A Classic Beauty
This 1959 Chevy 3100 light-duty pickup is currently listed on Craigslist, and its clean appearance might just turn some heads. The ad claims the truck underwent a restoration a decade ago and has only clocked 5,000 miles since. But does its price reflect its pristine condition?
Yesterday’s “Nice Price or No Dice” candidate, a 2013 Dodge Durango Crew, proved that mileage can significantly impact a vehicle’s perceived value. With 194,000 miles on the odometer, the seller initially asked $8,500. After a $500 price reduction, 70 percent of readers still voted “No Dice,” suggesting the price was still too high.
While the Durango represents a modern approach to blending utility with comfort, truck manufacturers have been perfecting this formula for decades.
The Task Force Lineup
The 1959 Chevy 3100 is part of the “Task Force” lineup of trucks, which debuted in 1955, replacing the immediate post-war “Advance Design” pickups. Chevy’s engineers reimagined the truck market with this series, aiming to combine the functionality of a work truck with the comfort of a passenger car. This expanded the market to those who previously found pickups too crude for their tastes.
To achieve this, Chevy expanded bodystyle options, including the Cameo Carrier with its smooth fleetside bed design. They also introduced new options like air conditioning, power steering, and upgraded upholstery.
This line also saw the introduction of a V8 engine to the light-duty lineup, although the tried-and-true inline six-cylinder remained standard. These trucks set the stage for the subsequent C/K line, which has served as Chevy’s top-selling truck series.
Apaches, Vikings, and Spartans
This era of Chevy trucks had multiple designations. Internally, the name was “Task Force,” and the bed length was identified by a numerical code: 3100 for short beds and 3200 for longer beds. Chevy also gave individual names based on weight class. The light-duty trucks were known as Apaches. Medium-duty trucks were called Vikings, and heavy-duty work trucks were Spartans.
Based on the images and description, today’s truck is a 3100 Apache, confirmed by the spear badging on the front fenders. The truck features a checker pattern hood accent and full-wheel covers. Its exterior is largely devoid of chrome.
Its style still shines brightly, though, with a white-painted grille, headlamp surrounds, and bumpers, which look good against the ’50s-blue body. The ad states that this is an older restoration, which has aged well despite a minor scrape on the front bumper.
Under the Hood
The engine bay looks just as tidy. While the truck could have been equipped with a 283 cubic inch V8, this one houses the standard 235 CID “Thriftmaster” straight-six. This legendary engine, in its high-compression “Blue Flame” form, even powered the original Corvette. Here, it generates 135 (gross) horsepower and 217 (gross) lb-ft of torque. A three-speed manual transmission likely handles the shifting.
Chevy offered a factory-optional 4×4 conversion by Northwestern Auto Parts Company (NAPCO), but this one is rear-wheel drive. The transmission is shifted using a “three-on-the-tree” lever, leaving the floor of the car-like cab unencumbered. The seller took advantage of this space by adding a cupholder console in front of the seat, which is discreet enough not to detract from the classic vibe. One of the unique features of these old trucks is the starting procedure, which requires pushing in the clutch with the left foot and then pressing the starter button next to the accelerator with the right.
Do We Concur?
The cab appears to be in excellent condition, with the seller describing the truck as being in “EXCELLENT CONDITION!” and stating that it “RUNS & DRIVES FANTASTIC!” The title is clear, and the truck has supposedly only driven 5,000 miles since its restoration. The tires, according to the ad, have just 100 miles on them. The asking price is $31,500.
What’s amazing is the truck’s original appearance. Many Chevy light-duty trucks from this era have been modified with more modern motors, lowered suspensions, and custom wheels. This truck is a pure, unaltered example of its vintage and all the better for it.
But is it worth the asking price? Is $31,500 a fair price for a well-maintained classic truck restored to its original specs? Or does that price seem a bit too high?
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
