1/2-Ton Pickup

216CI, 2016 AACA National First Place Winner

AACA National 1st Place winner
Comprehensive frame-off restoration
Rebuilt 216 CI inline 6-cylinder OHV engine
4-speed manual transmission
Refinished in original Red with Black belt molding and Silver stripe
Restored interior including dash, instruments and seat cushion
Restored box wood painted Black as original
Dual outside mirrors
Chrome grille
Fog lights
Wheel trim rings
Wood box rack
Upgraded dual exhaust

Most automobiles created for the North American market in the first half of the century were an answer to another manufacturer's current success. This 1941 Chevrolet AK Pickup is no exception. It is the recipient of an AACA National First Place Prize and was the subject of a comprehensive frame-off restoration. This truck is a great example of the brand's best efforts to compete with the already-popular 1940 Ford Pickup. The new Chevrolet lineup of trucks for 1940 was designed with solid engineering, comfort and functionality in mind. As with Ford, the new Chevrolet Pickup was based on a passenger-vehicle chassis, but it was largely removed from the previous Chevrolet AG Sedan Pickup. For instance, the bed was manufactured with heavy-gauge steel and was fitted with a durable wood floor. During the frame-off restoration, the truck was refinished in its original red with black belt molding and a silver stripe, and the restored box wood was painted in the original black. The beautifully finished exterior features the new-for-1940 chrome grille, dual outside mirrors, fog lights, wooden box rack and an upgraded dual exhaust. The interior of the AK Pickup featured a crank-open windshield, which aided in ventilation, and the newly designed metal-framed door windows that helped to strengthen the cab and increased overall ride comfort. This Chevy's interior has been restored to its original condition, including a refinished dash, instrument cluster and a restored bench seat. A rebuilt 216 CI inline 6-cylinder OHV engine powers the pickup while a 4-speed manual transmission with sliding fourth gear allows the driver to run the engine through its paces. Power is sent down and to the ground through red-painted wheels with matching trim rings fitted with wide whitewall tires. This 1941 Chevrolet AK-series pickup is about as close as you can get to driving a 1941 Chevrolet Pickup back in the day.