Photo: Barrett-Jackson
It's amazing how a vehicle that was born for the unceremonial task of hauling cargo in rural America more than seven decades ago can cause such excitement in the world today. More than that, most of the time this kind of vehicle also manages to sell for prices well above the MRSP of brand-new four-wheelers.
It's the Chevrolet 3100 I'm talking about, that blast from the past collectors all over America seem not to get enough of. I mean, just look at how many of them are constantly featured on auction blocks around the country.
The one we have here, for instance, is going under the Barrett-Jackson hammer at the end of January 2024 in Scottsdale. It's not the only one of its kind doing that, not by a long shot, but it is part of the pack that'll probably have people going nuts over it.
The Chevy 3100 is a moniker that was offered by the bowtie carmaker in two distinct series, first as part of the Advance Design line (1947 - 1955) and then the Task Force family (1955 - 1959).
This being a 1951 model year means it's an Advance Design, but it clearly no longer looks as it did when it was made 72 years ago. An unknown crew responsible for the overhaul presented the build for the first time in 2010 at the SEMA show, where it also won Best Truck.
The 5-window retains the overall look that made this breed famous in the custom world, with the massive grille up front flanked by two perfectly round headlights, the large fenders that cover the wheels, and the bed at the back. It was modified, though, here and there, and one can clearly make out the 3-inch chop and the shaved door handles.
The red body was propped on a custom Roadster Shop chassis that in turn makes contact with the ground through Raceline wheels. These elements are sized 20 inches front and 22 inches rear for the proper mean stance, and all wear around their waist Falken tires.
Behind the wheels a performance-oriented suspension system was fitted. It comprises Heidts independent hardware at the front and coilovers on both ends, backed by Wilwood gear for stopping power.
The engine that powers the ride is of GM make that is capable of pushing out a total of 502 horsepower thanks to Ram Jet fuel injection and Hooker headers. The troop is sent in controlled bursts to the 9-inch Ford rear end by means of an automatic transmission of the Turbo 400 variety.
The interior of the truck is just as shiny as its skin, revealing itself as a combination of red and tan leather. The dashboard, taken from a 1955 Bel Air, holds classic-style gauges, but modernity is present as well through an Alpine sound system and LED lighting throughout.
Despite being presented in this form more than 13 years ago, the 1951 Chevrolet 3100 was barely used during all this time, its odometer showing just 359 miles (578 km) of driving distance.
Such a low mileage could do wonders in bumping the price of the custom ride to new levels, but given how it is going to sell with no reserve, that's a wild guess for now.
The one we have here, for instance, is going under the Barrett-Jackson hammer at the end of January 2024 in Scottsdale. It's not the only one of its kind doing that, not by a long shot, but it is part of the pack that'll probably have people going nuts over it.
The Chevy 3100 is a moniker that was offered by the bowtie carmaker in two distinct series, first as part of the Advance Design line (1947 - 1955) and then the Task Force family (1955 - 1959).
This being a 1951 model year means it's an Advance Design, but it clearly no longer looks as it did when it was made 72 years ago. An unknown crew responsible for the overhaul presented the build for the first time in 2010 at the SEMA show, where it also won Best Truck.
The 5-window retains the overall look that made this breed famous in the custom world, with the massive grille up front flanked by two perfectly round headlights, the large fenders that cover the wheels, and the bed at the back. It was modified, though, here and there, and one can clearly make out the 3-inch chop and the shaved door handles.
The red body was propped on a custom Roadster Shop chassis that in turn makes contact with the ground through Raceline wheels. These elements are sized 20 inches front and 22 inches rear for the proper mean stance, and all wear around their waist Falken tires.
Behind the wheels a performance-oriented suspension system was fitted. It comprises Heidts independent hardware at the front and coilovers on both ends, backed by Wilwood gear for stopping power.
The engine that powers the ride is of GM make that is capable of pushing out a total of 502 horsepower thanks to Ram Jet fuel injection and Hooker headers. The troop is sent in controlled bursts to the 9-inch Ford rear end by means of an automatic transmission of the Turbo 400 variety.
The interior of the truck is just as shiny as its skin, revealing itself as a combination of red and tan leather. The dashboard, taken from a 1955 Bel Air, holds classic-style gauges, but modernity is present as well through an Alpine sound system and LED lighting throughout.
Despite being presented in this form more than 13 years ago, the 1951 Chevrolet 3100 was barely used during all this time, its odometer showing just 359 miles (578 km) of driving distance.
Such a low mileage could do wonders in bumping the price of the custom ride to new levels, but given how it is going to sell with no reserve, that's a wild guess for now.
Google News