The new 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes with some of the most innovative technology of the modern era. Among its available features are “Super Cruise” hands-free driving, a 13.4-inch infotainment system with wireless CarPlay, and an available power up/down multi-flex tailgate. Talk about a truck with tech!
Seventy years ago, things looked a little bit different.
The Pick of the Day is a 1954 Chevrolet 3100 pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hays, Kansas. (Click the link to view the listing). This truck will turn 70 in a few months.
“Beautifully restored 1954 Chevy 3100,” the listing begins. “Restored at Big Creek Restorations in Ellis, Kansas in 2013. Pickup has maybe 100 miles since restoration. Frame-off, everything was gone through.”
This truck has a unique five-window design, and the exterior is coated in a striking gold metallic paint. The seller says the paint condition is a 9 out of 10. Oak planks line the bed area, and a set of wide whitewall tires give a period-correct appearance along with some flashy curb appeal.
Even though this is a work-oriented pickup, that doesn’t mean it has to be an uncomfortable place to spend time. The original seat has been recovered in two-tone leather that nicely complements the exterior shade, and the stereo an under-dash Custom Autosound unit for modernized connectivity.
This truck is part of the Chevrolet “Advance Design” era of pickups which were offered between 1947 and 1955. Ratings were offered in half-ton, three-quarter-ton, and one-ton payloads (named 3100, 3600, and 3800 respectively). The door jamb placard in this truck says it was originally rated for a Gross Vehicle Weight of 4,800 pounds, and its motor was rated at 105 horsepower at 3,600 RPM.
Speaking of powertrains, momentum here comes from the reportedly original inline-six mated to a column-shifted three-speed automatic transmission. “Runs like a sewing machine,” the listing says, along with “No smoke on start-up or while running.” The front suspension has also been rebuilt.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of pickup trucks over the last seven decades? Would you take a 2024 Silverado over a 1954 3100? And even more thought-provoking: What will trucks look like 70 years from now?
The asking price is $40,000 for this 3100, which includes restoration receipts.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com