National Award Winning 3100 350/330 HP V8 TH400 w/AC

A vast majority of the metal that comes through our RK Motors Charlotte showroom is either flawless, concours-level show fare or incredibly original, low-mileage garage fodder. But, as awesome as those rare and exclusive classics are, the foundation of this hobby has always been old school stalwarts that we can drive, build on, show off and enjoy. Think about it, when you were a kid, did you dream of towing a pristine factory-original truck to a field where it would sit and look pretty? No way! You wanted a classy head turner that was striking, cool and expressed your individual tastes. Professionally restored and powered by a stout Chevrolet small block, this custom 3100 is the kind of fully sorted cruiser that you can fire up, press the go pedal and road trip across the country in!

Beginning life as a rugged icon, this super cool Task Force recently received a roof to rocker makeover that's set off by a striking coat of Onyx Black two-stage. Under that high quality paint, an incredibly straight fuselage hangs solid panels that, with the exception of a thorough massage during their restoration, appear to have led a quiet, drama-free existence. Those massaged panels feature better than factory alignment and, when opened and closed, sound solid and function exceptionally well. And that functional body's combination of excellent reflections and Kansas-flat surfaces suggest many labor intensive hours were spent exacting top-notch finish work.

While its basic shape is certainly appealing, first rate detailing is what makes this Chevy really pop. At the front of the truck, a familiar 'wide mouth' grille rides between modern, tri-bar headlights, bullet-style parking lamps and a fresh chrome bumper. Above that grille, a Bel Air-inspired hood leads the eye to a smoked 'small window cab' that's framed in thin stainless wipers, bright chrome trim and a billet Center High Mount Stop Lamp. At the sides of that cab, 'flow through' fiberglass fenders combine with traditional mirrors, simple door handles and a frenched antenna to create a classic, uninterrupted profile. Between those fenders, a spectacular wood bed anchors a billet fuel filler beneath stainless skid strips. And at the back of that bed, a louvered tailgate reflects lighted rail plugs and LED tail lights above a custom roll pan and big Ractive exhaust tips.

Hoist this custom's shaved hood and you'll find a mean, 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 that's been completely finished for show and fully built to go! At that top of the 330 horsepower small block, a chrome, “CHEVROLET” branded air cleaner forces wind into a coated Holley carburetor that's juiced by a series of stainless fuel lines. At the base of that carburetor, a chrome Edelbrock intake hangs a modern points distributor between chrome Chevrolet-branded valve covers. At the base of those valve covers, loomed MSD Super Conductor plug wires snake around coated, full-length headers. And in front of those headers, an attractive pulley system spins a modern power steering pump between a chrome alternator, a polished AC compressor and a polished aluminum radiator. Aesthetically, both the Jet Black mill and its assortment of bright accessories seem right at home inside their smooth, body-matched frame. And details like a polished thermostat housing, a chrome coil cover and a chrome, corrugated radiator hose ensure this truck looks every bit as good as it runs.

Slide under this Chevy and you'll find a clean, Satin Black undercarriage that, based on looks alone, appears to have led a quiet, accident-free life. The dressed 350's power flows from a rebuilt Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed to a sturdy Ford 9-inch and big, 3.73 gears. That familiar rear end pushes the truck on a traditional, solid axle suspension. Tracking is provided by a Chevrolet passenger car subframe that's fitted with adjustable gas shocks. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to power-assisted, GM-style discs. At the center of the floor, a 2.5-inch, true-dual exhaust system breathes through throaty Flowmaster mufflers. At the corners of the chassis, polished American Racing Torq Thrust IIs twist 245/50R17 Michelin Primacy MXM4s and 275/60R17 BF Goodrich Comp T/As around chrome spinners and mirrored dust shields. And everything from the truck's remote transmission cooler to its manual brake proportioning valve is well-planned, well executed and ready to work its magic!

When you pop this pickup's doors, you'll find a stylish and comfortable cockpit that's sprinkled with modern amenities. Top dead center, a glossy dash hangs LED-lit Classic Instruments gauges above a Pioneer touch screen sound system and functional Cobra CB. In front of that dash, modern, leather-wrapped seats wear attractive “'57 Chevy” motifs. At the sides of those seats, custom leather door panels frame billet handles, fresh Kenwood speakers and chrome power window switches in bold, heartbeat themed graphics. Under those panels, clean carpet centers “The Heartbeat of America” branded floor mats between a long shifter and big MMATS kick speakers. Opposite that carpet, a heartbeat-branded headliner hangs tight behind a billet mirror and four more MMATS speakers. And in front of the driver, a polished and tilting steering column spins a polished Grant GT wheel around a full set of billet foot pedals.

Not surprisingly, this custom garners major praise on the show circuit. Here's a detailed list of the awards included with its sale:

* Second Place in the 1957 Custom Truck Senior class at the 2013 Eckler's Winter Nationals in Orlando, Florida
* People's Choice at the 2012 Florida Hot Rods and Hogs Car and Bike Show in Punta Gorda, Florida
* 986 out of 1000 points in the Custom Truck Senior class at the 2011 Eckler's Winter Nationals in Orlando, Florida
* Sponsor's Choice at the 2008 Still Cruisin' Car Show in Staples, Minnesota
* Best Engine Compartment at the 2007 Club Redline Street Show in Bemidji, Minnesota
* First Place in the 1955-57 Chevy class at the 2006 Twin Cities Collectors Car Show in Blaine, Minnesota
* First Place at the 2006 Porky's Car Show in St. Paul, Minnesota
* Second Place at the OC Car Shows East Coast Nationals in Ocean City, Maryland

This fully sorted Chevy is a wonderful classic to drive, enjoy and haul a couple of your coolest friends in. It's really no surprise that these trucks are amazingly popular with almost everyone who sees them, because they have such a great combination of style, presence and performance. So, what are you waiting for? Grab the phone, park this Task Force in your garage and get ready for years of care-free cruising!