1955 Chevrolet 3100 Big Back Window

Description

The all-new late-1955 Chevrolet "Task Force" pickups were a hit with the new truck buying public and they remain very popular even in the 21st century. This bright red 1955 Chevy 3100 Big Back Window truck has that classic look we all know and love and features beefy 350 V8 power, an overdrive transmission, an upgraded suspension, and a custom TMI interior that all combine into what is arguably the best-looking truck of the era, coupled with choice modern conveniences that make it a pleasure to drive today.

Bright red always works on vintage pickups, but this isn't some faded old farm truck, as the Cardinal Red (or close facsimile) finish on this big girl is quite the head turner. With that great curb appeal, this one seems to have led an easy life showing off its crisp, clean lines that are covered with layer-upon-layer of deep, shiny paint that was professionally applied during the truck's comprehensive restoration (started in 2008 and completed in 2012). It's not a perfect show queen, although it's pretty darn close and you'll be hard-pressed to find anything to complain about in this even, uniform application, short of a tiny imperfection or two that can only be seen up close as possible. Regardless, this truck wasn't built just to compete in the beauty circuit, but rather as a top driver-quality rig meant to be enjoyed, with nothing incorporated into the build that takes away from the killer look of the original 3100 design. It's easy to see why these trucks were a hit the moment they were introduced, 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 chrome grille that linked Chevy's truck line with their automotive offerings. The sharp body crease that runs from the headlights to the back of the cab and is picked up again in the rear fenders is incredibly well-defined and we especially like the custom look of the Black-and-Gold 'Chevrolet' block-lettering on the tailgate. Other custom touches include a trio of vents on either side of the big hood, chrome step-plates at the profiles punctuated with shiny oval exhaust tips underneath, and a louvered roll-pan out back that takes the place of the original rear bumper. As is customary with a high-end vintage pickup, the bed has been finished with what appear to be pine boards (or possibly oak; sorry, we're not lumberjacks), shiny chrome rub strips, capped bed rails, and a black vinyl tonneau cover that protects the gorgeous dance floor from the elements. Glistening chrome on the front bumper, grille insert, and light and glass surrounds look substantial and have been polished up to a blinding shine that works well against the hot-red finish.

The interior mostly sticks fairly close to the factory theme, albeit with a host of new and upgraded components that catapult it into the 21st century. A sculpted, split-back TMI bench seat is covered in gorgeous Dark Charcoal hides and red stitching that bring a lot of style to the mix without being overwhelming, and the bespoke door card were finished to match. The black-and-red color combination looks great inside the cabin, with beautiful red paint on all the exposed steel that matches the exterior, and plush carpets and heavy-duty vinyl floormats match the theme of the bench seat. With all that added power in the drivetrain accurate monitoring is a must, and the Dolphin gauges in the billet bezel ahead of the driver work in concert with a pair of AutoMeter auxiliary gauges installed in the center of the dash and a big, SunPro tachometer mounted just above that keeps an eye on the revs. A big, vintage-style Classic steering wheel atop a polished tilt column provides ample room for the driver, the B&M shifter in the floorboard works with the gear indicator plate to the left of the wheel, and the gauge just below monitors the PSI for the adjustable rear air shocks. Options include an R134a A/C unit that blows ice cold, power windows, and a Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit that powers upgraded speakers neatly installed behind the bench seat. It was all restored and executed to a very high level, so the cabin is an incredibly comfortable place in which to spend some time.

You could certainly 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 beautifully with Chevy Orange enamel on the block, Edelbrock finned valve covers, and an AWESOME Cadillac-style air cleaner with custom pinstripe work adorning the top and two giant snorkels jutting out front that rush huge gulps of air into the engine. It's a beautiful engine bay presentation, with new components neatly organized and detailed up against the custom finished firewall and inner fenders. A performance intake manifold and QuickFuel 4-barrel carburetor help build power up top, and Hooker headers feed a set of Xlerator mufflers that give this old Chevy a fantastic sound. A giant radiator keeps the small block cool in all conditions, while power rack-and-pinion steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes tremendously improve the driving experience. A TCI 700R4 automatic transmission handles the 350's torque and power with ease, and it spins a hotrodder's favorite Quick-Change rear end out back that's incredibly versatile. The suspension's been upgraded with heavy-duty sway bars fore and aft and adjustable rear air shocks that set the stance atop a set of slick American Racing Torque Thrusts wrapped in 235/60/15 BFGoodrich T/As that finish the look perfectly.

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