Patina Pickup: 1950 Chevrolet 3100

I have always found older Pickups cool because they represent an excellent base for a custom build. Such has been the fate of this 1950 Chevrolet 3100. The seller preserved its aged exterior that tells the story of the life it has led. However, under the surface hides many upgrades that provide performance its original creators could have never imagined. The seller only recently completed the build and feels it is time for this gem to find a new home. It deserves a close look because it offers classic charm with a modern twist.

Chevrolet introduced its Advance Design commercial range in 1947, representing its first new model following World War II. It remained in production until 1955, with our feature Pickup rolling off the line in 1950. Its history is unclear, but its appearance possesses an inherent charm. The Mariner Blue paint has aged and worn, with the exposed steel developing surface corrosion in various locations. However, the only genuine rust is located in the lower cab corners, and the seller includes replacements to render them a distant memory. The bed features new timber and strips that perfectly contrast the aged exterior to provide a striking appearance. Below the surface, this 3100 rests on a blasted and powdercoated S-10 frame that ensures this classic is structurally sound. The trim continues the “aged” theme, but the glass looks impressively clean and clear. The low stance and wide steel wheels are a great indication that there is more to this classic than first meets the eye.

The seller followed a pretty safe path with this build, but that isn’t a criticism. It simply means that any maintenance or future parts search shouldn’t provide any nasty surprises for the new owner. The stripped and refreshed S-10 frame received new lines and other hardware before being merged with the 3100’s body. From there, things get interesting, because the engine bay houses a 5.3-liter LS V8. Its specifications are unclear, but it is a safe bet that it generates for than the 90hp and 176 ft/lbs of torque produced by this Pickup’s original 216.5ci six. Power feeds from the engine to a Posi rear end via a five-speed manual transmission sourced from an S-10. The package is rounded out by four-wheel disc brakes that should ensure this classic stops as well as it goes. The seller was told that the V8 had a genuine 75,000 miles under its belt, and they have added a further 2,400 miles since the build concluded. The vehicle runs and drives perfectly, and can be considered a turnkey proposition.

This Pickup’s interior provides scope for the winning bidder to get their hands dirty, but with most of the required parts included, the finishing touches won’t cost a fortune. The seller added a retrimmed seat in vinyl and cloth but never reached the point of installing the matching door trims and headliner that are included. They planned to refresh the painted surfaces first, but this never happened. However, if the buyer performs the refresh and installs the trims and headliner, this interior will provide a striking contrast to the exterior. It appears there is no in-vehicle entertainment, although the driver can monitor progress and the Pickup’s mechanical health via a sparkling set of retro-style gauges.

Gauging whether a classic is desirable or ticks the boxes for enthusiasts is sometimes challenging, but this 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup leaves no room for doubt. It has attracted forty-eight bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Greensboro, North Carolina. This action has pushed the price to $15,300, which is below the reserve. Throw the sixty-four people watching the auction into the mix, and it is a fair bet that the price will climb substantially before the hammer falls. Do you find this Pickup irresistible? I will understand if you do. The bigger question is whether you will yield to temptation by joining the bidding war. I hope that one of our readers tastes success because that will guarantee that this classic will head to a home where it is appreciated and protected.