1955 Chevrolet 3100

Description

The all-new 1955 Chevrolet pickups were a hit with the new truck buying public and they remain popular even in the 21st century. This frame-off restored bright red 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup has that classic look and adds some V8 power and an updated interior to combine what is arguably the best-looking truck of the period with modern conveniences that make it a pleasure to drive today.

Bright red always works on old pickups, but this isn't some faded old farm truck. No, this one seems to have led a pretty good life showing off its crisp, clean lines and a coat of shiny paint that is only a few years old. It's easy to see why these trucks were a hit, with the forward-canted fenders that make it look fast even sitting still (not that pickup trucks needed to be fast in 1955, but it's still a great look) and a handsome egg crate grille that linked Chevy's truck line with their automotive offerings. The crease that runs from the headlights to the back of the cab and is picked up again in the rear fenders is sharp and well-defined and we especially like the utilitarian look of the stepside bed. As is customary with a vintage pickup, the bed is beautifully finished with polished oak planks and chrome rub strips, but the sides of the bed are protected with spray-in bedliner, so it might yet be willing to work and the the custom tailgate has hidden latches. Chrome bumpers look substantial and have been polished up and the original taillights have an honest, old-fashioned look that we like a lot.

With a reupholstered bench seat, custom billet steering wheel, and a revised dashboard, it sure doesn't feel like 1955 inside. The black upholstery and matching details are neutral enough to work anywhere and the whole thing has a very complete, well-thought-out look. Black carpets with sound deadener underneath help control noise and are a big improvement over the original rubber mat and the doors were painted red to help with the illusion. It's fitted with a painted tilt column and a fat 3-spoke steering wheel, so it feels quite modern from the driver's seat. Beautiful vintage-looking gauges monitor all the vitals and look like they belong there with their period lettering and simple faces. There's also a clever AM/FM stereo in the original radio's location, so the dash was not cut or modified to accommodate it, and there's a 6-disc CD changer hidden out of sight. A/C was added and it blows ice cold and this is what is referred to as a "big window" cab thanks to its wrap-around rear glass that makes it feel bright and airy inside.

You could get a V8 in your 1955 Chevy, but the 350 cubic incher that's in there now is a lot more powerful than anything they were building back then. It is, however, dressed pretty faithfully with Chevy Orange on the block and factory-style accessories. It is professionally rebuilt with a mild cam and includes an Edelbrock intake manifold and matching 4-barrel carburetor which help build power and the tubular headers feed a set of Flowmaster mufflers with side-exit tailpipes just ahead of the rear wheels. A 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission powers a 10-bolt rear end with 3,73 gears, so it's a good highway cruiser that still feels quick around town. The front suspension has been upgraded to a Mustang II setup with rack-and-pinion steering and disc brakes for safety. Traditional aluminum mags with staggered 225/70/14 front and 255/70/15 rear white-letter radials add an aggressive look and the ideal stance.

Look around and you won't find a whole lot of these trucks finished to this level and still priced affordably. Popularity is increasing, so make this one yours by calling today!