1947 Chevrolet Series 3100 Pickup

In mid-1947, Chevrolet and GMC introduced their 'Advanced Design' trucks, which featured modern styling, a larger cab, more comfortable seating, and better visibility. They had stronger frames and a new grille with five horizontal bars and rectangular parking lights. At the top was a broad hood ornament that had a blue 'Bow Tie' and Chevrolet lettering. Near the back edge of the hood was another Chevrolet nameplate. Deluxe models could be identified by chrome grille bars, while other models had body-color painted bars. They had a two-piece, flat windshield, a rounded shape, and rounded corners.

This particular Chevrolet 3100 Thriftmaster has the Deluxe Trim package, which includes chrome bumpers, grille, and window trim and corner windows that provide - as advertised - 'Observation Car Vision.' In the early 2000s, this truck was restored. It was refinished in the standard Chevrolet exterior color of Forest Green with a Cream pinstripe and a Medium Tan Metallic Chrome interior finish, and a brown leatherette seat and door panels were added. The dashboard includes the original gauges and hardware, the optional Delco AM radio, and the heater, which is mounted below the dashboard.

This five-window example has whitewall tires, updated wheel covers, a varnished wood pickup bed floor, and the 'Chevrolet' name painted on the tailgate. There are period-correct Lee Plastics-style aftermarket lenses mounted in the taillights, and aftermarket turn signals. The engine has been fitted with dual carburetors to improve performance and has a four-speed manual transmission.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014