After World War II, GM redesigned its pickups. Chevrolet received the Advance Design series, while over at GMC, the new trucks were known as the New Design. The light-duty trucks were sleeker, more robust, and larger than the AK series they replaced. The design was also used for panel trucks, Suburbans, and for cab-overs, albeit with some modifications. Debuting in late June, 1947, the Bow Tie brand’s new half-ton pickup was known as the Chevy 3100.
The Chevy 3100 saw a number of changes during its model run. In 1948, the shifter for manual transmissions migrated from the floor to the steering column. In 1949, the gas tank moved to directly behind the seat in the cab, with the filler neck mounted just behind the outside door handle. Late in the production year, emblems changed to numeric with 3100 indicating half-ton trucks, 3600 for three-quarter tons, and 3800 for one-ton variants. In 1950, telescopic shocks bowed, replacing the previous lever type, and 1951 introduced door vent windows. 1952 saw the introduction of push-button exterior door handles rather than the previous turning handles. In 1954, the windshield morphed from a two-piece affair with a center strip to a single curved piece. There was a redesigned dash and steering wheel, horizontal bed rails, and new grille. Taillights switched from a rectangular shape to round. New 235 and 261 cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engines were available, as was a Hydramatic automatic transmission.
Our feature 1954 Chevy 3100 five-window pickup has been restored and tastefully modified for better comfort and utility. It is powered by a Small Block V8 backed by a Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission with a column shift. It’s finished in a medium blue metallic paint, while the custom wood truck bed features stained planks with highly polished stainless steel strips. The spare tire rides in the bed wrapped in a custom black cover. Chrome abounds, with the large grille, front and rear bumpers, rear view mirrors, and Baby Moon hubcaps all gleaming.
Inside the Chevy 3100, the interior features medium blue Recaro bucket seats. The door panels appear to be upholstered in similar material, and the dash is painted white. A chrome tachometer is mounted to the left of the steering wheel, with a chrome-shrouded clock positioned directly above the steering column. An aftermarket climate control system is mounted beneath the dash, keeping the cab comfortable.
Under the hood of the Chevy 3100, the Small Block has been dressed up with chrome valve covers, chrome air filter cover, chrome alternator, and steel-braided hoses. An aftermarket air conditioner keeps things cool when temperatures rise.
This 1954 Chevy 3100 custom pickup will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Indy Fall Classic taking place October 3rd through the 5th.
Comments
I counted six windows.
They don’t count the windshield or the wing vents.
I’d rather have an SSR.
I’d make room in my garage for this pickup. Looks clean and simple. Love it!
Much less complicated than the new Silverados, I like it!