Long before unibody vans were a thing, most delivery vehicles were based on pickup truck platforms. They were widely popular in the 1950s for shops that needed to transport baked goods, flowers, appliances, or equipment. Our Pick of the Day, a 1954 GMC 3100 Panel Truck, might have started out life by putting in that type of work. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Las Vegas.
“Great condition for its age,” the listing says. The eye-catching two-tone green finish is relatively fresh, since the seller says it was repainted within the last “handful of years.” Exterior features include a chrome grille, chrome bumpers, fender trim, windshield visor, dual side mirrors, running boards, and period-correct whitewall tires.
As attractive as the mid-century exterior is, the real magic of this classic truck is found in its versatility: the rear doors open up barn-style to reveal a cavernous cargo compartment. Think of the many possibilities for service agencies, mobile businesses, and local deliveries. According to specifications mentioned online, the 3100 panel truck has 150 cubic feet of cargo space. As an added bonus, it can accommodate items up to 10 feet in length alongside the driver. Home Depot lumber runs would be a total breeze.
This truck is part of what General Motors referred to as the “Advance Design” generation, and there were some important advancements for model year 1954. Some of them included the introduction of a curved one-piece windshield in place of the previous two-piece unit, the use of a new “bull nose” grille, and different taillights. An advertisement for 1954 GMC trucks stated, “In extra fine features, and in extra value, GMCs really pay off.”
Under the hood is a 350ci small-block V8 mated to a rebuilt Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission. The listing says that the truck “needs alignment but runs good.” The odometer reads about 27,000 miles, but true mileage on the chassis is unknown.
There is huge potential in owning a panel truck for any business owner or entrepreneur who needs to haul products or equipment. The body sides are begging for some promotional decals. Best of all, the truck would be right at home at any parade or rod run.
Talk about a classic vehicle that can wear multiple hats!
The asking price is $24,800.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com