As the world healed from World War II, American automotive factories refocused production from military to civilian for the first time since early 1942. While many automakers wouldn’t offer a brand new design for the sedans and coupes until 1949, four years after the war ended, Chevrolet was an early player in postwar styling, at least for their trucks. Midway through 1947 Chevrolet debuted the Advanced Design series, available as the 1/2 ton 3100, 3/4 ton 3600 and 1 ton 3800, as well as the heavier-duty Loadmasters. Advertised as larger and more powerful than its predecessors, the series would lead truck sales among US brands from its debut in 1947 until it was replaced in 1955 with little restyling. This Advanced Design 1949 Chevrolet 3100 is offered on Craigslist out of Chesapeake, VA, for $12,000. While it has a bit of rust and plenty of dust, this truck appears ready to work.
This fairly original Chevy truck is equipped with the 235 ci straight six that it presumably left the factory with, and it’s connected to a three on the tree transmission. It’s hard not to imagine this pickup being snagged by a vet returning from overseas who was ready to get back to work in the cornfields, a far stretch from the horrors they may have recently lived through. Whoever bought it, they took good care of it. This example is still wired as a six-volt and is equipped with a new generator. It’s nice to find a vehicle of this vintage that hasn’t been heavily altered. If anything, the fact it’s still wired as such is a testament to the design. If it works, it works, right?
Interiors were fairly modest on these trucks, but this one seems to be in good shape. Dash mounted radios were an option, but this one looks to be a radio delete model, which doesn’t detract from it, as the dash is in good shape and let’s face it, this was a work truck when it was built. Chances are radio stations were hard to pick up in many farming communities during this era anyhow. It’s not said if the seat and door cards are original or if they’ve been redone, but in either case, no tears or other damage appear to be present. Speaking of the interior, one of the few changes made for 1949 from the previous model year was a change in gas tank location, which saw it moved inside, behind the seat.
Aside from a fresh generator, the seller states this 1949 Chevy truck also has a new radiator and carb. With wooden bed rails and faded paint, this running and driving truck would look good on the farm or at the local cruise in. With the right new owner, this is one classic that will keep on truckin’ for years to come.
