Specifications for a 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup

• The 1953 Chevrolet 3100 was one of the first work truck's designed for comfort. 1953 image by palms from Fotolia.com

  The 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pickup was one of the first work trucks designed for comfort. It was also the first major design introduced to the truck market after World War II. It featured changes in appearance, mechanical convenience and engine performance.

Appearance

• The 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pickup was known as a truck that you could work on the farm with and then take out for an evening on the town. The aesthetic change from previous work trucks marked the beginning of work trucks designed for appearance as well as functionality. Push-button door handles replaced turning handles and a sporty wheel was mounted by the driver's side door.The hood side emblems changed, the doorpost ID plate was changed to blue and silver and the Chevrolet emblem on the side was omitted. 1953 was also the last year that wood blocks were seen under the bed.

Engine

• The 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pickup was manufactured with an engine known as an "advanced design." It was a 90-horsepower, 216.5-cubic-inch Thrift Master OHV six-cylinder. This was the last year for the 216-cubic-inch, babbit bearing-type engine. The engine worked with a three-speed and a four-speed transmission. The four-speed was an available feature exclusively on the one-ton pickup that year.

Convenience

• Comfort coincided with the development the new design. Adjustable seats moved forward and back for more leg room and gave the driver the ability to be closer to the gas pedal. The pickup included door locks for the first time and a larger steering wheel offered more maneuverability. All the controls, including a foot lever air vent, were easier to access.