There’s nothing like undertaking a project build, although that scenario isn’t always viable. Those in that position can face a situation where their classic ownership dream goes unfulfilled. Alternatively, they can hand over their cash for a completed vehicle and drive off into the sunset. That is the option available for those seeking a classic Pickup because this 1949 Chevrolet 5-Window ticks the boxes most expect in a vehicle of this type. It presents beautifully, and the bulletproof drivetrain combination should offer its new owner many years of safe and reliable motoring. The seller states that you would struggle to create a build of this quality for under $100,000, and when you break down the various costs involved, it is no idle claim. The Pickup is listed here on Barn Finds Classifieds in Denver, Colorado. You could drive away in a classic guaranteed to turn heads for $39,950.

Older Pickups continue to perform well in the classic market, regardless of their condition. This Chevrolet 5-Window is a stunning vehicle that makes a positive first impression. Its red paint shines beautifully and looks deep enough to walk into. The seller indicates it has a few minor marks and chips, although it is worth remembering that this is a vehicle that is driven and enjoyed. The seller doesn’t treat it as a trailer queen, which is how things should be with most classics. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with no dings, dents, or rust problems. The bed is spotless, and the addition of a custom cover protects it from any potential damage that the elements could inflict. The chrome and glass look excellent, sparkling as impressively as the paint. They dropped the ride height, which should help the handling and make climbing in and out of this Pickup pretty easy. The aftermarket alloy wheels add a sense of attitude, while the period-correct foglights provide the perfect finishing touch to the exterior.

The stunning presentation and custom touches continue when we assess this Pickup’s interior. The painted surfaces wear the same shade as the exterior, and the Gray cloth trim adds a stunning and classy contrast. Its condition is excellent for a driver-grade vehicle, with no significant wear or other problems. The matching carpet shows the same level of preservation, while the dash features an array of matching aftermarket gauges. The seller installed a roof console that houses a stereo to relieve boredom on longer trips. If the days are warm, their decision to install retro-style air conditioning will be welcome. Overall, it looks like long journeys could be an enjoyable experience aboard this Chevy, while the interior trim would garner positive comments wherever the buyer takes this classic.

The seller has followed a commonsense approach with this build, and the drivetrain combination should ensure the buyer experiences many years of reliable and safe motoring. The engine bay would have originally housed a 216.5ci six-cylinder engine producing around 92hp. That would have fed to the rear wheels via a three or four-speed manual transmission. That combination would have served admirably during this Pickup’s working life, but it would hardly create excitement in a custom build. The seller ditched the original drivetrain, filling the empty space with a 350ci Crate Motor and an automatic transmission. The engine inhales deeply through a 4-barrel carburetor, while spent gases exit via headers and a dual exhaust. The specifications and power output of the Crate Motor are unclear, but it would be safe to assume a figure well north of 300hp. That makes this a potent workhorse! The seller added power front disc brakes, which is a welcome safety upgrade. Dual fuel tanks should offer a respectable cruising distance, while the new tires should grip the road tenaciously. The Chevy is in sound mechanical health and is a turnkey classic needing nothing but a new owner.

If you wished to recreate this 1949 Chevrolet 5-Window Pickup restomod, the process wouldn’t be cheap. A solid candidate for the project would leave little change from $10,000. By the time you whipped the panels and paint into shape, the tally will have grown significantly. That’s before we consider the mechanical upgrades, sparkling chrome, and spotless custom interior trim. When you add these factors together, it is easy to see why the seller believes such a project would leave nothing from $100,000. For most enthusiasts, that makes such a build a pipedream. However, this Pickup means you could fulfill your heart’s desire for less than half the build cost. That has to make it worth more than a mere passing glance.