A transitional-year Chevrolet pickup with modernized underpinnings and a documented frame-off restoration, this 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Series 1 blends Advance Design styling with upgraded drivability and contemporary comfort features. Chevrolet produced both Series 1 and Series 2 trucks during the 1955 model year, making the early-production Series 1 models immediately recognizable by their classic pre-TF styling cues. This example retains much of its original sheet metal and has been comprehensively reworked with upgraded suspension, fuel injection, four-wheel disc brakes, and a custom interior. Restoration and engine overhaul receipts are included, including documentation from Midland Engine Machine of Midland, North Carolina.
The body was refinished as part of a frame-off restoration with the frame sandblasted and painted during the build. Exterior modifications include a custom rear roll pan with integrated Camaro RS reverse lights, filled stake pockets, widened rear wheel tubs, and a relocated fuel filler concealed behind a custom fuel door in the driver-side rear fender. The truck retains its desirable 5-window cab configuration and features all new glass with new vent window assemblies. The functional exterior cowl vent remains operational, while the bed has been fitted with painted oak wood planks, polished stainless filler strips, and stainless hardware. Additional updates include a replacement grille, custom rear valance with license plate holder, and 17" polished American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels wrapped with 275/50R17 Nitto NT555 G2 tires at all four corners.
Power comes from a rebuilt Chevrolet 350ci V8 rated at approximately 300 horsepower and upgraded with FiTech electronic fuel injection, double hump cylinder heads, a hydraulic flat tappet camshaft and lifters, ceramic-coated long-tube headers, and an aluminum intake manifold. Midland Engine Machine reportedly stripped and crack-checked the block during the 2021 overhaul before installing new bearings and rebuilding the cylinder heads with a valve job. Cooling is handled by a Champion aluminum 3-row radiator equipped with an electric fan. Power is routed through a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and into a Ford 9" rear axle equipped with a Strange limited-slip differential and 3.51 gearing. Beneath the truck, a Gen 2 Camaro front clip with lowering spindles is paired with a custom rear 4-link suspension featuring adjustable coil-over shocks. Additional mechanical upgrades include four-wheel power disc brakes and power steering.
The custom interior combines vintage styling with modern amenities. Late-model Mustang GT bucket seats are upholstered in leatherette material and complemented by custom door panels, a custom headliner, and a handcrafted center console featuring integrated cup holders, USB charging ports, and storage. A B&M shifter sits between the seats, while a powdercoated stainless tilt steering column is topped by two-tone blue and black 1962 Impala steering wheel fitted with a Chevrolet bowtie center insert. Blue-illuminated Dakota Digital VHX instrumentation and a RetroSound audio system with Bluetooth add contemporary functionality, while additional features include Vintage Air climate controls for modern air conditioning, 3-point seat belts, new carpeting, sun visors, and a rearview mirror.
Documented with restoration receipts and engine machining records, this 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Series 1 presents as a thoughtfully upgraded pickup that preserves the unmistakable character of Chevrolet's Advance Design trucks while incorporating modern performance, handling, and comfort upgrades throughout.
Key Highlights
Frame-off Restored Chevrolet 3100 Restomod Truck
350ci V8
TH350 3-speed automatic transmission
Ford 9" rear axle with 3.51 gears
Strange limited-slip differential
FiTech electronic fuel injection
Long-tube headers
Four-wheel power disc brakes
Power steering
Modern air conditioning
Gen 2 Camaro front clip
Lowering spindles
4-link rear suspension
Adjustable rear coilover shocks
17" polished Torq Thrust II wheels
275/50R17 Nitto NT555 G2 tires
Custom rear roll pan
Camaro RS reverse lights
Mini-tubbed rear wheel housings
Painted oak wood bed floor
Dakota Digital VHX gauges
Mustang GT bucket seats
Custom center console with USB charging and cup holders
1962 Impala steering wheel
RetroSound Bluetooth stereo
