1948 Chevrolet 3800 one-ton stake truck with a 292 six and NV3500 5-speed, 24 years with one owner, early $6,250 bid

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: this is a Kansas City-built 1948 Chevrolet 3800 one-ton with stake sides. The seller has owned it since 2002 and added a 292 inline-six, an NV3500 five-speed with a heavy-duty clutch, a 3/4-ton GM rear axle and front spindles, and turn signals. It has a clean Ohio title, records and manuals.

Similar Advance Design 3600 and 3800 work trucks sold for $9,000 to $19,500 this fall. The current $6,250 bid is early, and bids usually climb, but the 292/five-speed combination already fixes the two biggest drivability problems of a stock 1948.

The value check

The current bid is $8,025. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $9,000–$19,500, so the middle of the market is about $14,250. That put this car 44% under. Bids usually climb in the final hours, so the discount will likely shrink.

Driver-grade Advance Design 3600/3800 work trucks sold for $9,000 to $19,500 at BaT and Hemmings in Sep 2026. The $6,250 bid plus Hagerty's 5% fee is about $6,560, roughly 54% under the $14,250 midpoint, but the auction runs until Nov 13 and bids usually climb.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1952 Chevrolet 3800 LoadMaster flatbed, Hemmings, $16,350 (Sep 2026)
• 1948 Chevrolet 3600 long bed, BaT, $19,500 (Sep 2026)
• 1954 Chevrolet 3800 panel, BaT, $9,000 (Sep 2026)

What to check

• The seller notes dents and paint imperfections, and there is exposed wiring under the dash
• The tires are from 2016 and should be replaced on a heavy truck; the listing does not say whether it runs
• Check the cab corners, door bottoms, the floor under the seat and the rear cab mounts for rust
• Stake-bed wood needs regular maintenance; check the frame under the bed
• Mileage is listed as TMU (true mileage unknown); Hagerty adds about a 5% buyer's fee

Making it drive like new

Front disc brakes with a dual master cylinder, a 12-volt check of the wiring, and power steering would make it a safer driver. A Mustang II or full chassis swap is the common route if the long-term plan is a lowered pickup build.

7 builders make a complete chassis for the 1947–54 Advance Design pickup (3100). Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.