1946 Chevrolet 3100 Series 1/2-Ton

Highlights

• Highly original example with glorious time-earned patina
• UK road registered: MOT/road tax exempt
• The vendor reports the interior remains original to the 1946 factory specification
• The vendor describes the bodywork as very solid
• Imported from the USA and now registered on UK plates
• Recently serviced under current ownership, including valve and tappet adjustment
• Driven across America over 10 days before being shipped to the UK

The Appeal

For fans of all things patina, you're in for a real treat...
This 1946 Chevrolet pickup is a veritable masterpiece in surface rust, dents, wear, scratches - and it's all the better for it. You can see how solid it remains, however. As an original survivor, we believe it would be a great shame to repaint it. You'd lose all that history.
The immediate post-war Chevrolet pickup trucks are among the most recognisable and characterful American utility vehicles ever built. With their distinctive split windscreen, sweeping front wings, and no-nonsense mechanical simplicity, they represent a popular era of American motoring that continues to attract enthusiasts worldwide.

This 1946 example was discovered in Colorado after standing dormant for 30 years. It has since been recommissioned with a 4.3-litre straight-six engine, rebuilt brakes, new lighting, and a 12-volt electrical conversion before being driven coast to coast across America and shipped to the UK, where it was registered on UK plates in 2023. The vendor reports that the engine starts and runs well, though notes it will need a rebuild at some point in the future. As a left-hand drive vehicle with no power steering and no power brakes, the vendor notes that this is an unassisted driving experience, not for the faint-hearted. Since acquiring the truck earlier this year, the current owners have had the valves and tappets adjusted and an oil change carried out with the correct high-zinc-content oil.

Key Information

• Mileage: 94,865 miles (indicated; the speedometer is noted as not working)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom (LHD US import)
• Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
• Technical specs: 4.3-litre straight-six, four-speed manual
• Paperwork: offered with limited documentation, UK registered since 2023

The Detail

• Found in Colorado after standing for 30 years following original engine failure
• A 4.3-litre straight-six engine was installed by a previous owner
• All brakes were rebuilt, and the front split windscreen was replaced
• All new lights were fitted, and the electrical system was converted to 12-volt
• Given a UK registration in 2023 with a new fuel tank fitted at the same time
• Front brakes were rebuilt again prior to current ownership
• Valves and tappets adjusted and an oil change carried out with correct high zinc content oil under current ownership
• A new battery was fitted approximately one year ago
• The vendor states the engine starts and runs well but will need a rebuild at some point
• Left-hand drive with no power steering and no power brakes
• Petrol gauge and speedometer do not work
• One former UK registered keeper

BEFORE YOU BUY

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