Highlights
- Bare-metal, ground-up restoration
- Everything completely ‘stock’
- Dry-state history
The Appeal
Chevrolet began building pick-up trucks at the start of the First World War, and produced about 900 trucks in the first year. By 1942, when civilian production stopped, Chevrolet had produced two million trucks; clearly, they were doing something right. Following World War II, the brand sought to maintain its dominance and in 1947 replaced the ‘AK’ series with its 'Advance Design' pick-ups. Ranging from the ½ ton 3100 to the one-ton 3800, and initially powered by a reliable straight-six, the modern-looking line-up quickly became the USA’s best-selling truck, a title it held for the duration of its eight-year production life. The basic styling and design of the 3100 Series changed little from 1947 until 1953, and the 3100 badge continued until 1957.
Made in 1950, this example was imported to the UK in 2019 by the previous owner, a Midlands farmer who had intended to restore it but didn’t get round to it. In 2020 it was purchased by the vendor who, since retirement, has restored classic cars as a hobby. He is extremely skilled at this, has his own workshop, and has a long line of accomplished restorations to his name, including Ford Thunderbirds, a Willys Jeep, and a number of British classics from Lotus Elans and E-type Jaguars to Austin-Healeys. He bought LXS 631 intending to restore it as a birthday present for his wife, but she doesn’t enjoy driving it and consequently he has decided to sell it.
This Chevrolet 3100 Pickup has been subject to a full, ground-up restoration; as is apparent from the photographs, this has been done to exacting standards and the end result is fabulous. The vendor is keen to emphasise that everything on the vehicle is either original or ‘stock’ – consequently it presents much as it would have when new.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5
- MoT- and tax-exempt
- Imported to UK in 2019
- Thick file of invoices from restoration
- USA paperwork
- Chevrolet parts catalogues
- Factory assembly manual
- Chevrolet Pickup restoration guide
- Chevrolet Workshop manual
- Restoration photos
The pick-up truck appears to have spent much of its early life in Arizona, which would explain why, when the vendor set to work on it, it had virtually no rust on it despite being nearly seventy years old. There is some paperwork, in poor condition, recording time spent in both Arizona and Wisconsin.
The vendor also has a thick file of receipts for parts and work done during the restoration, with virtually all parts sourced from specialist suppliers in the USA, many of them ‘new old stock’.
There are also a number of restoration guides and parts catalogues that the vendor will supply, and he has a number of photographs documenting the restoration in detail.
As an historic vehicle, the pick-up is both MoT- and tax-exempt, and the V5 records that the LXS 631 registration number is non-transferable.
The Interior
- Clean and tidy interior
- Everything original or ‘stock’
- Bench seat
- Excellent roof lining
- Superb door cards
- New speedometer
- Refurbished fuel gauge, ammeter, oil pressure gauge, thermometer
- Glove box
- Original Chevrolet dashboard panel
- Battery under floor panel
As you’d expect of a utility vehicle from 1950, the interior is rather spartan with no frills. The vendor has worked hard to retain originality throughout the vehicle and the interior here reflects that. The bench seat has been reupholstered and looks great, and the floor is protected by rubber mats.
Because the speedometer is a replacement the odometer records just six miles, the distance the pick-up has been driven since being restored, while the other gauges are original and have been refurbished.
Elsewhere, the switchgear and dashboard are all original and the black roof lining is excellent.
The Exterior
- Smart blue paintwork
- All panels original
- Lovely badges and brightwork
- Stainless steel bed strips
- Pick-up bed woodwork specially remade
- Refurbished original wheels
- Chrome hubcaps
Included in the history file is an invoice for £4300, for the preparation and painting of the pick-up’s original panels, so as you would expect the paintwork is immaculate. Although the vehicle was dark green when he purchased it, the vendor chose a paint colour used for Fiat 500s in the 1950s, and it suits it very well.
The original wheels have been refurbished, part of the vendor’s quest to retain originality throughout. Elsewhere the chrome grille and Chevrolet badges all look great, and the door mirrors are equally good.
In the flatbed, the vendor has fitted new stainless-steel strips and specially machined Scots pine planks.
The Mechanics
- 4400cc petrol straight-six engine
- Engine and gearbox fully rebuilt
- £3949 invoice for engine rebuild
- Converted to shell bearings
- Original springs refurbished
- New wiring loom fitted by automotive electrician
- Numerous spares and surplus parts included
The vendor has had the (original) engine converted to run with shell bearings, as opposed to the original white-metal bearings, as these are much more straightforward to maintain. Within the history file is an invoice for nearly four thousand pounds for the engine work.
As you’d expect, after a full engine rebuild, the truck starts on first turn of the key and runs smoothly. The vendor reports that it drives well but having only done a few miles since restoration it would benefit from a period of running-in.
Under the bonnet, everything is as immaculate as elsewhere.
We were fortunate to have the use of the vendor’s workshop ramp for our photo shoot, and as can be seen the high standard of restoration work here, as elsewhere, is readily apparent.
Summary
Restored to exceptional standards, and with great attention to originality and authenticity, this Chevrolet pick-up is a piece of genuine automotive history, but at the same time very practical and usable. It would make a great signature vehicle for a business, but will also appeal to American vehicle enthusiasts – it would certainly draw a crowd at any classic event.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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