PRICED-TO-MOVE 3100, 350 V8, MANUAL, PWR BRAKES/STEERING, R134A A/C, WON'T LAST!

In 1955, Chevrolet introduced the first pickup trucks well and truly styled with the consumer in mind. Sure, trucks were attractive before that, but haulers like this 1957 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, also known as the Task Force trucks, show a clear familiar resemblance to their automotive siblings in the Chevy showroom. This one has been neatly restored, showing off those handsome good looks without diluting its ability to get the job done.Look at the hooded headlights, the wrap-around windshield, and the wide grille and it's hard to not recognize this as a mid-50s Chevrolet. Owned by the same guy for more than 25 years, it was restored in the 1980s using high-quality materials, which give it a great look. The burgundy metallic paint is perhaps a little more upscale than Chevy would have been using back then, but there's no arguing with the results. The modern paint gives it a sizzling shine that plays with the light and highlights the dramatic bodywork that Chevy built into every one of these trucks. Finish quality is quite good, with a great shine, good gaps, and they were smart to leave the original trim in place, because it sparkles against the dark finish. It's showing a few signs of age today (after all, the paint job is probably 30 years old) but you'll look great behind the wheel and the quality definitely shines through. Wrap-around bumpers are a big part of this truck's automotive look, and the chrome on the grille is very nicely done. In back, it's probably too nice to do any real hauling, what with the refinished oak floor and stainless rub strips, but the look is fantastic.The truck originally carried vinyl upholstery, but the sympathetic restoration intended to build a truck that was comfortable enough to be used regularly, so there's burgundy cloth upholstery in the original pleated style. Matching fabric door panels were fitted, too, giving it an all-of-a-piece feel inside. Chevy fans will feel instantly familiar behind the wheel, with a triangular instrument panel that looks very similar to those in passenger cars of the period and not the basic flat dashboards that trucks had offered up to this point. Creature comforts were also becoming more important, so this 3100 offers a new A/C system, an AM/FM stereo radio in place of the original AM unit, and plush carpets to help with noise and heat. You'll undoubtedly find that this interior is a wonderful place to spend your free time.The other big deal with the redesigned Task Force trucks was horsepower. Thanks to a 350 cubic inch V8, performance takes a big leap forward today. Very nicely finished with lots of chrome, an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and intake manifold, Mallory ignition system, and a big brass radiator, it looks great in the satin black engine bay. It's full of upgrades, including an alternator for electricity, power steering, and updated wiring for reliability. A 3-speed manual transmission and a Dana 60 rear end with 3.31 gears inside round out the drivetrain. The chassis is extremely clean and you'd be hard-pressed to spot any signs of 30 years of driving. It's still got the original suspension, but it sits right and rides on Corvette Rally wheels and fat blackwall radials for a proper truck look.After seeing this truck, it should be no surprise that collector pickups are the hottest thing in the hobby. Practical V8 fun for not a lot of cash. Call now!