In the 1950s, America produced some of the most beautiful cars of all time, ones which can be considered works of art. However, if you want to own a piece of history and have it look perfect, it will cost you a lot of money. Just take this $180,000 1955 Chevrolet 3100 restomod pickup as an example.
It’s pretty shocking when you consider the original price must have been something like $1,500. So is Vanguard Motors asking too much money for this 67-year-old geriatric? Hard to say, but the amount of work that went into it is undeniable.
Back in 1955, a Chevy truck might sell with a small-block V8. The 265 made about 180 horsepower, which was enough to get the job done. But this restomod requires more than your usual half-ton output. And so, you’ll find a 383ci GM crate engine under the hood. These turn-key strokers usually make 490 horsepower and are painted orange. However, this one was customized with retro parts and paint to match the body.
The look of this Chevy 3100 is typical for the restomod style. Everything has to look perfect and expensive, which is why they got rid of the hood emblem and shaved about an inch to make the nose look like the Bel Air. Also, the truck comes with a custom one-piece grille and bumpers that have been shaved and tucked. The one at the back even gets notches for the exhaust tips.
How to make a custom 1955 Chevy truck
The fuel filler cap has been hidden inside an immaculate, painted bed, behind the shaved tailgate. Meanwhile, Billet Specialties 18-inch wheels bring lots of rubber. The interior was done by Gabe’s Street Rods Custom Interiors. Gone is the dark, cheap interior feel, as this 3100 has tan seats and a tan dash with custom gauges. What’s more, the basic wheel was replaced with one that looks like it’s out of a 1957 Bel Air. Very art deco, and it’s even got cup holders!
And this grandpa truck shouldn’t drive like it’s 1955 because it’s riding on a custom frame with 4-link suspension at the back and independent in the front. Modern touches also include the RideTech adjustable coilovers, sway bars and powered steering. Power is sent via a 4-speed auto to the 9-inch Ford rear end and reaches Nitto 255/55 R18 tires. Don’t worry about stopping, as disc brakes were also installed.
This model of truck is what’s known as the Task Force, the second-generation Chevy model after the Advanced Design. It was made from 1955 (called “Second Series” because the year was split with the old one) to 1959. The model was known for its Stepside and wrap-around windshield, a first in the truck world.
