1952 Chevrolet 3100 5 Window

Description

Every time we think we've found the ultimate example of some vehicle, something like this 1952 Chevy 3100 5-window pickup shows up. Beautifully built with the right look, it's everything you want your next custom truck to be. But the fact that it's also totally functional and a blast to drive speaks volumes about the guys who sweated the details that make it so special.

Funny how the old shapes wear modern colors so well, although the dark blue paint probably could have come from a 1950s color pallet. Applied over some very straight bodywork, this one has trophy-collector written all over it. It's all steel, so no worries about repro fiberglass, and build quality is light years beyond anything from the 1950s, I don't care how much you spent. It's not radical, but the attention to detail is obvious everywhere you look, from the miles-deep finish that was hand sanded and buffed to a high shine, to the well-restored chrome and trim, most of which remains right where Chevy designers intended. The desirable 5-window cab offers tinted glass for a clean look and we like the little Corvette-style flags on the corners of the hood, a nice touch. Fresh wood in the bed is beautifully restored, and it offers interesting details like frenched-in taillights and a rear bumper (remember they were optional on pickup trucks) for a finished look.

Inside, all pretenses of keeping it stock are long gone, recently replaced by a comfortable pair of bucket seats wrapped in tan leather that looks incredibly inviting. It will be easy to forget you're in a pickup truck, with custom door panels, lots of sound-deadening, and a long list of creature comforts The dash itself remains pretty much the way the factory intended, with the original gauges upgraded to custom pieces from VDO, which are nestled into custom billet housings. The steering column is topped by a LaCarrera steering wheel that really gives the interior an upscale feel, and getting behind the wheel feels more like a luxury car than a vintage truck. Entertainment comes via an AM/FM/CD stereo system that's neatly integrated into the dash and surrounded by a custom lower valence and center console with cup holders. Powerful A/C keeps the well-insulated cab comfortable and there's not a single surface inside that hasn't been massaged, tweaked, or custom-made just for this truck.

A 350 cubic inch V8 provides the go power, and there aren't many finer choices for motivation. Reliable and powerful, it's the right combination for a vehicle that's intended to see a lot of time on the street. It's more function over form, but that doesn't mean it isn't also neatly dressed, with color-matched valve covers and a trick air cleaner. With an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and intake manifold, HEI ignition, and a mild cam, it starts easily and never stutters when you need a little extra scoot of power. Underneath, the front suspension is an aftermarket Mustang II system with coil-overs and rack-and-pinion steering, while a late-model Buick Regal rear end hangs on re-arched leaf springs, so it has that in-the-weeds stance. The transmission is a TH350 3-speed automatic, so this truck just begs for the next rod run, especially with that rumbling custom dual exhaust system which fits neatly inside the frame so no worries about ground clearance. Polished Torque Thrust wheels wear staggered Michelin radials to finish the period custom look.

Fully sorted and ready to rock, this is the truck you'd build for yourself if you had unlimited money and time. Instead, take this one home and start having fun today. Call now!