It is wonderful to see some great old original pickups continue to emerge from barns and sheds across the country. This 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Short Box is a perfect example. It is unmolested and is a surprisingly solid classic. The buyer could choose to treat it to a complete restoration or leave it untouched and drive it as a survivor. Alternatively, it would make the perfect foundation for a project build. The ongoing popularity of these vehicles means that the bidding has been spirited to this point. It is located in Grand Junction, Colorado, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The price has already rocketed to $3,126, and with No Reserve to consider, a new home is mere days away for this grand old Short Box.

It appears that previous owners may have treated this old Pickup to several repaints throughout its life. However, careful investigation reveals that it rolled off the production line resplendent in Juniper Green. I hate to use the dreaded “P” word, but this old classic is loaded with patina. It means that the buyer could leave it essentially untouched, and it would still attract plenty of attention for the right reasons. A faithful restoration is another option worth considering and completed to a high standard, it would maximize this Chevy’s value. Many owners have also chosen the custom route, dropping the ride height and fitting larger wheels and tires. Regardless of which path they choose, the buyer will have some rust issues to tackle along the way. These aren’t severe and should be relatively cheap and easy to address. There is some in the section above the windshield, but as the owner rightfully points out, replacement steel is available for around $50. Reassuringly, it seems that there are no problems with the frame. The panels have accumulated a few minor bruises and dents, but these are also repairable. It seems that most of the exterior trim is present, and it all looks to be restorable. It isn’t clear whether there are any issues with the glass, but like the steel, replacement pieces are easy to find and reasonably cheap.

The engine bay springs a surprise or two. I fully expected to find the 216.5ci six-cylinder engine occupying this space. However, the owner claims that this is the 235ci unit. If this is the case, it would have pumped out 107hp and 192 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. Those figures mean that this Pickup would have found carting its designated half-ton load an effortless experience. Bolted to the back of that six is a three-speed manual transmission. Positive news comes in the form of the owner having successfully coaxed the motor back to life. He has had it running off an external fuel source and moved the vehicle backward and forwards utilizing first and reverse gear. He hasn’t driven it any further than that and suggests that it will need a bit of work and a new radiator before it could be considered roadworthy. Given the time of year, tackling those tasks could be an enjoyable and rewarding way to spend the cold winter months. It’s certainly food for thought.

If you’ve never tackled an interior restoration, I can vouch that it is a rewarding experience. It is satisfying to take a tired and worn interior and transform it into something resembling its original glory. That experience is available to the next owner of this Short Box. The painted surfaces will need to be stripped and refreshed, while the wheel will benefit from restoration. The seat base is missing, and the blanking plate for the radio is gone, but sourcing parts should not be difficult. Reproduction blanking plates cost around $60, and the quality is impressive. The attraction of an interior restoration on a classic pickup is that they are remarkably easy to dismantle. That affords the owner the opportunity of stripping everything properly and refinishing everything to a high standard. To do this and step back brings an enormous sense of pride. Apart from some basic metal preparation and paint, new seat upholstery and a mat on the floor would transform this interior enormously.

The options for the next owner of this 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Short Box seem endless, and will only be limited by their imagination. It would command its share attention fully restored, but it would get as many admiring glances in its current state. Slotting a more modern drivetrain under it could make it a practical daily driver, and other options are too numerous to list. If you were to buy this classic, what path would you consider? I hope that somebody returns it to our roads fairly soon because that’s the place it deserves to be.