The iconic 1954 Chevrolet 3100 is the definitive example of an entire era of American pickups. It is no accident that at the time, GM was the leading manufacturer of U.S. trucks. This is a classic, beautiful vehicle with rugged good looks.
Updated February 2022: Among Chevy pickup trucks, the 3100 is and probably always will be a precious commodity. With values changing every year, we've updated this article with the latest price estimates for prospective buyers or fans of the legendary truck.
The 1954 Chevrolet 3100 is a sought-after collector vehicle. But the American public was so hungry for these trucks in 1954, that plenty of vehicles still remain.
Let's take a look at how high demand has driven the prices of these classic Chevrolets.
The Chevrolet 3100 Boasts An Advanced Design
The first major redesign to the Chevrolet pickup truck after World War Two was branded as the Chevy Advance-Design. From 1947 until 1955, Advance-Design was synonymous with Chevy truck. The Chevrolet 3100 was GM's half-ton offering (3600 designated three-quarter ton, etc).
Every year, Chevrolet tweaked and improved its Advance-Design trucks. All the GM engineering culminated in the highly sought-after 1954 Chevrolet 3100. The 1954 model enjoyed several significant design changes: visibility in earlier years suffered from a split windshield with a center divider. Model year 1954 boasted a windshield made out of a single, curved piece of glass. 1954 had high, horizontal cargo bed rails. It was the first Chevrolet with the optional hydromatic automatic transmission. The half-ton's engine was the advanced 235-inch straight-six.
In the styling department, the 3100 was treated with new round tail-lights (as opposed to the 1953 square lights), a redesigned dashboard and steering wheel, and a dramatic "bullnose" three-slat grill.
The 1954 3100 heralded the end of an era in classic trucks. Partway through the 1955 model year, Chevrolet would release a complete pickup redesign badged as the Task Force Series. Today, the 1954 Chevrolet 3100 truck is sought after by truck enthusiasts seeking a classic American vehicle.
3100s Often Need Restorations
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Many people love customized Chevy trucks while others want to leave classic trucks stock. But whatever your intentions, you need a starting point. The unfortunate question automotive enthusiasts have to ask when deciding on their dream vehicle is, "are there any examples left?" Some vehicles are so rare, that it is nearly impossible to find even a rough one to fix up. Other vehicles were mass-produced: it is easy to buy your own and to find parts. Mass-production and low prices are why we believe the Dodge Dart is the best first muscle car.
The good news is that in its heyday, the Chevrolet 3100 was a popular truck. There were many trucks built, and though some were scrapped, many trucks remain. The bad news is that in 1954, a pickup truck was a work vehicle. Surviving Chevrolet 3100s saw years and years of hard duty. Few of these sturdy vehicles are beyond saving, but many will need work.
In the early 1990s, Die Hard action star Bruce Willis had a restored 1954 Chevrolet 3100. His truck is painted a beautiful black color and updated with a V8. Either he had a change of heart, or in thirty years his car collection outgrew his garage because in 2019 he sold the truck.
Jonathan Ward does high-end customized restorations of Chevrolet Thriftmaster pickups via Icon 4x4. The thorough engineering and build quality of these restorations are the highest possible, and their price tags can run six figures. Jonathan Ward's YouTube channel shows off an Icon-restored 1954 Chevrolet 3100.
1954 Chevrolet 3100 Prices
The North American Dealers' Association prints guides on the current value of classic cars. The NADA guide puts the low-end retail value of a 1954 Chevrolet 3100 at $17,500 at time of writing. The guide adds that the average retail is $31,000. Finally, it adds that high-end retail price run around $78,300. Ironically, NADA also reminds us that the original MSRP of a Chevy 3100 was about $1,419. You'd be hard-pressed to buy one of these classic trucks for anywhere near that price today.
Current trucks for sale fall well within the NADA estimates. At the time of writing, there were only a few restored examples representing the low-end. In 2017, a beautiful green Chevrolet 3100 sold for $16,500 on Bring A Trailer, and we hope someone is enjoying the bargain they found.
Showroom quality 1954 Chevrolet 3100s are listed on Hemmings and elsewhere usually for $60,000, $75,000, and even upwards of $100,000. Owning such an eye-catching, unique ride must be a truly priceless experience.