1953 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup

Description

Ford became the first of the Big Three to enter the pickup market, but it was Chevrolet that stood tall as Detroit's top truck seller by the time World War II began — and maintained that position long after. Chevy resumed civilian truck production in August 1945 and introduced its new “Advance Design” pickups in May 1947. Wider, longer, and lower than the prewar leftovers marketed in ’46, the Advance Design models looked thoroughly modern and featured an equally modern “alligator” hood that was hinged at the rear. Beneath the early models was Chevy's proven 216 cubic-inch “Stovebolt” six-cylinder engine.

There were few changes as the Advance Design trucks rolled into the 1950s, but Chevy continued to sell more trucks than all rivals — even with Ford's new F-series models on the market after 1948. Early updates included vent windows added to the doors in 1951. Production continued briefly into 1955.

Although power swaps are common for Advance Design pickups, this 1953 3100 half-ton truck has retained its original 235 cu-in Thriftmaster six-cylinder engine. Beyond that, the short-bed truck has twice received numerous upgrades, first during a full restoration in 2001 and more recently with a 2019-2020 refresh.

Highlights 

• Powered by 235 cu-in Thriftmaster inline six-cylinder engine rated at 115 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque   

• Body-off restoration in 2001 included: 

  • Bodywork and two-tone green paint 

  • Custom pinstriping 

  • Deluxe hub caps 

  • Front and rear chrome bumpers 

  • Dual-chromed mirrors 

  • Fog lights 

  • Blue Dot taillights 

  • Reupholstered brown vinyl and beige cloth seats 

  • Converted to 12V electrical system 

• Received $38,000 worth of upgrades in 2019-2020, including: 

  • Chromed running boards 

  • New red oak bed rails and boards 

  • Body repair and paint touchup  

  • New windshield 

  • Dynamat noise reducing insulation added to floor pan, firewall, and roof interior 

  • New electric power steering system  

  • Rebuilt steering gear box 

  • New RetroSound stereo with Blue Tooth 

  • New starter 

  • New ignition switch 

  • New alternator 

  • Rebuilt carburetor 

  • New air conditioning and heating system 

  • New brake master cylinder and brake rod 

  • New rear parking brake 

  • New pedal bumpers 

  • New dual radiator fan 

  • New ring and pinion gear set 

  • New Classic Performance front disc brakes 

  • New rear differential 

  • New shocks 

  • New bulbs  

Features

• The chassis number (H53K030821) decodes as: 

  • H – 3100 half ton 116-inch wheelbase 

  • 53 – 1953 model year 

  • K – Kansas City assembly plant 

  • 030821 – Sequential production number

• Dash instrumentation: 

  • 120 mph speedometer and odometer  

  • Fuel level 

  • Water temperature 

  • Oil pressure 

  • Battery voltage 

• 15 inch steel wheels 

• New Coker Classic A/T 235/75R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint scraped on tailgate 

Included 

• 1953-54 Chevrolet Owner’s Manual 

• 1947-55 Chevrolet Assembly Manual 

Ownership History

The consignor of this 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup has owned it since June 2019. The truck has been stored in an air conditioned, heated collector garage and driven at least once every quarter. It has been driven only 950 miles since its original 2001 restoration.