Chevrolet 3100 Pickup up for Auction Is a Gorgeous Piece of History

With a Thriftmaster inline-six and a four-on-the-floor transmission, this old Chevrolet 3100 pickup is just asking for a nice cruise! 

Classic vehicles are a bit of an anomaly when it comes to car enthusiasts. In a good way, though. Almost universally, all car lovers from all ages and walks of life can appreciate a classic car or truck in good shape. Classics even manage to transcend hardcore brand affiliation for the most part. It’s easy to see why, too. The styling and presence of a classic car just puts you in a good mood. If you like looking at them, you should really try driving one! If you’re looking for an opportunity to do so, this beautiful Chevrolet 3100 pickup is waiting for your bid!

Currently, this 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pickup is for sale on Bring A Trailer. It isn’t the ultimate epitome of survivor perfection. Nor has it gotten the restomod overhaul and been brought into modernity with amenities like an engine, suspension, or comfort upgrade. However, what this old pickup represents is a loved classic that’ll give you the amazing time-machine-like driving experience that only a true old classic can. Sure, it’s not untouched, but it is, for the most part, an original piece of Chevrolet history!

An Appropriately Aged Interior

The interior, as one might expect, is pretty simple! An incredibly long four-on-the-floor shifter and a nearly flat firewall with pedals jutting out at you. The chrome-trimmed dash will take you right back in time if the aforementioned bits and bobs or the pull-out headlight switch don’t do it for you.  It’s not all outdated here, though. This Chevrolet 3100 pickup does actually have lap belts, so it’s a bit safer than some old classics that came without them!

This truck is a great starter for those looking to get into classic cars. Considering 1953 is a bit “late” for classics, it has some modern amenities that make it a bit easier to maintain and live with than some other classics. For example, this 3100 has both a heater and a defroster. So, if you take it out in the winter or a cold Spring or Fall morning, you won’t have to deal with the cold without some assistance.

In addition, this particular 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pickup uses a 12-volt power system instead of the 6-volt positive ground system you find in stock form. Therefore, it’s more akin to the electronics system used on modern cars when it comes to components like the battery, alternator, and more. That alone makes it a bit easier on folks interested in classics with some general automotive knowledge.

A Beautiful Example of an Underappreciated Classic

Power for the 3100 pickup comes from the legendary Thriftmaster inline six-cylinder engine. This one is punched out forty-thousandths over and underwent a full rebuild in 1994. When new, these engines were good for about 140 horsepower.

That power heads to the rear wheels via the four-speed manual transmission mentioned before.

Overall, this is a fantastic example of a lightly modified and simply maintained classic. It’s perfect for someone looking for a pleasant weekend cruiser. Considering its slightly stealthy status, the price isn’t likely to get too wild. Similar 3100 pickup examples can be found for around $45,000 to $50,000.

So, if you’re interested in a classic Chevrolet pickup, this might be the one for you!

Photos: Bring a Trailer