A handsome example of North America’s first all-new postwar pickup truck design, this 1947 Chevrolet Thriftmaster 3100 ½-ton pickup was completely restored by a father-and-son team to factory-original specifications and completed in 2005.
During the restoration, handsomely finished Cherry cargo-bed strips sourced from the owner’s woodlot were installed, and only the two small panels bridging the cargo bed and the running boards were replaced. Of particular note, the running boards are the truck’s original steel units, unlike those on the majority of other restored examples. The rest of the truck was 100% factory steel. Road-licensed and running very well, this attractive and enjoyable classic pickup was also a consistent award winner at local shows. It would also be a highly usable and easy-to-maintain classic pickup for its next lucky owner.
Interesting extras include an original 1947 Chevrolet Truck Operator’s Manual and several parts and restoration manuals. It sold at the Spring 2012 Toronto Classic Car Auction, presented by Collector Car Productions, for about $19,000 Canadian including buyer’s premium. See the website at www.ccpauctions.com.
