1918 Chevrolet One-Ton Pickup
With the introduction of its 2018 model-year of trucks, Chevrolet will commemorate the 100th anniversary of its first pickup. That’s right, Chevrolet has been producing trucks for a century. To mark the milestone, Chevrolet is introducing the Centennial Edition of the Colorado and Silverado 1500—featuring heritage bowties, special badging, and Z71 off-road capability.
We’ve come a long way since 1918, a period in which Chevrolet cranked out more than 85 million trucks. The first model, the 1918 One-Ton Truck, managed 36 horses from its 224 cubic-inch engine. Its top speed was 25 miles per hour.
Starting with the 1918 One-Ton truck, Chevy is showcasing its signature models of the past 100 years. These three Post-War classics are among our favorites.
1947 Chevrolet 3100 Series
1947 3100 Series
This post-war model was a break-out design for Chevrolet. The headlights are pushed to the edges of the truck’s fascia—producing a beefier look. The horizontal grille was a big change from the previous vertical bars.
This design has an enduring appeal but also provides plenty for innovative modern builders to modify. The 1947 Chevy Truck (below) features a gear-driven 355 V-8 with an automatic transmission controlled by a B&M ratchet floor-shift. The truck-turned-hot-rod is loaded with enhancements such as racing tires, a full roll-cage, and wheelie bars—all brought to life with its aqua paint and purple flames.
Restored 1947 Chevrolet hot-rod pickup
1955 Chevrolet 3124 Series Cameo Carrier
1955 Cameo Carrier
The Cameo selection was an obvious choice since this was Chevy’s first fleet-side design—using flat rear quarter-panels that run lengthways along the wheel-well openings. The model looks at home at the country club as well as the farm. The wrap-around windshield combined with a big back window to offer sweeping views for the driver.
The meticulous frame-off restored 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Cameo Pickup (below) packs a 265 cubic-inch V-8 engine and looks great in off-white with red accents.
1955 Chevrolet Pickup 3100 Cameo
1967 Chevrolet C/K10 Series
1967 C10 Fleetside
After their introduction, fleetsides became increasingly popular when trucks were increasingly put to use by commuters in cities and suburbs. The streamlined design created an opportunity for new approaches to styling, such as trim accents running the length of the truck and on the wheel wells. Who needs a side-step into the pickup bed anyhow?
The restored vintage 1967 pickup (below) expands the truck’s utility with a long bed—and its power is boosted with a rebuilt 283 cubic-inch V-8 and four-speed transmission. The interior strikes the right balance of staying true to the original, like its three-spoke steering wheel—while updated seats and carpeting provide greater comfort. Tunes are now available via Bluetooth.
1967 Chevrolet C10
What’s your favorite Chevy pickup over the past 100 years? Maybe one of the other models highlighted by Chevy—such as the 1929 International Series LD and 1938 Half-Ton, or the more recent 1999 Silverado 1500 LT Z71 and 2007 Silverado 1500 trucks. If these models whet your appetitive for more Chevy truck history, then check out the new book, “Chevrolet Trucks: 100 Years of Building the Future,” by Larry Edsall.
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