Rare Chevrolet 3100 Panel Truck from the final Advance-Design Series (First Series 1955).
Original inline-six engine, honest patina, and excellent overall condition. Not a restoration project – an authentic American classic with a unique family history.
Vehicle Details
- Chevrolet 3100 Panel Truck (Model Variant: 3105 Light Duty Panel)
- Year: 1955 (First Series / Advance Design)
- First Registration: July 1, 1955
- Historic Vehicle Registration (H-Kennzeichen): Since November 8, 2023
- MOT / TÜV: Newly passed (05/2026) – valid until 05/2028
- Mileage according to odometer: Approx. 4,180 km (2,590 miles)
- Engine: Inline six-cylinder (approx. 3.8 l / 235 cu in)
- Power: 78 kW / 105 hp
- Transmission: 3-speed manual gearbox with column shift
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive
- Electrical System: 6-volt
- Brakes: Drum brakes
- Fuel: Petrol / gasoline
- Top Speed: Approx. 80 km/h (50 mph)
History
This truck comes from my US uncle’s collection and is a family heirloom. It has been continuously family-owned since the early 1980s, first in California (Los Angeles) and later in Oregon. In May 2021, the Panel Truck was shipped to Germany. Areas of the bodywork that had already been primed were painted before shipping to protect the body during ocean transport.
Since receiving its historic vehicle registration in September 2024, the truck has been located in Freiburg, Germany, and has been stored exclusively indoors in a dry carport. As I cannot dedicate the time the vehicle deserves, I am now looking for a new owner who will appreciate and preserve it.
Condition
The vehicle is largely in its original condition. To the best of my knowledge, there is no rust-through corrosion. The truck only shows age-related signs of use and a few small dents in the front area, which occurred during shipping when moving goods shifted inside the container. The truck was intentionally not fully restored but preserved as an authentic original “survivor” in its genuine condition.
A particular highlight is the hardwood knowledge and belief, there are no indications of accident damage from the past decades. Complete documentation parquet floor in the cargo area. It was only sanded and oiled and is now presented in a very elegant and well-maintained condition. The original floor construction, including the service access panels beneath the seats, is fully intact.
The original inline-six engine runs very smoothly and evenly.
Work Completed
- New tires including spare wheel
- Brake system renewed
- Lighting and headlights renewed
- Original 6-volt electrical system retained and technically refurbished
- Front axle replaced with an original axle
- Windshield wipers converted to electric operation
- Safety belts installed
- New water pump fitted
- Carburetor cleaned and adjusted
Known Issues
- Door and glovebox keys are missing
- Slight oil seepage at the gearbox; light oil film on the engine, no dripping
- Transport-related dents (mainly at the front)
To the best of my knowledge and belief, there are no indications of accident damage from the past decades. Complete documentation from before the 1980s is not available.
The vehicle is being sold solely due to lack of time; there is no pressure to sell.
The truck comes with spare parts, including:
- Spare wheel
- Several replacement oil and air filters
- New rubber seals for windows and doors
- Various original mirrors, hubcaps, and other parts
Complete documentation is available, including:
- Proof of inheritance
- US title
- Customs and shipping documents
- Workshop invoices
- Historic vehicle inspection certificate
- TÜV/MOT inspection report
Legal Information
Private sale. The sale is made excluding any liability for material defects. No warranty, guarantee, or return accepted.
An exceptionally rare Chevrolet 3100 Panel Truck from the final Advance-Design Series, featuring its original inline-six engine, historic vehicle registration, and excellent honest condition. An authentic survivor with outstanding character and presence – a vehicle of this kind is extremely rarely offered today.
Serious inquiries and genuine offers only, please.
A test drive can be arranged by appointment, including a scenic drive through the vineyards above Freiburg.
