Chevrolet entered the Post-World War II era looking to take advantage of the growing demand for working trucks, a phenomenon that was also attracting other automakers. Long before its first wave of postwar new car designs, in 1947 Chevrolet introduced its restyled “Advance Design” truck fleet, which emphasized passenger room and comfort. That included the panel delivery trucks, which combined those qualities with station wagon utility.

Completed in 2012, this 1953 Chevrolet panel truck was the subject of a comprehensive restoration that included finishing it to look like a woodie wagon. A solid West Coast truck, it is beautifully finished in stunning Black base/clear coat paint and is trimmed with show-quality chrome and brightwork. That would be enough to attract the attention of discriminating enthusiasts, but the builder added tremendous personality with skillfully airbrushed imitation-wood paneling on the body sides and rear doors. He then added custom hand-painted lettering that pays tribute to the “Chevrolet Heritage Center.” The genesis for the woodie treatment becomes obvious by opening the back, revealing a factory wood interior complete with rear facing display drawers and a covered deck that reaches the entire length of the cargo area. The heritage theme carries throughout this charming vintage Chevy; under the hood is a well detailed Thriftmaster inline six cylinder engine mated to a floor-shifted four-speed manual transmission, a combination that served to establish the Chevrolet reputation for reliability. Period-correct wide whitewall tires on Red painted steel wheels and bright wheel trim are the perfect finishing touches on this charming custom Chevy panel.