1951 Chevrolet 3100 Restomod Pickup
$54,997
Year
1951Make
ChevroletModel
3100Odometer
3,470 (TMU)Engine
GM ZZ-3 crateFuel Type
gasolineTransmission
manualDrivetrain
4×4VIN / Chassis #
8JPD-9152Seller
Skyway ClassicsLocation
Bradenton, FLSeller Stock #
SN3349Title Status
clean1951 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup — Professional Restomod Build with GM ZZ-3 Crate Engine
Why This Car Is Special
The 1951 Chevrolet 3100 pickup sits at the center of what collectors and builders have chased for decades. Chevrolet introduced the redesigned Advance-Design truck series in 1947, and by 1951 it had matured into one of the most produced and widely recognized light-duty trucks in American history. The 3100 designation identified the half-ton variant, and it outsold nearly everything else in its class throughout that era. The cab-over-hood styling, the five-bar horizontal chrome grille, and the wide, rounded fenders gave these trucks a presence that holds up more than seventy years later. What you have here is not a trailer queen or a parts-swapped weekend project. This is a documented professional restomod with over $85,000 invested in the build, executed by a professional restoration shop from the ground up. Every major system has been replaced or upgraded, and the choices made throughout this build reflect the kind of judgment that comes from building trucks to be driven, not just displayed.
Features List
GM ZZ-3 small block crate engine Stainless headers with 2.5-inch mandrel-bent dual exhaust Chrome air cleaner Aluminum radiator Mustang II power rack-and-pinion steering 12-bolt rear end sourced from a late-model Chevelle LOKAR floor shifter American AutoWire complete wiring harness Classic Instruments gauge cluster LED dash indicator lights HID headlights LED tail lights Rain gear wiper system Dynomat sound deadening throughout Resto Sound stereo system Full custom vinyl interior by M&M Interiors Tan and black two-tone interior treatment All new tinted glass All new stainless trim All stainless hex-head fasteners throughout Steel smoothie wheels LMC bed kit LMC tailgate and rear filler panel LMC let-down spare tire kit LMC relocated gas tank and relocation kit Chrome grille Chrome front and rear bumpers Matte blue exterior finish Low miles since completion of build
Mechanical
The engine in this 1951 Chevrolet 3100 is a GM ZZ-3 small block crate engine, which is a factory-assembled 350 cubic inch unit that GM Performance Parts built to deliver reliable, street-ready power with a hydraulic roller camshaft and a carbureted induction setup. It produces around 345 horsepower in stock form and is designed to drop into classic GM vehicles without the fabrication headaches that come with aftermarket alternatives. The ZZ-3 was a popular and proven choice for restomod builds precisely because it carries factory warranty support when new and is easy to service anywhere in the country. Here it breathes through stainless headers that feed into a 2.5-inch mandrel-bent dual exhaust system, which preserves flow throughout the bends rather than crimping the pipe like a conventional press-bent setup would. The chrome air cleaner tops the carb cleanly, and the aluminum radiator handles cooling more efficiently than the original copper-brass unit ever could.
The drivetrain upgrades go well beyond the engine. The rear axle is a 12-bolt unit pulled from a late-model Chevelle, which is a significant upgrade over the original 3100 rear end. The GM 12-bolt was introduced in 1965 and quickly became the preferred axle for performance and restomod applications because of its strength, its wide selection of available gear ratios, and its compatibility with modern brake components. Steering has been converted to a Mustang II power rack-and-pinion setup, which is the industry-standard suspension and steering upgrade for trucks of this era. The Mustang II front clip is used extensively in the custom truck world because it dramatically improves turning radius, reduces steering effort, and brings the front suspension geometry into a range that works well with modern tires. The entire electrical system has been replaced with an American AutoWire harness, which eliminates the risk and frustration of aging factory wiring while providing a clean, labeled, fused foundation that any mechanic can work with. Low miles on the completed build mean none of these systems have been stressed since installation.
Interior
The cabin of this 1951 Chevrolet 3100 was built by M&M Interiors and reflects professional-grade work throughout. The two-tone tan and black vinyl treatment is period-appropriate in feel while being far more durable and easier to maintain than any original material would be at this age. Dynomat sound deadening has been applied throughout the cab, which makes a substantial difference in road and engine noise at highway speeds in a truck this size. The dashboard has been fitted with a Classic Instruments gauge cluster, giving the driver accurate, reliable readings for speed, fuel, oil pressure, water temperature, and voltage. LED dash indicator lights replace the original warning lamp setup. A LOKAR shifter handles gear selection and fits the custom interior aesthetic without looking out of place. The Resto Sound stereo integrates into the dash in a way that keeps the vintage look intact. All glass is new and has been tinted, and all stainless trim pieces throughout the cab are new. The combination of a thorough sound barrier, quality gauges, a professional interior build, and modern stereo integration means this truck is comfortable to spend real time in, not just drive around the block.
Exterior
The body on this 1951 Chevrolet 3100 wears a matte blue finish that suits the truck's proportions well. The Advance-Design body style — with its wide hood, rounded cab corners, and pronounced front fenders — was designed at a time when Chevrolet was actively trying to give its work trucks a more car-like appearance, and that thinking shows in the chrome-heavy front end treatment. The five-bar horizontal grille is chrome, the front and rear bumpers are chrome, and all stainless trim pieces are new. The combination of matte paint with polished chrome is a deliberate contrast that reads cleanly without being overdone. HID headlights provide genuine nighttime visibility, and LED tail lights update the rear lighting without changing the original lens housings. The bed and tailgate have been fully restored using LMC components, including the bed kit, rear filler panel, and let-down spare tire kit. The LMC gas tank relocation kit moves the fuel system to a safer and more practical position. Steel smoothie wheels carry a look that complements the matte exterior while keeping the profile low and clean. Every fastener visible on this truck is stainless hex-head, which tells you something about the level of attention applied to the entire build.
Conclusion
This 1951 Chevrolet 3100 pickup represents a complete, professionally executed restomod build with the documentation and component list to back it up. The 3100 has been one of the most consistently sought-after trucks in the classic market for years, and examples with this level of mechanical upgrading, professional interior work, and low post-build miles do not come up often at any price point. The builder made smart, durable choices at every stage — from the GM ZZ-3 crate engine to the 12-bolt Chevelle rear end to the American AutoWire harness — and the truck is ready to be driven and enjoyed rather than sorted out. If you have questions about this 1951 Chevrolet 3100 or would like to arrange an inspection, call Skyway Classics in Sarasota, Florida at 941-254-6608.
Disclaimer Information found on the website is presented as given to us by the owner of the car, whether on consignment or from the owner we bought it from. Some Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Skyway Classics does not warranty or guarantee this information. Skyway Classics is not responsible for information that may incorrect or a publishing error. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the vehicle or by a professional inspection service prior to offer or purchase being made.
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