1949 Chevrolet 3100 is Old-School Cool

‘Advanced Design’ pickup led the way for classic muscle cars, and this modified example puts modern trucks to shame.

Modern pickup trucks are do-it-all vehicles that are not only built to tackle heavy-duty jobs like towing large cargo, off-roading, and carrying items in the bed, but can also complete long trips and everyday tasks with ease. Classic pickups, like this 1949 Chevrolet 3100 we recently spotted on the Mecum Auctions site might not be as luxurious as modern machines, but is definitely more menacing.

General Motors’ “Advanced Design” pickup trucks were manufactured from 1947 to 1955 and featured the new Advanced Body Style, which is where the name came from. The pickups replaced the AK lineup of trucks that ran from 1941 to 1947 and, as Classic Muscle claims, were more powerful, larger, and sleeker.

The 3100 was Chevrolet’s half-ton offering for 1949 and featured the juicy and round look that characterized the styling from the period. To give owners a little more room in the bed, GM moved the gas tank to behind the seat says Pickup Trucks. The four-speed shifter was also moved from the steering column to the floor in 1948, while the actual transmission was upgraded to a synchromesh unit, eliminating the need for double clutching claims Pickup Trucks.

The all-black 3100 we found is one menacing machine that still retains the muscular lines that classic pickups are known for. The all-black look is broken up with a healthy slathering of chrome, which can be found on the front bumper, grille, mirrors, door handles, rear bumper, and taillights. Talk about an imposing look.

From the factory, 3100’s were fitted with a 216 cu. in. inline-six engine. But that engine has been swapped out in favor of a Vortec 5.7-liter motor. The engine is paired to an unspecified automatic transmission, while other changes include, a Mustang II front suspension, and the rear end from a Nova.

The interior continues the all-black theme with two power seats replacing the stock bench seating style, AC and heat, and an AM/FM stereo. A chrome and white steering wheel really pops in the interior. The dashboard has gorgeous white gauges and some more chrome that really looks good against the black interior.

With the modern upgrades, this ’49 3100 is sure to stun at car shows and on a regular basis, as the performance and interior updates should make the car more enjoyable to use.