When they were building this beautiful pickup, they didn’t stray too far from the factory look—after all, could you really do it better than they guys who designed it?
Beautifully built resto-mod with the right upgrades. 350 Chevrolet V8, TH350 automatic, upgraded independent front suspension with disc brakes and power steering. Bucket seat interior with cold A/C. A traditional-looking pickup with a modern feel.
1957 was a great year at Chevrolet, and it wasn’t just the cars that were destined to become all-time greats. One look at this 1957 Chevrolet 3100 pickup and you can see that the stylists were hitting on all eight cylinders when they created what is arguably the most attractive truck of the 1950s. It looks thoroughly modern but with a ‘50s sensibility, looking forward without becoming an outcast. And dressing it in black only emphasizes the great lines. When they were building this beautiful pickup, they didn’t stray too far from the factory look—after all, could you really do it better than they guys who designed it? Instead, they seem to have focused on getting it right. That means straight bodywork, nice panel fit, bright chrome, and no questionable modifications. No goofy flames or excessive pinstripes, just mile-deep gloss black paint with sheetmetal that stands up to scrutiny underneath. They put some fresh oak in the bed to add some warmth, and a few splashes of red on the emblems ties everything together neatly. Additions include custom blue dot taillights, built-in back-up lights below the tailgate, and dual side mirrors, but none of those changes the authentic look. From any angle, this truck looks spectacular.
The interior, however, did get a significant makeover. Instead of a flat, slippery vinyl bench there are now two leather-wrapped power buckets and a custom center console, bringing this 3100 thoroughly into the modern age. Matching gray carpets are a welcome upgrade over the original rubber mat and help keep the interior quiet and comfortable when you’re cruising. The original instrument panel remains, although the gauges themselves are modern reproductions, and the lighter color on the dash pad and upper doors keeps things bright inside. There’s also a custom tilt steering column with a wood-rimmed banjo-style steering wheel that feels substantial in your hands—a nice improvement over the original. A custom center console was fabricated to house the AM/FM/USB radio and a tachometer, as well as the Lokar shifter for the automatic transmission underneath. Vintage Air A/C and heat were added and use a custom controller in the original spot that looks very much as it would have in 1957. And for pure style points, the truck features push-button starting, which is kind of cool. New weather seals help keep it quiet and comfortable inside, and the custom headliner gives everything a finished look. This is not your usual cut-rate built.
Power comes from a small-block V8, as it would have in 1957. This one measures a familiar 350 cubic inches and is topped by a familiar Holley 4-barrel carburetor. Nothing radical, just a proven combination that has worked for decades and makes this truck an easy, reliable cruiser. Other great details include a big aluminum radiator, electronic ignition, a fresh alternator, and both power steering and power disc brakes, so it’s easy for anyone to handle. Chevy Orange paint gives the engine a traditional look, while finned valve covers and natural finishes enhance the OEM feel that makes this truck so easy to live with. It just works. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is equally robust and feeds a stout 12-bolt rear end with what we believe are 3.36 or 3.55 gears inside, so it’s punchy without being excessively busy on the highway. A custom front subframe holds upper and lower A-arms, disc brakes, and a rack-and-pinion steering system, all of which make the 3100 feel a bit more modern on the road. It still feels like a truck, but it’s a bit more sophisticated. You’ll also note that the original gas tank behind the seats is long gone, replaced by a modern tank (with EVAP system!) under the bed—that’s just smart. The custom exhaust system sounds suitably muscular and the stance is exactly right on those 15-inch Rally wheels with fat 235/75/15 wide whitewall radials.
A super clean build that improves the truck without removing its soul, this Chevy 3100 is ideal for cruise nights and casual shows. It doesn’t break any new ground, but the quality of the work is really impressive and it just drives right. There’s a lot more invested in the build than the asking priceؙ—which is shockingly reasonable—and you can see the crisp details everywhere you look. Simply a really nice truck, ready to enjoy. Call today!
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