Dr. Dean Giliard’s 1955-’56 Chevrolet 3100 pickup truck (pictured above) is a prodigious piece of American motoring history. It took three years to build, using a body and engine both imported from America – to Thailand.
Dr. Giliard is one of many Thailand residents with a love for vintage Chevrolet vehicles. This pickup makes use of a V8 out of a 1989 Corvette, and the truck won Best in Show at the 12th annual Hua Hin Automobile Concours. Granted, Dr. Giliard’s love for the bowtie brand is only natural; he’s originally from the United States, though he’s lived in Thailand for the past 30 years. He used only Chevrolet parts for the truck build – save for the digital driver information gauge.
The transmission is a 4-speed overdrive unit and, like the fuel injection system, comes straight from Chevy. The truck has power brakes, steering, and windows which, coupled with the 350 HP 5.7 liter V8, makes this truck perfectly well-suited for daily cruising, despite its vintage.
But the impeccable Chevrolet 3100 had plenty of company at the Hua Hin Vintage Car Parade, much of that company belonging to Thailand-born locals. For instance, Thai businessman Salaporn Hiran Pradith strutted about the parade route in his 1987 Chevrolet “Bumblebee” Camaro. He’d originally planned to fit the car with a Japanese powerplant – until he drove it, and fell in love with the performance.
“I bought a classic American car because I like the art and culture of the past,” said Mr. Pradith. “Every car has a story. I didn’t choose the car, I chose its story.”
Comments
am i missing something? any links to more pics?
Aaron,
If you are ever in need of any more stories I’m sure we could hook you up with a number of good classic Chevy enthusiasts since we operate one of the largest suppliers of original 55-70 Chevy Parts. My dad loves telling stories and has connections all over the world! In fact, about a year ago he went to one of the largest Classic Chevy Conventions he had ever attended (this coming from someone who has hosted/attended hundreds of them) … the crazy thing was, IT WAS IN SWEDEN! There is a huge following there. Just thought I would pop you a note. You can call our shop and ask to speak with Danny (he doesn’t know that I am writing this, but he has never met a stranger!).
Thanks for this great report on my uncle Dean!He really is a professional car and motorcycle designer and builder.Amazing Hand Crafted work!Car Magazines have showcased many of Dr Dean’s vehicles and his early Cloud Kit Car is still seen at car shows here!Thanks!