Beginning in June 1947, Chevrolet offered its Advance-Design light- and medium-duty trucks in 3100 half-ton, the 3600 three-quarter ton, and the 3800 full ton configurations. These configurations, with minor running changes, were sold until March of 1955.
Built to haul greater quantities of cargo than the average one-ton delivery, the Chevy 3800 Humpback was massive in comparison to its 3100 or 3600 brethren. The 3800 already dwarfed the other Advance-Design models, but the addition of the humpback to the already large stature made this truck into a towering behemoth. It is unclear if the Humpback conversion was done before the Chevy 3800 left General Motors Baltimore, Maryland assembly plant, or if it was completed elsewhere.
One of just six 1953 Chevrolet 3800 Humpbacks ever built, this example wears just 22,334 miles from new. It has been the subject of an exhaustive restoration, and was featured in Vintage Truck Magazine in August of 2020. This Chevy 3800 Humpback was originally sold to Keithan Bakery and Confectionery, a baked goods, candies, and cigarettes supplier. Its second owner was the Sunbury Hose/Steam Fire Engine Company. After Sunbury, it was owned by a route salesman, and two Porsche enthusiasts.
The exterior of this Chevy 3800 Humpback has been beautifully refinished in 1955 GM Juniper Green and Bombay Ivory. The prep done prior to application must have been significant, as there is very little wave in the long side panels. The finish is highly reflective, having been well polished.
The Chevy 3800 Humpback’s interior has been painted the same brilliant Juniper Green as the exterior. The dash looks very much like that of a 3100 or 3600, with two round gauges sharing the area immediately in front of the steering wheel. The seats have been recovered in a period-looking brown vinyl, as have the door panels. The cargo area features Linseed oil-rubbed hardwood with Juniper Green painted metal strips.
The tidy engine bay is home to a Thriftmaster inline six-cylinder engine backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Finishes and components all appear period correct.
This Chevy 3800 Humpback is a large, purposeful and rare piece of automotive history. Able to be pressed into service, a conversation starter, or the only one at your local Cars and Coffee, this big Chevy could be that rarest of vehicles: a toy you can use. It is being offered by Garage Kept Motors for just $29,900.
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Comments
Achingly beautiful and a time capsule extraordinaire.
A work of art. Unlike cookie cutter vehicles made today.
Very cool. My dad had a one-ton Chev panel back in 59. This big ol’ panel truck is taking styling cues from the Dodge and Rockne Humpback panels from the 30’s. They were actually small panels with 2 small rear doors that were based on the car chassis as were all the sedan deliveries
which had only one rear door.
Poor perspective in the engine compartment view since you can see very little here, but I like the fact that the original dashboard was not modified nor the engine compartment – if we can take the author’s word for it, has not been changed much other than periodic replacement of hoses and ignition wires, distributor cap, points and coil.
Even though manufactured several years prior to my birth – I appreciate the wisdom in keeping the original designers’ designs intact. I assume the 1952 model year still had a 6 volt system, and these were perfectly fine – starting easily in the coldest weather – as long as replacement cabling was kept the same thickness.
I hate it when I go to Cruise Nights and all I see are cobbled up abortions that are not new and are not old.. Leave the work of art ALONE.
The same principle as having someone ‘improve’ the Mona Lisa by ‘modernizing’ the lady. Yuch!
Probably more usefool then you think. See GMC? It’s got an inline 6 and what I want in my NEW GMC an inline 6 DIESEL. No 4-cylinders, please. Just too small even if it’s diesel.