Vintage Chevy Truck Ready To Go! 235 Inline 6 & Rare Factory 3 Spd Auto, Sharp!

1954 Chevrolet Other Pickups 5 Window Description

This dialed-in 1954 Chevrolet 3100 5-Window pickup is looking for a job. Willing to put in long hours, carry heavy loads, and look good while doing it, it can still be used as a truck. On the other hand, with its quality restoration, this is also a great-driving vehicle that's got a comfortable ride and solid power to go with those timeless good looks. Capture the best of both worlds with a hobby vehicle that you can use as Chevrolet intended without worry, and still drive it to the local cruise night where it'll draw a big crowd every time.
Blue Pearl is always a great choice on a vintage pickup truck, and thanks to the wonders of modern paint finishes, this one looks far better than it did when it was new. It was refinished over 20 years ago, but thanks to expert care and maintenance, it still looks great with only minor signs of use. The Advance Design pickups are a favorite among truck enthusiasts, and they were one of the first trucks to take into account that just maybe all those farmers and carpenters wanted something that was stylish and comfortable as well as durable and versatile. Fit and finish are quite good and unlike so many of these trucks, it managed to keep all its original trim for that old-school simplicity that is a big part of the truck's charm. Up front there's a chromed grille that's in great shape, and all the body panels appear to be OEM. The bed's full of stylish lumber that was nicely stained and glazed, with paint-matched slats and a black snap-on tonneau cover that all work together to add a little flair to the original design. There's also custom smoothed tailgate and rear bumper form a later model truck out back, while in front a bright one-piece front bumper matches the bright grille just above. All the bright pieces provide great contrast against the dark blue finish, and this is one of the last vehicles to use factory-installed running boards, which are always a welcome feature. I don't know, maybe it's just a little too nice, but this truck still seems to want to get to work.
The two-tone black-and-blue interior covers the basics with a little added style, and that's part of the truck's charm. The bench seat will accommodate three in a pinch, and has been reupholstered in black vinyl and blue diamond-patterned velour. All the original instruments are in place and have bright crisp markings inside two big round pods (along with the clock above them), and the light-blue steel dashboard is a handsome design that's functional, too. The door panels match the pattern on the bench seat, as does the velour headliner above, and plush carpets help further insulate the cabin from road noise and heat. Like many trucks of this era, there was no radio when it was new, nor are there any other modern creature comforts to speak of now, but that's not really what buying one of these vintage haulers is about. Listening to the torque build up as the inline 6 shifts through gears is all the entertainment you should ever really need. Steering is made is easier thanks to the large diameter 3-spoke steering wheel, and there's a turn signal unit mounted on the column and seat belts for safety. It's not exactly luxurious, but it's a great place to experience life in the slow lane.
Chevy's 235 cubic inch "Thriftmaster" is under the hood doing a great job, and if you've ever driven a vehicle with one of these engines, you know they're smooth and torquey. This particular Straight 6 is the original numbers matching unit, and the presentation under the hood is very close to stock, with a chrome valve cover and air cleaner atop the single barrel carburetor providing some flash against the black inner fenders and firewall. It fires up quickly and idles well, and moves the stocky little truck easily, empty or loaded. Maintenance is easy, and keeping these running is never a chore, especially with upgraded components like the 12-volt electrical system. On this one, the hoses, belts, plugs, wires, starter, and fuel pump appear to be relatively recent, further proof of a life lived under the care of conscientious ownership. The torquey motor is managed by its also original and rather rare GM Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission which shifts very smoothly, and spins a 10-bolt rear end out back. It's very solid underneath, too, with all new brake components and KYB gas shocks and a recent dual exhaust system that adds a little rumble to the Thriftmaster's soundtrack. Upgraded Ralley wheels with Goodyear Eagle GT white-letter radials update the look, and the truck has a slight rake to make it look a bit more aggressive.
Fun hobby vehicles don't get much more attractive than this, and when they're also useful the argument is easy to make. Call today and give this truck a job!