This 1951 Chevrolet Panel Truck is a stunning example of a professionally customized classic with a mere 40 miles since completion. With an investment in its restoration of approximately $340,000, this is a showstopper. This custom panel truck body is mounted on a 1975 K-20 Blazer chassis with numerous upgraded components. The design, engineering and fit and finish are truly impressive. The extensive modifications, such as a 454 V-8 engine, automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, and stunning paint, truly make this panel truck unique and impressive. This fully customized truck would be fantastic for frequent use or for shows.

This Panel Truck was a rust-free California example that was acquired approximately 20 years ago by Rich Gates, owner of Vintage Auto in Aguanga, CA. Vintage Auto specializes in premier auto restorations garnering a stellar reputation in the industry. Rich and his team have restored nearly ten classic cars for Harry Clark and Classic Promenade, including several classics that were shown at Pebble Beach. Over the past ten years, Mr. Gates proceeded to invest in a 3,000-hour complete custom restoration and $40,000 in parts that makes this truck truly unique, beautiful to look at and thrilling to drive.

The livery is a stunning three-tone, custom color design which includes a deep blue, light blue and orange combination. The paint has beautiful luster and shine and is fully polished and ready for show. The show-quality chrome is in beautiful condition. The stance of the truck is impressive and complete with Rancho Suspension components and complemented by black American Racing Wheels, which are wrapped in BF Goodrich 32 x 11.50-15 off road tires. The chrome side pipes, with heat guards, are tucked under the running boards and include orange paint accents in the interior of each pipe. A nice custom addition are the electronically actuated side-steps that appear from beneath the running boards as each cab door is opened. Another unexpected addition is the hand fabricated, full-tilt front end which is the perfect way to display the highly beautiful and detailed engine compartment during shows and tours. The Chevrolet “bow tie” logo is a unique design element that is displayed beneath the front grill and on the running boards and side-steps. The high-quality paint and exterior components show very well overall and make a stunning and lasting impression.

The panel truck’s interior is as stunning and impressive as the exterior. The light blue paint lends a bright and clean feel to the overall interior. The black vinyl upholstery is in near as new condition and shows well, as do the black composite door panels. The interior chrome pieces show very well throughout and are complemented by the Philippine Mahogany wood trim which originate from a 1957 Chris Craft boat. The cab portion of the truck is complete with black carpet, which shows very well. The rear interior floor is also complete with Philippine Mahogany panels and beautiful chrome separation strips. All pieces show very well throughout. The dash is in beautiful condition complete with all new vintage-style gauges and a vintage-style AM/FM Bluetooth radio. The period correct heater is mounted below the dash and near the floor mounted automatic transmission and the transfer case gear shifters. The automatic transmission shift lever appears as a period manual transmission shift lever, which lends to the period correct overall feel of the interior. The interior is stunning and the attention to detail is very evident.

The beautifully detailed and painted engine compartment, complete with a hand fabricated, custom tilt front end, is the home of the nicely appointed Chevrolet 454 cu in motor complete with chrome valve covers, chrome alternator and white powder coated Hedman Hedders. The 454 has 40 miles since the complete rebuild and produces approximately 450 hp with 9 to 1 compression. It has been bored 30,000 over, blueprinted and balanced with ported and polished heads, an Edelbrock Performer cam shaft and an Edelbrock Performer 2-0 intake manifold topped with a Holley 750 Double Pumper carburetor. The automatic transmission and transfer case were also rebuilt with 40 miles on each and both operate smoothly and quietly. All black components are powder coated and show well. The 1975 K-20 Blazer chassis is powder coated and show ready. The off-road suspension kit is a nice visual complement to the overall look of the exterior with white shocks and yellow boots. The engine compartment shows well throughout and is ready to be shown.

This 1951 Chevrolet Panel Truck is as pleasing to the eye as it is to drive. This one-of-a-kind custom build by Vintage Auto would be a nice modern-driver addition to any classic collection and perfect for shows and tours.

For more information and details, please call, text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or harry@classicpromenade.com. This Chevrolet is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.