1955 Panel 1st Series | orig. 235 Six | 3 gears | < 4250km

1955 Chevrolet 3100 Panel Truck First Series, Original 235 Inline Six, Original 3-Speed Manual, Roadworthy, TÜV valid until 05/ 2028, Historic H-Registration Germany

Rare 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Panel Truck from the final Advance Design series (First Series).

Featuring its original 235 cu in inline-six engine, original three-speed manual transmission (“three-on-the-tree”), honest patina and very solid overall condition. This is not a restoration project, but an authentic US classic with a unique family history.

Vehicle Details

Chevrolet 3100 Panel Truck

Model variant: 3105 Light Duty Panel

Year: 1955 (First Series / Advance Design)

First registration: 01 July 1955

Historic H-registration (Germany) since: 08 November 2023

TÜV (German road inspection): renewed 05/ 2026, valid until 05/ 2028

Odometer: approx. 4, 180 km (2, 590 miles)

Engine: Original inline-six, approx. 3. 8 litres / 235 cu in

Power: 78 kW / 105 hp

Transmission: Original 3-speed manual column shift (“three-on-the-tree”)

Drive: Rear-wheel drive

Electrical system: Original 6-volt system

Brakes: Drum brakes

Fuel: Petrol

Top speed: approx. 80 km/ h

Condition

The truck is largely in its original condition.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no structural rust or corrosion. The vehicle shows only age-related signs of use and minor dents, mainly in the front area, caused during transport when moving cargo shifted inside the container.

The truck has deliberately not been fully restored. It has been preserved in its authentic condition as an original survivor, retaining its genuine character and history.

Mechanical Condition & Work Performed

The original inline-six engine runs very smoothly and evenly.

Work carried out includes:

New tyres

Brake system renewed

Lighting and headlights renewed

Original 6-volt electrical system retained and technically refurbished

Front axle replaced with an original axle

Windshield wipers converted to electric operation

Safety belts installed

New water pump

Carburetor cleaned and adjusted

Known Points

Door and glove box keys missing

Minor oil dampness at gearbox and light oil film on engine; no dripping

Transport-related dents, mainly at the front

To the best of my knowledge, there are no indications of accident damage from recent decades. Complete records from before the 1980s are not available.

Additional Parts & Documentation

The vehicle is being sold only due to lack of time, not because of any sales pressure.

Included are various spare parts, including:

Spare tyre (new)

Several spare oil and air filters

New rubber seals for windows and doors

Various original mirrors, hubcaps and other parts

Documentation

US title

Import and customs documents

Shipping documents

Workshop invoices

Historic registration approval (H-approval)

TÜV (German road inspection) report

Legal Information

Private sale.

The sale is made excluding any statutory liability for material defects. No warranty, guarantee or return accepted.

Summary

An exceptionally rare 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Panel Truck from the final Advance Design series, equipped with its original 235 cu in inline-six engine, original manual transmission, German historic H-registration and excellent honest survivor condition.

A genuine and characterful US classic with preserved originality – a vehicle rarely offered in this specification today.

Serious enquiries only, please.

A test drive can be arranged by appointment in the vineyards above Freiburg, Germany.

This Chevrolet 3100 Panel Truck comes from my US uncle’s collection and is a family heirloom.

It has been continuously family-owned since the early 1980s, first in California (Los Angeles) and later in Oregon. In May 2021, the Panel Truck was shipped to Germany.

Before shipping, already primed body areas were painted to protect the bodywork during overseas transport. Since registration with historic H-plates, the vehicle has been kept in Freiburg, Germany, stored exclusively dry in a covered carport.

A particular highlight is the original hardwood parquet-style cargo floor in the rear compartment. It was only lightly sanded and oiled and presents itself in an exceptionally clean and elegant condition. The original floor construction, including service access panels beneath the seats, remains fully intact.

Due to lack of available time to properly enjoy and use this vehicle, I am looking for a knowledgeable and appreciative new owner.