Autohunter Spotlight: 1951 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup

GM’s Advance Design trucks (model years 1947-55) are widely regarded as “blue collar heroes,” bringing back memories of a time when they were prevalent at farms, factories, and ranches around America. Featured on AutoHunter is a 1951 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup that could probably tell many stories about what the hard-working life was like about 70 years ago. The truck is listed for sale by a private seller in Tubac, Arizona.

The year was 1998, and my best friend Will had inherited his grandfather’s green 1952 Chevrolet pickup (pictured above, along with me and Will’s girlfriend, KelliAnn). Will and I were only 16 years old at the time, but we spent hours tinkering on the truck until we got it running. When we finally did, we took it for a couple of joyrides around the neighborhood. No seat belts, no current registration, no insurance — talk about a carefree (or better yet, careless) lifestyle. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Every time I see an Advance Design truck now, I think of Will’s old ’52.

This clean, custom 3100 went through a frame-off restoration and reportedly has an all-steel body. Exterior features include chrome bumpers, split windshield, running boards, dual side mirrors, oak bed planks, 15-inch color-matched steel wheels, and Coker Classic wide-whitewall tires.

Check out that unique sliding glass rear window. I did some product searching and it turns out those types of windows are readily available on the aftermarket from classic truck restoration suppliers. Handy innovation to have around!

The inside of the cab features a black vinyl bench seat, dome lamp, lap belts, power steering, tilt steering column, JVC audio system, and bow tie-branded floor mats. The original instruments have been replaced by AutoMeter gauges, and while the odometer shows 11,822 miles, the title reads mileage-exempt.

Under the hood is a 307ci V-8 with a Weber four-barrel carburetor, electronic high-output distributor, aluminum radiator with electric fan, and Corvette-branded valve covers. A Turbo Hydra-matic 400 three-speed automatic transmission sends power to a Chevrolet Camaro-sourced rear end. Underpinnings have been enhanced with newer springs, shocks, and power disc brakes up front. The truck is ready to roll!

I’ll have to check in with Will and see where his old green machine ended up. Meanwhile, I hope you’ve enjoyed checking out a clean red custom truck as much as I have. If you’d like to make it yours, enter a bid and see what happens.

The auction for this 1951 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup ends Monday, May 4, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery