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When Chevrolet introduced the Advanced Design pickup trucks in the latter half of 1947, no one anticipated that this model would persist unchanged until the early months of 1955. Yet, this timelessly elegant design achieved something quite remarkable in the commercial sphere. These trucks, manufactured in half, three-quarter, and full-ton capacities, reigned as the best-selling trucks from 1947 through 1955. Why? Chevrolet offered a visually appealing, thoughtfully designed truck with a reliable, if not thrilling, powertrain, all at a competitive price point. Even today, thousands of Advanced Design trucks are still on the road, such as this 1947 Chevrolet 3100 pickup for sale in Staunton, Illinois.
The vehicle showcased here is a 3100, denoting a half-ton Advanced Design truck. The 3600 designation was for three-quarter-ton trucks, and the 3800 was for one-ton trucks. This particular model features five windows. While large glass expanses in vehicles are commonplace today, this wasn’t always the case. In 1947, manufacturing glass in shapes other than flat was a fledgling art. The technology existed to create smaller curved glass pieces, as seen in the upper corners of the cab. The addition of these two pieces of curved glass was a significant safety enhancement and provided peace of mind when turning or merging.
This 3100 exemplifies the qualities of a “good old truck.” Painted in what the seller calls “patina green” with a black vinyl interior, it’s hard to determine if this truck has been repainted or retains its original finish. Numerous nicks, scratches, and chips expose the primer beneath. The bumpers, possibly chrome-plated at one time, now sport a matte silver finish. The new owner will need to replace the wood in the bed and the metal trim that secures it. We’re informed that the previous owner possessed this truck for 40 years, having discovered it as a barn find.
The wheels appear to have been repainted, and the truck rides on a fresh set of tires. We’re told it runs and drives, though the seller hints that more work is required to ensure everything operates correctly due to its barn-find status. Parts should not be an issue, thanks to the strong aftermarket support for these trucks and their straightforward drivetrain.
While we don’t get a look under the hood, the dealership selling the truck has provided numerous photos of the body and undercarriage in the ad. If the truck still has its factory engine, it would be a 216 cubic inch Thrift Master inline six-cylinder engine producing 90 horsepower. The transmission is likely a three-speed manual, though a four-speed was optional. These “Stovebolt Six” engines were introduced in 1932 and used in Chevrolets in the United States until 1962, with production continuing in Brazil until 1979. It’s worth noting that these engines didn’t receive insert bearings and full-pressure oiling systems until 1954, so if you’re serious about this truck, you might want to verify if the block has been updated to a later version.
The interior of the truck shows signs of wear. The thick vinyl seat cover has been polished smooth by countless slides yet remains tear-free. The dash has surface rust, the radio is missing, and one door panel is absent. A rubber mat is present. GM’s efforts to make these vehicles more user-friendly included additional sound insulation for the cab and a seat designed to slide forward together at a slight incline, assisting shorter drivers in moving both forward and upward to see over the dash. Small details like these contributed to GM’s truck sales success.
Overall, this appears to be a solid truck that, with some work, could still handle daily tasks in a small-town setting. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but this isn’t the type of truck you restore completely. Just fix it up, drive it, and repeat the cycle.
If you’re interested, this 1947 Chevrolet 3100 pickup is for sale on eBay in Staunton, Illinois. The current bid is $7,100 with one day remaining, but it has yet to meet the reserve price.
