Frame Off Restored 3100 Pickup 350 V8 Muncie 4 Speed AC

It's no secret that Chevrolet builds some of the most celebrated trucks on the planet. From the AK era forward, every generation has found a solid following and, eventually, firm footing in the collector car world. Over the past few years, we've featured plenty of vintage, ground-pounding bowties, and this sleek 1949 custom is just the latest in a series of sweet Advance Design head turners. Mixing a smooth small block and tough Muncie 4-speed with bodywork that'll sit well on any show field, this road-ready warrior is worthy of EVERY Chevrolet fan's attention. If you're looking for a classic that mixes modern detailing with purposeful simplicity, take a close look at this road-ready 3100!

Beginning life as a rugged icon, this awesome Advance Design custom recently received a roof to rocker makeover that's set off by a striking coat of Apollo White pigment. Under that smooth paint, a straight fuselage hangs sturdy 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 clean reflections and flat surfaces suggest many labor intensive hours were spent exacting great finish work.

One of the best aspects of old school pickups is their straightforward design. And while this 3100's utilitarian shape is certainly appealing, first rate detailing is what makes it really pop. At the front of the truck, a color-keyed grille hangs small parking lamps between a nosed hood, Apollo-trimmed headlights and a body-matched bumper. At the top of the truck, a chopped roof aligns smoked greenhouse glass between a small chrome mirror and bright stainless wipers. At the sides of the truck, shaved doors hang over glossy, Apollo White running boards. And at the back of the truck, an embossed Chevrolet tailgate hides a restored wood bed behind an El Camino bumper, El Camino tail lights and Satin Black exhaust pipes.

Hoist this classic's rolled 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 the top of that reliable small block, a simple chrome air cleaner forces wind into a big Holley carburetor that's juiced by polished stainless fuel lines. At the base of that carburetor, an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake hangs a modern points distributor between a chrome Accel Super Stock coil and chrome, Chevrolet-branded valve covers. At the base of those valve covers, fresh 7mm Suppression Wires snake around compact block hugger headers. And in front of those headers, a chrome-trimmed pulley system spins a big flex fan between a chrome AC compressor, a chrome timing chain cover and a quality Walker 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, chrome dipsticks and a sleeved throttle linkage ensure the truck looks every bit as good as it runs.

Shimmy under this Chevy and you'll find a straight, 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 Muncie 4-speed to a familiar GM 10-bolt. That rugged rear end pushes the truck on a traditional solid beam axle. Tracking is provided by a Chevrolet passenger car subframe that's fitted with modern power steering. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to GM-style disc and drum brakes. At the center of the floor, a 2.5-inch, true-dual exhaust system breathes through throaty turbo mufflers. At the corners of the chassis, polished Weld Racing ProStars twist 215/70R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of 255/70R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As. And everything from the truck's chrome oil pan to its fresh fuel filter is well-planned, well-executed and ready to work its magic!

Between this 3100's shaved doors you'll find an ergonomic interior that masquerades as a comfortable conversation starter. The body's clean white paint flows onto a whittled dash that anchors a full array of digital gauges beside a hidden GM tape deck. In front of that dash, a sculpted seat swivels a small armrest above big Jensen speakers. At the sides of that seat, custom door panels hang correct chrome handles next to small power window switches. Under those panels, clean carpet centers color-keyed mats on a short Hurst shifter and chrome 'spoon' accelerator. Opposite that carpet, a custom-molded headliner rides tight behind a hand-operated dome lamp. And in front of the driver, a chrome Grant steering wheel laps a painted and tilting column.

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 Advance Design in your garage and get ready for years of care-free cruising!