Lot 1190-SAN: 1953 GMC 100

The 1953 GMC 100 and Chevy 3100 are actually mechanical twins—they share the same chassis, engines, transmissions, and body from the Advance Design (Chevy) / New Design (GMC) series that ran from 1947-1955. Think of them as the same truck wearing different badges!

Key Differences

1. Brand Identity & Trim

• Chevy 3100: Marketed as the workhorse/entry-level option, with horizontal bar grilles and bowtie badging
• GMC 100: Positioned slightly more upscale toward commercial/professional buyers, with GMC-specific grilles and branding

2. Model Designation System In 1953, these trucks used different numbering:

• Chevy: 3100 (1/2 ton short bed), 3200 (1/2 ton long bed), 3600 (3/4 ton)
• GMC: 100 (1/2 ton), 150 (1/2 ton long bed), 250 (3/4 ton)

3. Styling

• Grille: Chevy had horizontal bars; GMC had a different pattern
• Hood emblems: Different branding
• Interior trim: GMC often featured slightly upgraded materials

4. Production Numbers Chevy vastly outsold GMC—so GMC 100s are scarcer today, which some collectors prefer.

Market Comparison

Based on Classic.com data for the Chevy Advance Design market:

• Average price: Around $48,500
• Range: From ~$450 (project trucks) to over $1.1M (rare highly-optioned examples)
• Availability: 98 currently for sale across the entire series

Your 1953 GMC 100 at $49,000 sits right at market average for a custom restomod. With its 350 V8, air ride, and modern comfort upgrades, it’s really punching above what an original-spec truck would cost—which is typical for “restomod” builds in both camps.

Want me to find comparables to see how other modified GMC 100s or Chevy 3100s are priced?