The History of the 1957 Chevrolet 3100

Chevy introduced a new truck body style in mid-1955 that would remain in production through the end of 1959. The new look was known as the Task Force style, according to Tom Brownell, author of How to Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup. There were only a few minor style changes to the design during its five-year run.

Introduction

The Task Force design was such a major style change, Chevrolet could not introduce both its car and truck lines at the same time, according to Brownell. Chevrolet unveiled the new trucks halfway through 1955.

Design

The Task Force design featured a new panoramic windshield, two-tone paint and Frenched headlights, according to Brownell. Chevy introduced a few minor styling changes to the 1957 3100 series. A new grille incorporated an oval floating in the center, according to PickupTruck.com. The steering wheel was lowered to help the driver see the instrument panel easier.

Emblems

In 1957, the fender emblems changed from two-piece to one-piece and were mounted above the fender's horizontal line, according to the website Antique Chevy Trucks. The emblem on the front hood remained unchanged from 1956, except the paint colors were reversed.

Engine

The V-8 283-cubic-inch engine was available as an option for the first time in 1957. Chevrolet also introduced the first four-wheel drive half-ton pickup trucks, according to PickupTruck.com.

References

• Pickup Trucks: Chevrolet Trucks
• Antique Chevy Trucks: Year Designations
• "How to Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup"; Tom Brownell; 2004