Chevrolet's radically different 1947-55 "Advanced Design" light-duty trucks represented a sea change in pickup design and appearance. Rightfully, they are coveted by collectors worldwide; however, 52 years after production of the series ended, unmolested original examples are almost impossible to find. Especially the 1955 "First Series" pickup commands a premium among enthusiasts. Last of the classic design, first to have an open driveshaft instead of a torque tube, the final "First Series" Fifty-Fives were built on March 25, 1955, when the all-new "Early V8" pickup trucks were announced by Chevrolet.
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Scores of Chevy people that restore older trucks today prefer the original look, combined with "modern" mechanical components. However, there's quite a number of real antique truck lovers, people like us, who desire the exact original "feel." The 1955 "First Series" survivor truck presented here is a most unique find, sure to please the most ardent admirer of a truly original "Advanced Design" model.
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The 1954/5 model distinguished itself by its pleasing, one-piece windshield, an all-new grille, new parking lights, a new steering wheel and instrument panel. Engineering advancements included the new standard 235.5 cubic inch OHV six-cylinder engine, producing 112 lively horsepower.
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This one being a "Deluxe" model, features chromed headlight bezels.
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The pristine original door tag reveals it: |
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Befitting a genuine California Classic, this Chevy is still registered to its original-issue, black-and-gold license plates, front and back. Priceless!
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Born and raised in the Southland, this fabulous truck possesses another highly desirable trait: it has never been repainted, still displaying all of its original, factory-applied Royal Blue finish. Yes, the California sun has slowly but surely burned off the paint on roof, hood, and fender tops, and there's a myriad of chips, nicks, and scratches; nevertheless, it's 100% original sheet metal, rust free, with a perfect patina only time and the Almighty himself can create!
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| Curvaceous passenger side mirror stem | Correct driver side mirror | Working, adjustable cowl vent |
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| Rust free cab corners | Dent-free roof--note 5-window cab | Working parking lights |
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Above: like a fine wine, this '55 is well-aged. Many eclectic details truly make it come alive.
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Factory 16-inch steel rims wear ancient KELLY-SPRINGFIELD "Safari LT" tires of the size 650x16. We've just replaced the inner tubes. Hubcaps, originally painted bamboo like the grille, have acquired an irreplaceable patina as well. Automotive art, indeed!
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Factory original paint is still shiny, after 52 years, making this impressive classic pickup most desirable.
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Engine compartment, "au naturel." Nothing added, nothing taken away. The original straight six engine still starts on the floor-mounted button and purrs happily. There's no smoke, there are no oil leaks. Chevrolet's mechanical longevity and simplicity is legendary, and this truck keeps the legend alive!
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Let's enter the roomy cabin. A true three passenger truck, the "Advanced Design" pickup features a cab that's eight inches wider and seven inches longer than its predecessor's. Again, you'll see that everything inside is as original as the exterior.
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| Rare accessory clock | Original 1955 Owner's Manual | Factory option: Chevrolet "AIRFLOW" heater |
All gauges and switches work; only thing we're not sure about is the heater. Lots of neat details abound.
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It's a true three-man seat, which is also fully adjustable front-to-rear on an inclined plane, for improved visibility. All original, the seat material matches door panel upholstery. Original black ribbed rubber floor mat is still pliable and factory jacking equipment is stored safely in its under-the-seat location.
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| Superbly preserved door panels | Excellent headliner, working interior lamp |
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Fascinating interior details.
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Let's check out the pickup bed! Tailgate is original and in wonderful condition. Right hand taillight is dealer-installed option, just like the passenger side mirror. Other desirable options on this Deluxe 3100 truck include heater, radio, and clock.
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Pickup bed features original-looking, fantastically preserved hard yellow pine wood, hailing straight from General Motors-owned forests, secured with correct metal strips. (Light spot is center of bed is reflection from rear window.) Only after you realize how beat-up most of these truck beds are, after over half-a-century of utilitarian use, mind you, you'll be able to fully appreciate this arrow-straight one!
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Very important: pictures of the undercarriage. Everything is bone dry; there's no rust-through anywhere, nor has there ever been any rust or rust repair. Check out the original blue paint that's still visible, even underneath. A rust free California truck is so much easier to live with!
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Ready for a test drive?
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So are we! April 2, 2007 was another sunny day in SoCal. Starting in Ventura, we headed out to Oxnard to purchase a flat of fresh strawberries from a roadside stand. Even the busy workers on the vast berry fields took the time to flash us a quick "thumbs up."
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What a joy to pilot the "Advanced" Chevrolet pickup! It's a time machine, really, putting you in touch with a long-forgotten world that's only alive today in a few old children's books and vintage black-and-white movies. Time seems to slow down a bit, and you can't help but smile with giddy excitement as you pass through the countryside, daydreaming of living in an old farmhouse with a barn, the blue pickup parked beside it.
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The pickup starts, sounds, runs, shifts, handles, and stops just like you would expect from a low-mileage, vintage Chevy. There's no shimmying, no rattling, no unruly behavior of any kind. We wouldn't hesitate to use it as a daily driver or take it on a trip across the country.
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Returning home, our only regret is that we already have a beloved pickup in our driveway, a faithful friend, as spry and chipper as this one. Otherwise, we would not even think of selling this treasure, ever, and we really don't want to sell this time-warp truck to someone who doesn't appreciate its originality.
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Here's a very rare opportunity to purchase one of the best original "First Series" pickups in existence. It does everything you would expect from a true utility vehicle. It looks gorgeous, and it's ready to be loved for another 52 years. Spare parts--if needed--and classic car insurance are dirt cheap. Servicing it is a snap.
Factory options, original paint, no rust, low miles: add this '55 to your family and you'll smile with delight every time you lay eyes on your prized possession!