With a fresh restoration, this 1946 Chevrolet pickup is an ideal example of a working truck from the immediate post-war period. Chevy redesigned their pickups in 1941, giving them a brilliant chrome front end that was the pinnacle of art-deco design. After the war, they picked up where they left off, with great styling and rugged mechanicals that made these pickups some of the most handsome and functional machines of their era. And although these trucks were produced in limited numbers during the war, civilian versions are quite rare, having been produced only in 1941, 1942, and 1946 before being replaced by the "Advance Design" trucks in 1947. Green of some kind or another was a standard Chevrolet truck color for decades, and when these were working vehicles, there wasn't much choice. Fortunately, it looks great on the truck's handsome sheetmetal, and the contrasting black fenders are a nod to pre-war design, giving this half-ton a wonderful vintage look. The workmanship on the truck is appropriate without being over-restored, which never looks right on a pickup truck. The paint has a lovely soft shine that was undoubtedly intentional, and the bodywork underneath is straight and clean. You'll also note a single sheet of maple-faced plywood in the bed, replacing the individual boards and stainless ribs. Simple and functional is the theme inside, where a basic brown vinyl bench seat, rubber floor mats, and a painted steel dashboard are all standard equipment. Basic steel doors add to the industrial-strength vibe inside, along with the plain steel roof. The gauges are all functional, covering all the basics of engine monitoring, though there is no radio, which was still an expensive option in 1946. Some additional sound insulation has been added under the floor mat, and it definitely makes a difference when it comes to cruising comfort. All the chrome and knobs have been nicely fitted, and the giant hard rubber steering wheel makes maneuvering the truck easy. Seat belts have been added in the name of safety, which is always a good idea. Power comes from Chevy's 215 cubic inch inline-six that made 95 horsepower, which was more than enough to move the relatively light truck, even with a heavy load in the bed. These engines are known for their longevity, and given even modest care it should run almost indefinitely. Looking highly original with signs of care and maintenance through the years, it still shows signs of the original light blue engine paint on the valve cover and intake manifold. Fresh plugs and wires result in easy starting, a smooth idle, and easy motoring without any hesitation or stuttering. The 3-speed manual shifts easily, and while it won't win any speed contests, this truck will always get you to your destination. Original painted 16-inch wheels with trim rings and hubcaps wear recent Kelly 6.50-16LT radials. Trucks are coming into their own as legitimate collector vehicles, and these early Chevys remain highly sought due to their rarity and handsome looks.
