. Pretty rare option to find in these things. Least likely vehicle to be stolen these days with a floor starter in them. This has the correct top bolt/stove bolt 6 cylinder in it, so it should be a 216ci with babbitt bearings.
If my old memories serve me. The half ton had the 3 speed and the three quarter had the 4
If this was mine I’m finding a late model Escalade or Yukon Denali that’s been totalled and drop that body right on the chassis
Hate all you want 😂