When people think of mid-1950s Chevrolets in a collector sense, they almost always picture the iconic “Tri-Five” passenger cars of 1955 through 1957, headed up by the Bel Air. But there were other important vehicles in the showrooms during that era which often get overlooked, such as Chevy’s attractive pickup trucks.
The Pick of the Day is a 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup listed by a private seller in Damiansville, Illinois, on ClassicCars.com.
“Solid rust-free Southern truck,” the listing starts out. “Totally restored and upgraded, ready to cruise and show.”
Refinished in a vivid shade of blue, this pickup comes from a “transition” year for Chevrolet pickups, since there were two distinct body styles sold in 1955: First Series and Second Series.
The First Series pickup carried forward with overall design language that debuted in 1947 on GM medium-duty pickups, namely, the “Advance Design.” A handful of updates were made in 1954 including a curved one-piece windshield in place of the two-piece unit, a revised dashboard, horizontal cargo bed rails, round taillights, and a new “bull nose” grille in place of the previous five horizontal slats.
Midway through 1955, the Second Series pickup brought a full redesign called the “Task Force,” with a wrap-around window, a 12-volt electrical system, and a host of other updates. That aesthetic continued through the end of the decade.
This First Series has reportedly undergone a refurbishment both inside and out, starting with an upgrade from the pickup’s original 235cid straight-6 engine. Under the hood now resides a 305cid V8 bored to 327cid, according to the seller’s description. The enhancements continue from there – among them, an Edelbrock carburetor atop an aluminum high-rise Edelbrock intake, an aluminum radiator, and a replacement 700R4 automatic transmission.
The exterior benefits from its own list of upgrades, including replacement wooden bed planks, shiny brightwork, and newly added turn signals. The pickup’s build finishes off with such modernized interior conveniences as a newer sound system, “So you can enjoy your favorite tunes while you cruise,” the seller says.
The accompanying photo gallery provides a good look at this restored pickup including the reupholstered bench seat and custom bowtie-branded floor mats. This 3100 looks every bit as worthy of the car show circuit as the Bel Air two-door hardtop that sat next to it in a showroom 66 years ago.
The seller is asking $29,000 or best offer for this First Series double-nickel pickup.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
During the 1960s, when I was a very little boy, my father owned a ’55 Chevy pickup truck, in a blue shade very close to this vehicle’s color. An uncle owned a ’54 in a darker blue and had the chrome front grill. It was exciting seeing them both parked side by side at our family functions!
I don’t remember when my uncle sold his, but I certainly remember dad selling “mine”, as I always told him I wanted it when I grew up. One day, in 1968, he was fishing at the river two blocks from our house, when a local man asked how much he’d take for his truck? Dad said $550.00. The Man pulled out five $100.00 bills and said he’d be right back with the additional $50.00. I was devastated, but later mortified, when dad brought home his “new” pickup truck: a red 1950 Dodge, with ‘Fluid Drive’ and a compound low “granny gear” (which was actually pretty cool and came in handy quite often!). It looked almost exactly like the pickup truck on ‘Sanford &Son”!
I ended up driving that old Dodge to school and football practice during my Sophomore year of high school, before buying my own car. I would pull out the throttle on the dash of that old Dodge, stick each leg out the door windows, and act like I had cruise control in while dragging Main Street!!! However, I never “forgave” dad for selling the much nicer ’55 Chevy pickup truck, which was supposed to eventually be mine.
The restoration & engine upgrade is nice but the paint color is a deal breaker for me.
Are we sure that is a 55’
Funny lookin’ 55’
Canada Bob
Does it have air conditioning?
Lot of truck for the money. I don’t think you could build it for the same amount. I happen to like the color. Early 55’s looked like 54’s, later in the year they changed styles.
God bless America
Nice truck, but as a commenter said: “Are we sure that is a ’55 Chevy pickup?” Looks more like a “50 or 51!”
One piece windshield and flat bed rails are the give away. It’s a 55.
Johnmloghry
I believe your truck is actually a 54.
I had a 53 back in 71.
The 55 was a totally new design.
This truck is definitely a 1955 Early Edition. I have the identical truck. My truck is the original Chevrolet green.
I had it repainted with identical Chevrolet paint from Chevrolet. It has been under garage or carport it’s entire life. It runs very smoothly. New tires and tubes
(6.00 x 16). My dad bought it in 1957, with very low mileage , from a co worker who wanted the new design
My dad died in 1971 and I inherited the vehicle.
Could anyone suggest an appropriate starting price.
Will gladly send photos.