Make: | Chevrolet |
Model: | Other Pickups |
SubModel: | 5 Window |
Type: | Pickup (Truck) |
Doors: | 2 |
Year: | 1954 |
Mileage: | 53,343 |
Color: | Black |
Engine: | 235 I6 |
Transmission: | Manual |
Interior color: | Gray |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
Make a note, truck fans: these Advance Design Chevys don't stick around long. If you've been waiting for the right one to come along, perhaps this handsome black 1954 Chevrolet 3100 will talk to you. But whatever you do, don't hesitate, because these trucks are not ever going to be more affordable than they are today. Catch the wave, because vintage trucks are The Next Big Thing.At first glance, this pickup looks like a tasteful resto-mod, but that's only because of the wheels. In reality, it's almost bone-stock and as a result, offers an appealing combination of honest working-class good looks and a good quality restoration with no questionable modifications. Hailing from the snow-free south, it certainly appears to be wearing all its factory-issued sheetmetal today. The 5-window cab is the most desirable of the bunch, offering better looks and better visibility from within. The paint is older and looks about right for a truck that's built to work; this is not a show vehicle and the good news is you don't have to worry about nicks and scratches, because they're already there. The grille has been painted silver, which gives the black 3100 a more serious look, bed rails have been added for protection, and the wood floor in the bed is weathered in a way that looks cool, not worn out.Inside it's got a few easy upgrades, ranging from the heavy-duty seat covers to an under-dash A/C system that makes it a pleasure to drive. The seat cover isn't original, of course, but it actually works well in the truck and suggests durability and simplicity. The gauges are definitely original, but there's a charm in seeing them as they are. Heaters and radios were optional in pickup trucks, even as late as 1953, with this one now carrying the aforementioned A/C unit (which blows ice cold) and a Jensen AM/FM/CD stereo hidden in the glove box. The column shifter's action is crisp, the steering wheel gives you plenty of leverage so effort is light, and the overall feel inside is quite appropriate to the truck's mission. It feels like an old pickup truck, and that's entirely the point.Power comes from Chevy's beefy 235 cubic inch inline six, also known as the "Stove Bolt Six." Why, I can't say, but it's smooth, reliable, and rugged, and by 1954 it had full pressure lubrication so you don't have to worry when you're cruising. It's visibly upgraded, with Chevy Orange paint, a chrome valve cover, and a Saginaw power steering setup. The original carburetor sits on a factory intake manifold, so it feels quite authentic yet makes plenty of torque to keep up with today's traffic. It ticks over with an industrial grumble from the single exhaust, and moves down the road easily; you'll feel at home right away in this truck. As I said, the undercarriage is surprisingly clean for a truck that's never been apart, and it's still got all the hardware you need to put it to work. Tube shocks have been fitted all around, along with those handsome Rally wheels, which now wear 235/70/15 General blackwall radials for a suitably trucky look.With surging popularity, vintage trucks are now highly-sought collectables. And while they built millions, most have been used up and thrown away. This truck represents a lot of fun and a lot of potential at a reasonable price. Call today!