Panel trucks like this 1949 Chevrolet have been functional alternatives to the pickup for decades, and who can deny their appeal when they look this good? This black panel truck has a nice older restoration and a recent mechanical freshening to make it fun and reliable, and perhaps even a little bit practical, too!Basic black suits the substantial panel truck and the smooth body sides are just begging for your business's logo or even a fun made-up logo for your home shop. It's all about attracting attention, and this truck does it quite well. Repainted a few years ago, it spent a lot of time in a museum so it still looks great with only minor signs of use, mostly up front in the usual spots. After all, who can blame the guy for wanting to drive it? A single red pinstripe was added around the perimeter just to break up all the black, and it's exactly the right complement to the red paint on the hubcaps; not too much but enough to make you notice. The twin cargo doors out back almost look chopped (they're not) and the single commercial-grade taillight is joined by a set of modern fixtures tucked in just above the rear bumper, which is a good idea from a safety standpoint. The chrome grill sparkles against the black finish, giving it a bit of an upscale look, and heavy-duty bumpers complete the industrial-strength look that makes these trucks such enduring favorites.This is a very affordable panel van, but the upgrades inside make it seem far more polished than the commercial-spec original features. Late-model power buckets are the most notable upgrade, and they actually work rather well with the original instrument panel. Obviously the button-tufted door panels were custom made to work with the new seats and while it might be a little dated, it's a very easy and inexpensive thing to change if it's not your thing. The factory gauges and dashboard are joined by an extra dial tucked under the dash. The rest, including the three-on-the-tree shifter, big steering wheel, and chrome grille for the [optional] radio speaker, is all in good order and quite OEM-looking. Overhead there's a black headliner and for entertainment, someone cleverly installed an AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo. The cargo bay is a combination of original floor planks and rustic-looking side panels, along with more button-tufted dress-up, but again, if that's not quite your thing, reproduction panels are not expensive at all.The 235 cubic inch inline-six has been recently freshened and runs superbly. It starts easily with 12 volts running through the starter and the familiar corporate blue paint brightens up the otherwise all black engine bay. A correct oil bath air filter, new hoses and wires, and other pieces make it look correct without harming its bulletproof reputation. Likewise, the transmission and rear end were treated to new bearings and seals, and the 3-speed manual shifts easily and it's actually a lot of fun to run the truck through the gears and listen to the familiar grumble of the six. Of course, a new exhaust system and gas tank are welcome upgrades, but otherwise it's quite stock underneath, right down to the 6.00-16 Columbia Deluxe blackwall tires. Trim rings and hubcaps are just the right dress-up for the panel truck, adding a little flair without getting excessive about it.A neat truck with a very affordable price tag means you can start having fun and still have some room to make it your own. Call today!