A vintage truck with a vintage personality is a hot commodity right now. There's just one problem: original powerplants are durable but a little on the low side. But the fella who updated this pretty 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pickup took care of that for you with an upgraded five-speed manual transmission. You'll also spot some other speedy upgrades, as well as comforts like the A/C and leather interior. But even with all the modern flair, this desirable post-war truck still hasn't lost his original charm.It is hard not to get drawn in by an interesting pickup like this one. Refinished in more modern bright blue, this oldtimer looks highly authentic with an added dose of attitude. The Advance Design trucks are an enduring icon because they are Art Deco masterpieces. With a car-like hood and fenders, they have an instant attraction that comes from spending real time in GM's legendary design studio. This one has a level of quality that tells you someone invested some time and money into erasing its decades as a workhorse. The panels align nicely, the doors shut with authority, and the red oak truck bed looks like it was designed only to haul home trophies. But what really sets this pickup apart is the five-bar grille shining like a mirror. It makes for the perfect companion to the upgraded REV five-star wheels.Open the door, and you can instantly see a major upgrade. The standard bench seat has been traded in for a custom creation that offers more individualized comfort and supple tan leather surfaces. This color matches the door panels and headliner. Plus, the glossy exterior blue returns as an accent color for a full uniform appearance. This one strikes a nice balance between the classic pickup Americana feeling and a cool custom attitude. So you still get the original steel dash. The dual round gauge package looks original at first, but then you see an upgrade that includes a tach (very handy for all those extra gears on the floor-mounted shift.) The AM/FM radio might first seem factory-correct with its bright knob-style appearance, but it's a more modern digital tuner that includes an aux input for your iPod. There's even an air conditioner running modern R134a so you can stay cool while looking cool in this very vintage pickup.Under the hood is a 261 cubic-inch inline six. It's an upgrade in displacement over what was available in the 3100 for '53 without losing the iconic Stovebolt attitude. More importantly, it has earned a reputation for being tough and reliable as an anvil. And because this truck has been so nicely appointed inside and out, the six-cylinder has been given some nice upgrades for both appearance and pep. It includes the Offenhauser head cover, Offenhauser intake, dual Weber 32 carburetors, and cool classic Fenton exhaust manifolds that create a true dual exhaust. But what will really make you happy is the five-speed manual transmission. It gives this tough truck a much better defined powerband that will get up better from stoplights AND make highway speeds manageable. Plus, power steering, front disc brakes, and modern Cooper tires make this unique driver quite comfortable, too.Complete with build receipts and maintenance records, you're looking at a truly unique pickup. It has the right attitude to attract a crowd at a weekend show, and the right comforts to be a daily commuter. So it's not only striking, but versatile, too. This kind of value never stays in our showroom long. Call today!!!