Pickup trucks are a uniquely American invention, and while they’re used all over the world, there’s still nothing that screams “Red, white, and blue!” more than a vintage hauler like this 1954 Chevrolet 3100. For decades, they were little more than tools, so survival rates are rather low and finding good ones now that they’re red hot collectables is getting difficult. And it’s great to see that restorers are treating them with the respect they deserve, because there’s a great feeling of climbing up into that tall cab, firing up the torquey six-cylinder engine, and zooming down the road like you have some work to do.

Chevrolet updated the Advance Design pickups for 1954, even though an all-new truck was due in 1955, perhaps to hedge their bets a little bit—just in case the new trucks were not well-received by typically conservative truck buyers. They shouldn’t have worried, but it’s easy to understand why this very handsome pickup would be popular enough that replacing it would cause some consternation in the halls of GM headquarters. The big chrome grille gave it a more contemporary look without changing the fundamental handsomeness of the overall design. Rounded corners, a tall domed hood, and those flared fenders with a side-mounted spare pretty much defined the pickup truck in the prosperous post-war era. Hunter Green paint never hurts, as it was the archetypal color for pickups in the ‘40s and early ‘50s, and the paint on this truck is surely worlds better than anything they were doing in 1954. The restoration was extremely comprehensive and expensive, as shown in the extensive receipts that accompany the truck. It was completed perhaps 10-12 years ago and has been driven, but it still presents very, very well with a great gloss, nice panel alignment, and no signs of shoddy workmanship. The fact that it still looks this good is a testament to both the quality of the work and the care that it has received since it was finished.

The handsome green interior may not be 100% correct, but who can argue with how great it looks? That’s the original bench, OEM-style door cards, and a rubber mat on the floor to remind you this is still a vehicle designed to work for a living. The big steering wheel is beautifully restored and makes the unassisted steering feel light and agile on the road, and the factory gauges were all fully restored and remain 100% operational, even with the 12-volt conversion. That’s something you don’t see very often! Accessories like the Guide trafficator and pipe holder on the dash are nice throwbacks to the era and there’s a modern AM/FM/cassette radio in the dash and it’s worth noting that it was installed without any cutting. An under-dash heater puts out plenty of heat on those cool autumn nights when you’ll be using the truck to attend football games and to pick pumpkins, and the cardboard headliner is in great shape. No needs, just get in and go!

Chevy’s familiar “Stovebolt” six cylinder engine was a mainstay of their trucks for decades, with this being the late 235 cubic inch version with full pressure oiling. It has been lightly upgraded with period parts like the Fenton exhaust manifolds, Offenhauser dual carburetor intake manifold with a pair of Rochester 2-barrel carburetors on top, as well as the Wayne finned rocker over and valve cover. The original distributor is now filled with a Pertronix electronic ignition that lights it off quickly and easily and with 12 volts running through it, the starter spins with real enthusiasm. It’s beautifully tuned, so it starts easily and idles well, and there’s good power at any speed, so this vintage truck doesn’t feel so vintage. The stock radiator was designed to extreme work conditions, so it has no problem keeping everything nice and cool, and there’s new wiring used throughout for reliability. This little six is now a real over-achiever!

The factory 3-speed manual shifts cleanly with a new clutch and with 4.09 gears out back, it’s zippy around town and pretty happy at 55-60 MPH on the highway without any drama. The stock suspension has been retrofitted with tube-style shocks so the ride is notably improved, but otherwise it remains quite stock so it still feels like an old truck (which is the whole point, right?). Those Fenton manifolds feed a true dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers, so it has a racy sound that doesn’t get annoying and a neat pair of exhaust tips under the rear bumper look very appropriate. Obviously there’s no rust or damage underneath and while it has been driven a bit, it remains quite clean and tidy. Factory steel wheels are color-matched to the bodywork and carry accessory trim rings, correct hub caps, and a brand new set of 6.50R16 wide whitewall radials that totally transform the ride.

Documented with a ton of restoration receipts and manuals, this is a very clean 3100 that’s done just the way you’d do it if you were restoring it for yourself. With its heart and soul intact, this neat little Chevy remains a joy to drive and it’s still practical if you have some light chores to do around the house. And with values steadily creeping up on these wonderful little trucks, doesn’t it make sense to get yours today? Call now!