This 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup isn't like all the others. Small block V8, automatic transmission, the usual stuff, right? Nope! This one carries a modern-tech Nissan 2.7 liter turbo diesel that not only transforms the way this cool chopped pickup drives, but also makes it the ideal choice for the hobby of tomorrow.Before we get to the tech under the hood, check out the handsome burgundy paint job, which makes this humble pickup look upscale, not beat up. The top has obviously been chopped a few inches, but that does nothing to erase the handsome good looks of the all-new 1955 Chevy truck, which had a lot of styling that matched that of the cars sitting alongside it in the showroom. A few selective piece of trim have been shaved, including the hood ornament, others have been painted to match the bodywork, and some have been replaced, such as the door handles which are from a late-model. Altogether, though, it has an awesome look that's timeless and appealing, so it'll look this good decades from now. There's a nice shine to the two-stage urethane, and in the sunlight the metallic in the finish really makes the curves of the 3100 really glow. There's not a lot of chrome left, but the grille insert looks great, the trim around the side windows has been expertly modified to work with the chopped top, and the original 3100 emblems on the sides of the front fender look great. And, of course, the bed is completely restored with new planks and stainless rub strips.Inside it should feel familiar: bench seat, V-shaped instrument panel, and a bright, airy cabin. The gray vinyl upholstery looks and feels more modern than the original stuff and looks great with the matching door panels with their built-in map pockets. Power windows were added, there's a late-model Chevrolet steering wheel, and a tachometer mounted on the A-pillar, but it's not too far removed from 1955. The factory gauges appear to be mostly original and in good order, while the long shifter is connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox that has nice throws and crisp clutch action. Seat belts, carpets, and some sound deadening materials behind the scenes make this a very comfortable cabin for long trips. And long trips are effortless thanks to the Nissan 2.7-liter turbo diesel living under the hood. A very clean transplant, it's the ideal truck engine and really attracts attention at shows. Nobody expects to see it and everyone will have about a hundred questions for you when you open the hood. With huge low-end torque, it makes the 3100 feel downright quick around town and thanks to a tall 5th gear in the transmission, highway cruising is effortless at supra-legal speeds, all while pulling down insane fuel economy. The fuel injected engine starts quickly with the usual diesel clatter, but that's part of the fun, because that big rig sound gets more attention than a garden-variety V8. Diesels run nice and cool but there's still a giant radiator and electric fan up front and since they don't make any vacuum, there's a custom power brake system with front disc brakes. The chassis is fairly stock, including the I-beam front axle and the rear end has gearing that works well with the diesel's rock-bottom torque curve. Bright red wheels are fitted with 7.00x16 whitewall tires for a classic look that helps disguise the tech hiding inside.Get ready for a lot more machines like this in the future, but for now, you can have the only one at any show and you'll be thrilled by how much attention it attracts. Call today!