Cool Classics: 9 Classic Chevrolet Trucks Reach 6 Figures

Categories: American Classic Cars | Classic Car Auctions & Events | Classic Car Ownership & Maintenance | Classic Trucks | Exotic Cars | Hot Rods & Custom Cars | Muscle & Pony Cars

Author: Ron Moorhead

Classic vintage Chevrolet pickup trucks are increasing in popularity and value. Enthusiasts are seeking collectible pickups with increasing passion, and the value of those trucks is increasing along with that interest. No place is this more evident than at specialty car auctions.

"Vintage trucks, especially Chevrolets, have been gaining popularity with collectors, to the point they are rivaling muscle cars," said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "What's interesting is collectors are looking for very different vehicles: The most collectible muscle cars are numbers-matching survivors; the most sought-after vintage trucks are full custom builds, and buyers are looking for both unique design elements and high-quality craftsmanship."

We take a look at nine Chevrolet classic trucks that have brought the highest bids at Barrett-Jackson auctions in the past.

1957 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Truck: Sold for $214,500 in 2016

Known as "Quicksilver," this 1957 Chevrolet 3100 custom is the culmination of a project that saw nearly everything from the 540 Big Block 650-horsepower Chevy engine to the handmade and reshaped body panel. Customized by Hot Rod Garage in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, this truck was a 2014 Barrett-Jackson Cup winner and has been recognized as "one of the finest custom truck builds," according to Barrett-Jackson Auction House

1950 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup: Sold for $205,700 in 2017

This 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Custom is another example of a truck where it would be difficult to find a part that has not been customized. Showcased at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show, this truck later sold for $205,700 in 2017. This Chevy features extensive modifications, including a reshaped dash, along with a handmade, redesigned bench seat, console, door panels and headliner. A TCI custom chassis with an independent front suspension and 500-horsepower Chevrolet Performance Hot Cam LS3 crate engine with a 4L65E automatic transmission ensure there's plenty of go power.

1957 Chevrolet Cameo Pickup: Sold for $159,500 in 2007

Chevrolet Cameo pickups have a special appeal to truck enthusiasts, and this 1957 Chevrolet Cameo finished in full custom Orange Pearl paint is viewed as a pinnacle, selling for $159,500 in 2007. This masterpiece features a 500-horsepower Big Block Chevy engine and a 400 transmission with Electric Overdrive. The interior features full leather, vintage air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, power windows and a 400-watt stereo.

1957 Chevrolet C-6 Custom Pickup: Sold for $148,500 in 2011

Enthusiasts know it takes hard work, determination and plenty of hours to craft a special truck. It took 7,000 man-hours and thousands of one-off hand-crafted parts to build this 1957 Chevrolet C-6 Custom Pickup, which sold for $148,500 in Las Vegas in 2011. This truck comes with a 402cid LS3 motor, a complete Corvette C6 suspension, and a drivetrain with a 6-speed transaxle and a full air-ride suspension. The truck won a GM Design award at SEMA 2009 and a Mothers Choice Award at SEMA 2010.

1955 Chevrolet Cameo Custom Pickup: Sold for $143,000 in 2013

This 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Custom Pickup features several eye-catching outer modifications, including a 1955 Nomad-inspired tailgate, reshaped cab corners to flow with the 1957 Bel Air side trim, and a smoothed engine bay with covers. The exterior is dressed in Titanium Grey and Lipstick Red, with the interior in complimenting red leather. It also includes Dakota Digital VHX gauges, a graphite-wrapped Billet Specialties steering wheel and a Kenwood stereo system.

1955 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup: Sold for $132,000 in 2006

This 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup comes to our list with over 6 years of customization. The Kandy Orange paint is complemented by a tan leather interior, and both are meticulously detailed. This award-winning pickup has garnered accolades from far and wide and appeared in six magazine features.

1960 Chevrolet El Camino Custom Pickup: Sold for $126,500 in 2017

You cannot have a list of Chevrolet trucks without at least one El Camino, and this 1960 example is a perfect choice. This Chevy is highly customized, with nearly every component adapted to bedazzle. It's fitted with a GM ZZ 502ci crate engine with a Ram Jet fuel-injection system and features a custom leather interior with an exceedingly well-detailed and -painted undercarriage.

1959 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup: Sold for $121,000 in 2014

This fancy 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup was completely rebuilt, retaining only the body from the original vehicle. The ground-up construction utilized a high-strength chassis complete with a 4-link setup, a chrome 9-inch Currie rear end with 3.70 gears, and a Detroit Tru-Trac differential. The interior reveals white leather complete with black accents; air conditioning and green-tinted glass were added.

1971 Chevrolet C-10 Custom Pickup: Sold for $110,000 in 2014

This 1971 Chevrolet C-10 Custom Pickup was donated to a Foundation for Pediatric Cancer before it was rebuilt and customized with the goal of auctioning on behalf of the foundation. It features a Chevrolet Performance LS3 E-ROD "connect-and-cruise" powertrain with a 430-horsepower LS3 and 4L65-E transmission. A complete air-ride suspension and updated cooling system were added for cruising the boulevard.

We've added a bonus truck following the completion of the 2017 Las Vegas Barrett-Jackson, where this 1950 Chevrolet 3100 custom brought a very respectable $118,000. This 5-window Chevy is equipped with a 406 small-block engine, 700R4 automatic transmission, 12-bolt rear end and rack-and-pinion quick-ratio steering. A Camaro front suspension and 4-link rear suspension were utilized, along with updated Wilwood brakes and Billet Specialties wheels.

Those enthusiasts who may not be in the market for a 6-figure Chevy truck can take heart. Even at big auctions such as Barrett-Jackson, there are a number of cool classic Chevrolets that sell for under $20,000.