1948 5 Window Automatic

Description

Chevy's Advance Design pickups were not only the rugged workhorses that customers expected following World War II, but they were perhaps the first truly stylish trucks. The result was record-breaking sales to a public hungry for new sheetmetal, and today trucks like this 1948 Chevrolet 3100 remain highly-sought collector's items that work equally well with a few modifications. The gray paint makes this truck seem low-key, but it's going to get a lot of attention nonetheless so you had better make sure it's right. With so many of these being nothing more than working-class tools, it's none too easy to find a clean one to restore, and to get one to this level takes a special level of commitment. Someone invested time and money in equally large portions to bring this one to its current spectacular condition, and it fits together better than any truck did in 1948. The five-window cab is the most desirable of the bunch, with cool quarter windows that not only improve visibility, but add a cool design element with the curved glass. Fit and finish are done to professional standards, so you can show it proudly at the local cruise night, where you'll undoubtedly hear stories about the "one that got away." From the outside, it'll take a sharp eye to spot any modifications, and lots of glittering chrome that really dresses up the old pickup. The bed is beautifully finished oak with painted rub strips, and color-matched spray-on bedliner material protects the sides (as if you'll ever use it as a truck!). The comfortable yet basic interior has been nicely restored but not excessively modified, adding function without losing all that's great about these trucks. The original bench seat is wrapped in comfortable gray vinyl and the exposed tubular frame gives it a function-over-form look that we love. The dashboard includes factory gauges that work with the warmed-over 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood, although they don't seem to be totally accurate. There's a modern AM/FM radio in the dash, right where the original would have lived, so no cutting or modifying was required there. Even the original steering wheel was retained to preserve that old truck flavor. You can use this one every day and not get tired, which is surely the sign of quality workmanship. The engine is a 350 cubic inch V8 with a trick Tri-Power setup, because this truck was built for the road. That's a vintage Offenhauser intake with three 2-barrel carburetors on top, all set up to work like the factory intended. Chevy Orange paint stands out against the satin black engine bay, and those trick valve covers are designed to look vintage, giving this Chevy the look of, say, a vintage J-2 Olds. The transmission is a TH350 3-speed automatic feeding the original rear end, so it doesn't lose its personality while gaining considerably more performance. Up front you get rack-and-pinion steering for the live axle, as well as a set of disc brakes for safety. You'll also get a lot of attention from the rumbling Flowmaster dual exhaust system that features a pair of chrome tips that peek out from under the rear bumper. It sits just right on a slightly lowered suspension, and with classic 15-inch steel wheels with baby moon hubcaps and trim rings, plus fat 235/70/15 rubber, it has a bit of a hot rod look. Nice trucks like this don't come along every day, and good luck finding a clean one if you're intent on building your own. Why not skip the middle part and just take this one home? Call today!