Cruisin Classics Auto Sales

3575 Fisher Road, Columbus, OH 43228
4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars
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Used 1956 Chevrolet 3100

For Sale:$98,995
Estimated payment:$2,245/mo.
$0 trade-in, 10% down payment, 48 months, Great credit score
  • Pickup Truck
  • Condition
    Used
  • Transmission
    Automatic
  • Exterior Color
    Burnt orange
  • Interior Color
    Burnt Orange/Tan
  • VIN
    -

Engine

5.7L LS1

Message from the seller

$98,995 Cruisin Classics is proud to present to you this incredibly well-built 1956 Chevrolet 3100 Big Window Stepside Pickup. The story of this iconic Task Force series truck's restoration begins in California around 2014 with a solid truck and a dream to make it outstanding. The California owner started with a nice original body truck and brand new TCI chassis with independent front suspension ($9,015), and he got busy from there. He took the truck to Roseville Rod and Custom and spent $9,600 in body work, then it went to Ace Body Shop in Lincoln, CA, where it was treated to a stunning paint job in Mitsubishi Rotor Glow Orange Metallic (M08) that added $12,450 to the tab. He next added a fuel-injected 5.7-liter LS1V-8 and matching 4L60E automatic overdrive transmission that came out of a low-mileage '99 Corvette. Work continued for a couple of years until the unfortunate passing of the California owner. The truck was then purchased by a gentleman in Albuquerque, New Mexico, around 2018, and he decided to take this already stunning truck up to the next level with even more cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, including Vintage Air, American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, and a gorgeous interior (just to name a few). He enjoyed the finished truck for a few years, then sold it to a gentleman here in Ohio who went on to make yet more improvements like new shocks (all 4), a new battery, and a few more odds & ends. The end result of the efforts of these three owners is a show-quality '56 3100 Big Window truck that turns heads and gathers crowds wherever it goes. Let's dive into all of the finer details of this amazing truck... This 3100 comes to us today dressed in a deep glossy coat of Rotor Glow Orange Metallic paint that beautifully accentuates the curved lines of the truck. Up front, the bulbous hood sports a clean look with no badging at the forward edge. Below is a mirror-finish chrome eggcrate grille flanked by round headlights in bright bezels and conical turn signal lights. An equally bright chrome bumper runs side to side beneath. Looking at the truck from the side, the wrap-around windshield and big rear window really come into view. A subtle silver pinstripe provides a nice accent as it encircles the side windows and rear window in one big loop. Bright touches gleam against the orange paint, including wiper arms, dual swan-neck side mirrors, door handles, and like-new Chevrolet 3100 fender spears. This Chevy has a great stance as it sits atop 17 American Racing Torq Thrust wheels all shod with Nexen Npriz AH8 tires. Look through any of the wheels and find black Wilwood Calipers and drilled & slotted rotors. At the rear, the stepside bed floor has been redone with highly figured Red Oak and bright dividers. The gas tank has been relocated under the bed, and the fill is on the bed floor. Glance up at the rear window to find that an LED cat-eye third brake light has been added. The tailgate features spring-loaded latches and chrome CHEVROLET lettering on the backside. Flanking the tailgate are round 1937 Ford taillights that add to the vintage look. Below the tailgate is a new roll-pan, another chrome bumper, and down-turned chrome exhaust tips. Take a look underneath the truck to see that the undercarriage looks just as spectacular as the top side - this ride has obviously never been driven in the rain! Lift the hood to reveal an engine bay that you'll be proud to show off at any car show. The inner fenders and the underside of the hood are painted flat black, and the clean smooth firewall is the same glossy orange as the body. At the center is the aforementioned 5.7 liter fuel-injected LT1 V-8 engine topped off with a black intake and black fuel rail covers with chrome CHEVROLET call-outs. Attached to the intake with polished tubing is a Spectre high performance air filter. Up front, a black top cover-plate hides the radiator beneath. That same radiator is equipped with GC Cooling dual electric fans and an aluminum

1956 Chevrolet 3100: A Classic Workhorse with Style

The 1956 Chevrolet Task-Force series, and specifically the 3100 pickup, represented a significant evolution for Chevrolet's light-duty trucks. Building upon the groundbreaking redesign of 1955, the '56 model year refined this stylish and capable platform, solidifying its reputation as a durable workhorse with an unexpected flair for design.

Design and Styling:

The 1956 Chevrolet 3100 carried forward the distinctive "Advance-Design" influences, but with a more modern and integrated aesthetic. Key styling cues included:

  • The "Wrap-Around" Windshield: A defining feature of the Task-Force era, the panoramic windshield provided excellent visibility and contributed to a more car-like interior feel. This was a stark contrast to the more utilitarian cabs of previous generations.
  • Integrated Grille and Headlights: The grille was a handsome, horizontal affair, typically chrome or painted to match the body, seamlessly blending into the front fenders. The headlights were now larger and more pronounced, further enhancing the truck's aggressive yet friendly face.
  • Fender Skirts (Optional): While not standard on all 3100 models, optional fender skirts gave the truck a sleeker, more custom appearance, further blurring the lines between work vehicle and personal transport.
  • Two-Tone Paint Schemes: The '56 offered a range of attractive two-tone paint options, often featuring a contrasting color on the roof, door tops, and sometimes even the fenders. This further elevated the truck's visual appeal and made it stand out from the competition.
  • Chrome Accents: Generous use of chrome, particularly on the grille, bumpers, and badging, added a touch of luxury and sophistication.

Powertrain and Performance:

The 1956 Chevrolet 3100 was available with a range of capable powertrains, catering to both work and leisure needs:

  • "Blue Flame" 235 cu in (3.9L) Inline-Six: This tried-and-true engine was the standard offering for the 3100. Known for its reliability and torque, it provided ample power for hauling and daily driving. It was typically rated around 135 horsepower.
  • "Load-Master" 265 cu in (4.3L) V8: For those seeking more power, Chevrolet offered the newly introduced 265 cubic inch "Small-Block" V8. This engine was a game-changer, offering a significant boost in performance and a more refined driving experience. While exact horsepower figures varied slightly, it was generally in the range of 155-162 horsepower, making the 3100 a surprisingly peppy truck.

Transmission options typically included:

  • 3-Speed Manual: The standard, robust manual transmission.
  • 4-Speed Manual: Offering an extra gear for improved efficiency and performance.
  • Powerglide 2-Speed Automatic: A welcome option for those desiring a more convenient driving experience, though it was a simpler, less sophisticated automatic compared to later offerings.

Chassis and Suspension:

The 3100 rode on a sturdy ladder frame chassis, designed to handle the rigors of hauling and towing. The suspension system featured:

  • Independent Front Suspension (I-Beam Front Axle with Leaf Springs): While not the independent front suspension seen in the V8 models, the 3100 utilized a strong I-beam front axle with leaf springs, prioritizing durability and load-carrying capacity.
  • Solid Rear Axle with Leaf Springs: The rear axle was also a solid unit, supported by multi-leaf springs, a standard setup for trucks of this era designed for heavy-duty use.
  • Brakes: Drum brakes were employed on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for the time, though they were less effective than modern disc brakes.

Interior and Features:

The interior of the 1956 Chevrolet 3100 offered a blend of utility and increasing comfort:

  • Bench Seat: A single, wide bench seat was standard, accommodating two or three occupants. Upholstery options ranged from durable vinyl to more stylish cloth materials.
  • Dashboard Layout: The dashboard was functional and well-organized, featuring a central instrument cluster with speedometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure, and temperature gauges.
  • Optional Heater and Radio: While basic by today's standards, optional amenities like a heater and a radio were available, enhancing passenger comfort.
  • Robust Build Quality: The interior materials, while simple, were known for their durability and ability to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

Legacy and Collectibility:

The 1956 Chevrolet 3100 is a highly sought-after classic pickup truck. Its combination of stylish design, reliable powertrains, and impressive capabilities makes it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. Whether preserved in original condition, meticulously restored, or customized, these trucks represent a significant piece of American automotive history, embodying the spirit of hard work and evolving automotive design. They are a testament to Chevrolet's ability to create a vehicle that was both a practical tool and a visual statement.

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Listed on January 15, 2026 (3 months ago)
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This Used 1956 Chevrolet 3100 is available for drivers in Columbus, Westerville, Dublin, Grove City, Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, Delaware, Pickerington ...