1950 Chevrolet 3100 5-Window Restomod " LS V8 4L60E Wilwood 6-Piston Brakes $250K Build
Highlights
1950 Chevrolet 3100 5-Window
Professionally built full custom restomod
Build stated to have exceeded $250,000
Previously sold at Mecum Auctions for $143,000; bill of sale accompanies the truck
GM LS-series V8 engine
4L60E 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission
TCI Mustang II independent front suspension
Power rack-and-pinion steering
Ford 8.8-inch rear axle
3.73 rear gearing
Wilwood 6-piston front disc brakes
Cross-drilled brake rotors
Vintage Air air conditioning
American Autowire wiring harness
Tanks Inc. fuel tank
Raingear electric windshield wipers
Ididit tilt steering column
LeCarra wood-rim steering wheel
Dolphin instrumentation
Custom RetroSound stereo system
JBL speakers
Custom leather interior reportedly representing approximately $30,000 of the build
PPG basecoat/clearcoat paint
Full-body clear protective wrap
New glass
Gloss-black 20-inch Chevrolet wheels
245/40R20 tires shown in photos
Custom wood-look bed floor with American eagle/flag artwork
Dual exhaust
Approximately two years invested in the build
This 1950 Chevrolet 3100 5-Window is far removed from a stock Advance-Design pickup. Built as a comprehensive restomod, the truck combines the unmistakable lines of Chevrolet's early postwar pickup with modern V8 power, overdrive, independent front suspension, power steering, upgraded brakes, air conditioning and a fully customized interior.
According to the documentation accompanying the truck, the professional build represented more than $250,000 and approximately two years of work. The same documentation states that the truck previously sold through Mecum Auctions for $143,000, with the corresponding bill of sale included.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood is a GM LS-series V8, paired with a 4L60E automatic overdrive transmission. The combination provides the dependability and drivability expected from a modern GM powertrain while keeping the truck Chevrolet-powered.
Out back is a Ford 8.8-inch rear axle with 3.73 gearing. The undercarriage photographs show a clean, thoughtfully assembled drivetrain installation along with a dual exhaust system.
Suspension, Steering & Brakes
The original-style front suspension has been replaced with a TCI Mustang II independent front suspension, incorporating power rack-and-pinion steering. This is one of the major upgrades that separates a properly engineered restomod from a cosmetically updated vintage pickup.
Stopping power is equally substantial. The truck is fitted with Wilwood six-piston disc brakes, visible behind the black wheels with bright red calipers and cross-drilled rotors.
Exterior
The body is finished in a subtle sage/olive green that complements the rounded lines of the 1950 Chevrolet exceptionally well. According to the build information, the body was finished in PPG basecoat/clearcoat paint and subsequently protected with a full-body clear wrap.
The exterior retains the important classic styling cues, including:
- Five-window cab
- Chrome horizontal-bar Chevrolet grille
- Chrome front bumper
- Hood center trim and Chevrolet emblem
- Chevrolet 3100 side badging
- Dual exterior mirrors
- Traditional running boards
- Chrome windshield and window trim
- Modernized headlights
The stance is considerably more contemporary, with the body sitting low over gloss-black 20-inch Chevrolet wheels. The tire photographs show 245/40R20 rubber.
Custom Bed
One of the most distinctive areas of the build is the bed. Rather than a conventional painted or plain wood floor, it features a custom wood-look design incorporating an American bald eagle and flowing American flag artwork. Polished bed strips divide the individual sections and give the rear of the truck a genuine show-quality presentation.
Interior
The cabin received the same level of attention as the exterior. The documentation describes the interior as a roughly $30,000 full custom leather installation.
Brown and tan leather cover the sculpted seating, door panels and much of the cabin, while a suede-style tan headliner and overhead trim complete the upscale appearance. The door panels are fully custom fabricated with integrated speakers, contrasting inserts and polished trim.
Driver controls include an Ididit tilt steering column, LeCarra wood-rim steering wheel, and white-face Dolphin gauges. The column-mounted automatic shifter retains the classic appearance while operating the modern 4L60E drivetrain.
Comfort and convenience equipment includes Vintage Air air conditioning, Raingear electric wipers, and a modern electrical system built around an American Autowire harness.
Audio & Electrical
The sound system is centered around a RetroSound head unit with JBL speakers, integrated into the cabin without disrupting the vintage dashboard design. The truck also uses a Tanks Inc. fuel tank, further illustrating how extensively the supporting systems were upgraded during the build.
Chassis & Undercarriage
The underside confirms this was more than a cosmetic restoration. Visible components include the TCI front suspension architecture, power rack-and-pinion steering, Ford rear axle, rear leaf springs, upgraded shocks, dual exhaust and extensively refinished chassis components. The floors and underside present cleanly and show the scope of the restoration.
This 1950 Chevrolet 3100 5-Window combines classic Chevrolet styling with the equipment expected in a high-dollar modern restomod: LS V8 power, 4L60E overdrive, TCI independent suspension, power rack-and-pinion steering, Wilwood six-piston brakes, Vintage Air, custom leather, modern audio and a highly detailed custom bed. It is a striking build intended to offer the presence of a show truck without sacrificing the drivability of a much newer vehicle.