Midway through the 1955 model year, Dodge updated its commercial truck catalogue with a host of “Forward Look” cosmetic updates to match those instituted across the passenger car lineup. A redesigned grill and new badges joined important ergonomic improvements like a larger, wraparound windshield, redesigned door panels, and simplified dashboard, which featured a centrally-located glovebox and cleanly presented instrumentation devoid of the chrome detailing found in Dodge’s passenger cars. Better yet, a new two-speed Powerflite transmission was made available, and the power ratings for the model range’s inline-six and V-8 engines were greatly improved. With this latest flourish of Virgil Exner-penned touches, Dodge had truly refined the look and performance of its C-series commercial trucks, making them more competitive against market-leading light trucks from both Chevrolet and Ford.

Benefitting from a complete restoration executed circa 2012 under previous ownership, this charming 1956 C-3-B half-ton pickup wears attention-grabbing Truck Red livery over black cord upholstery and is sure to stir up nostalgia in all but the most hardened of car enthusiasts. This striking red Dodge pickup is powered by a correct-type 230-cubic-inch flathead inline six-cylinder engine, which is backed by a “three on the tree” manual transmission.

Save for a few attractive chrome badges, fasteners, or trim rings, many of this C-3’s accessories and details have been cleverly rendered in the same gloss black finish found on the steel fenders and trim strips of the wood-floored step-side cargo bed.

The consignor has regularly enjoyed this C-3 over the past decade of ownership and reports that a set of period-style radial tires have recently been fitted. Significantly rarer and more robust than similar half-ton competitors of the day, this charming commercial pickup is ideal for truck enthusiasts and collectors of seminal midcentury American pickups.