“Sleeper.” Typically, that means a vehicle that looks stock but hides a monstrously powerful modified engine under the hood. Our Pick of the Day, a 1955 Chevrolet 3100 posted by an Ontario, Canada dealership on ClassicCars.com, is certainly a sleeper in that sense, but also in another big way.
Partway through the 1955 model year, Chevrolet switched from its 1955 First Series of Advance Design trucks to the Second Series, part of the new Task Force lineup. In the decades since then, this particular 3100 did not age gracefully. At one point, it was a seemingly unloved relic of the post-WWII baby boom. Then Cleveland Design of New Brunswick, Canada got a hold of it and turned it into a visual “sleeper” that has a variety of upgrades and modern touches that aren’t instantly apparent at first glance.
After the craftspeople at Cleveland Design disassembled this classic truck, they swapped out the old bones for a Hitman Hotrods chassis, which they smoothed and refinished in black. The stock suspension was also thrown out in favor of tubular front control arms, Ridetech adjustable coilovers at all four corners, and a four-link rear setup. Cleveland Design upgraded the brake hardware to a dual-circuit system with power front discs. Wheelsmith crafted a set of 15″ x 8″ front and 15″ x 10″ rear wheels, the latter of which fit thanks to custom mini tubs.
As part of the total overhaul, the steel body was straightened and gapped, then refinished in PPG Ocean Green paint and five layers of clear coat. That color was paired with white for the bumpers, grille, headlight surrounds, mirror housings, cab roof, and tailgate lettering. Cleveland Design opted for one-piece windows, which add to this truck’s attractive simplicity. At the rear, the bed was fitted with new walnut planks.
The cabin is a mix of more noticeable changes and less conspicuous alterations. The instruments are from Dakota Digital, the steering wheel is out of a 1955 Bel Air, and the gray leather bench seat came from Wiseguys Seats and Accessories. However, the window cranks conceal power window functionality. That radio in the dash is Bluetooth compatible. To the right of that are the controls for the Vintage Air system. Opening the ash tray reveals a pair of USB ports and the button for an electric emergency brake.
Instead of a regular LS3 crate engine, Cleveland Design went with an ASA-cammed LS376/525 V8, which translates to 376 cubic inches (6.2 liters) and 525 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, as well as 486 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. That sends its generous output to the Currie nine-inch rear end through a GM Performance SuperMatic 4L70-E four-speed automatic and breathes through a mirror-finished custom stainless steel exhaust system.
If you’re thinking this completely overhauled sleeper can be scooped up for cheap, keep dreaming. The price tag for this impressive creation is $139,900.
Click here or the above pictures to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.
