While restored pre-World War II Ford pick-ups are relatively easy to come by, a restored stock 1937 Chevrolet GC 1/2 Ton such as the example posted yesterday here on Craigslist in Media, Pennsylvania is a nice change of pace. The current caretaker is currently asking $27,900. A quick check of the NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool confirms their “Low”, “Average”, and “High” retail value range for these trucks is currently at $7,175, $13,100, and $28,600, respectively so the private seller appears to have their Chevy realistically priced.  If you are serious about purchasing this truck, you can start the conversation by calling or texting John at (610) 637-7671.

Excerpt from September 2017 Hemmings Classic Car Article “The Mileage Master – 1937 Chevrolet 1/12-Ton Pickup” by Mike McNessor:

More than 80 years ago, Chevrolet needed to convince buyers that its light trucks were the most dependable, capable, and economical haulers on the road. So, the company cooked up a plan to send a new 1937 Chevrolet half-ton pickup, loaded with 1,000 pounds of weight, on a 10,000-plus-mile road trip, certified by the American Automobile Association. For the driving chores, they signed on race car driver Harry Hartz–a three-time Indianapolis 500 runner-up.

On December 23, 1936, Hartz wheeled the Chevrolet truck off the assembly line in Flint, Michigan, and headed northwest across Montana, Idaho, and into Washington. He then followed the West Coast south and traversed the U.S.-Mexico border to the Gulf of Mexico. After passing through the Gulf states and North Florida, he pointed the Chevrolet up the frigid East Coast, to Maine, then headed back to Michigan through New England. Hartz arrived back where he began on February 23, 1937–mission accomplished.

Some of the highlights from the truck’s two-month-long, 10,244-mile odyssey are surprising even by modern standards. During 328 hours of running time, the Chevrolet averaged 20.74 mpg and a speed of 31.18 mph. It needed only a minor repair along the way that cost 73 cents, and oil consumption was reported to be more than 7 quarts, but that included an oil change en route to keep the truck’s babbitt bearings protected.

Powering the road-proven pickup was the new-for-1937 216.5-cu.in. Blue Flame six–the only engine offered in the company’s trucks that year. The 216 was a more robust engine than its 206.8-cu.in. predecessor. The block was two inches shorter, with full-length water jackets, and its crankshaft spun in four main bearings. The oiling system, however, was still a low-pressure arrangement that Chevrolet described as “four-way” lubrication.

Chevrolet only produced these trucks for the 1937 and 1938 model years before launching a restyled pickup that started the trend away from having their pickups styled similar to their car lines.

The seller currently relies on the pictures to sell their truck and from the eight provided it appears to be a nice solid and original example restored to like-new condition.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1937 Chevy Pick-up Truck. All original, red and black. 3 speed on the floor, 6 cylinder engine. Very good condition. Call for all details.“

Do you have an old Chevy Pickup story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!