This handsome red 1949 Chevrolet 3100 pickup truck is a high-quality build loaded with upgrades that retains all the original good looks and functionality, and combines them with a modern V8 drivetrain, the result is a truck that cruises effortlessly at modern highway speeds, and still looks like a vintage machine that draws appreciative glances from everyone who sees it.Bright red is the ideal color for these trucks, and it was surely a familiar sight around farms and job sites in the 1950s, although we'll guess that none were as beautifully finished as this one. It's a fantastic blend of original panels and relatively recent paint that shines up beautifully without resorting to graphics or body mods to make a point, although the rear fender wells were widened a bit to accommodate the oversized rubber. Fit and finish is quite good, with doors that close easily, a big clamshell hood that latches with a gentle push, and thoughtful touches like the small peep mirrors on the doors as well as the trick louvered tailgate and custom roll pan. The bed has new planks that contrast brilliantly with the red paint, while the chrome grille and bumpers give it a flashy look that's still traditional. You'll also find original emblems, cool step plates on the running boards, and 1939 Ford taillights turned on their sides to give them a unique look.Inside there's a tan cloth bench seat that's comfortable and supportive, although it's important to realize that these vehicles were tools more than transportation. The door panels are finished in a combination of painted steel that matches the body and matching cloth inserts that soften the interior somewhat. The original steel dash is intact, but new Auto Meter gauges have been fitted in the original location, with auxiliary gauges arrayed across the center stack area. The tilt steering column and leather-wrapped steering wheel are connected to a modern power steering system, and A/C has been discreetly tucked under the dash to make this a genuine all-seasons cruiser. And while this was originally a 3-speed manual, it now sports a column-shifted 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission.Power comes from a fuel-injected 350 cubic inch V8, which is a massive upgrade over the original 216 cubic inch "Stovebolt" inline-six. Where the original truck was happiest when speeds were kept under 50, this modern powerplant gives this vintage hauler the ability to run with modern traffic without worries, and is every bit as reliable as the original engine thanks to the wonders of factory-style Tuned-Port Injection. Like the rest of the truck, the engine bay is neatly finished and shows careful workmanship throughout. Street & Performance supplied the fuel injection system, which uses a long-runner intake to make great low-end torque, while a set of stock-style manifolds manage the exhaust, breathing through a pair of stainless mufflers that give the truck a sound unlike anything on the road in 1949. The front suspension is from a late-model, updated to modern A-arms, coil springs and disc brakes, none of which were even available when this truck was new, and the result is a truck that drives like a modern car. The frame has been painted to match the bodywork and handsome aluminum wheels with fat Michelin radials.Vintage haulers can be a lot of fun, and if you go to any show, you'll undoubtedly see several trucks just like this that range from stock to outrageous customs. There's a reason these are so popular, and this one is ready to enjoy right away. Call today!