The all-new late 1955 Chevrolet “Task Force” pickups were an immediate hit with the buying public when they first debuted, and they still remain very popular in the 21st century
This black-on-red 1955 Chevy 3100 “Big Window” Restomod truck has that timeless classic look along with a big dose of modern 350 LT1 V8 power, an automatic overdrive transmission, custom suspension, and an updated bucket seat interior. Take a closer but read fast because this drop-dead gorgeous 3100 wont’ last…
Bright red always works on classic pickups, but this isn’t some faded old farm truck, as the Cardinal Red (or close to it) finish on this big hauler is quite the head turner. With killer curb appeal, this one seems to have always led a good life before it was ever restored, showing off crisp, clean lines, laser-straight panels, and numerous coats of shiny, lustrous, top-driver quality paint. Finished a mere 68 miles ago, it’s obvious that this was an expensive restoration that got all the details right, and although it isn’t perfect, any flaws are minimal and would most likely be eradicated with a buff-and-wax detail. The paint and bodywork look great in person, and because this driver was finished to such a strong level, it feels right at home just about anywhere. It’s easy to see why these trucks were a hit, with the forward-canted fenders that make it look fast even sitting still and a handsome blacked-out egg crate grille that linked Chevy’s truck line with their automotive offerings. The crease that runs from the headlights to the back of the cab and is picked up again in the rear fenders is sharp and well-defined and we especially like the classic utilitarian look of the black accent paint on the cab and roof shade, front grille, and the ‘Chevrolet’ script on the tailgate. As is customary with a vintage pickup build the bed has been finished with beautiful oakwood boards and shiny chrome rub strips that tie them together, and with smoothed bed walls, a relocated gas cap, and several coats of lacquer finish on the wood, the bed looks like a traveling dance floor. Chrome bumpers fore and aft look substantial and have been polished up along with the hood ornament, brightwork around the glass and roof shade, and all the badging found throughout the truck. And for our money, there’s nothing better than the profile of a stepside Chevy 3100, especially with a side-mounted spare.
Open those big doors and you’ll quickly see that everything was updated inside, with the original bench seat replaced by sculpted red-and-black power bucket seats swapped-in from a late-model. Wrapped in high-end vinyl upholstery, the seats are virtually unmarked, as are the custom matching door panels that flank them. There’s also a custom-made center console that was finished to look like it always belonged there, and it adds the practicality of a pair of cup holders and extra lockable storage. Even with the recent restoration it retains a ’50s sensibility inside the cab, but the modern materials will definitely attract more than their fair share of appreciative nods at shows. Beautifully bound black carpets soften the interior considerably and help control noise and temperature inside, and a matching black headliner insert shows that nothing was overlooked in this build. The beautiful two-tone dash was painted to match the exterior paint scheme, and uses a full set of new factory-style gauges inside the all-in-one bezel, just ahead of that sporty, dual ring and leather-wrapped steering wheel mounted on a chrome Ididit tilt column. Vintage Air A/C vents have been discreetly tucked underneath the dash, while the controls are retro-cool and practically look stock, just like the AM/FM radio in the center. The curved big rear window and matching front windshield give the truck a fishbowl feel that’s simply awesome, and the LED ambient lighting inside helps set the mood just right.
The 350 cubic incher LT1 that powers this 3100 is a lot more powerful than anything you could in ’55, and that’s a good thing. Swapped-in from a ’95 Camaro along with the rest of the drivetrain, this 3100 now runs and drives like a modern vehicle, with plenty of power and torque on tap. The durable 350 was bored .030 and filled with all new internals, and with so few miles on the build it’s turn-key and ready to dominate for years. Black inner fenders and a red firewall continue the truck’s colors scheme, and even the block itself was topped with a bright red intake cover and black valve covers to match. It’s fed through a modern fuel-injection system and cold air-intake system up top, features modern wiring and belt-driven accessories, and has a wonderful soundtrack thanks to the glasspack-style dual exhaust system below.
The 4L60 4-speed automatic transmission made its way over from the same donor Camaro, as did the durable 10-bolt posi-traction rear end filled with highway friendly gearing. Take a look underneath to see where a ton of money was spent during the build, led by the completely overhauled suspension that features a modern Camaro front clip, a big front swaybar, all new A-frame bushings and tie-rod ends, and an adjustable 4-link suspension with coilovers in the back that help set the stance and plant the truck to the ground. Power steering and power front disc brakes joined the party as well, meaning this truck has pretty much everything it needs to be dependable, fun, spirited driver. Blacked-out steelies adorned with bright chrome beauty rings and hubcaps are a traditional choice that work perfectly on this hot-red 3100, wrapped with 235/75/15 American Classic whitewalls all-around.
Price: Auction
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Seller's other items: streetsideclassiccars
Location: Fort Worth, Texas, United States