1938 Chevy 1/2-Ton Pickup

Owned by Fraser and Elizabeth Chalmers New Zealand

From Fraser :

        Hi there! I just Googled your site by chance and came across this overwhelming love affair with the Chevy pickups. Well done! This site had me glued all night -- and probably will for many more.

        I have a 1938 Chevy 1/2-ton pickup. It's a wee bit different from most, as it's right hand drive.

        The truck started its life as a luxury to a high country farmer in the South Island of New Zealand. Most of the pickups that came to NZ were Colonial cabs on bare chassis. The deck and back of the cab were finished to customers' specs, as long as it was done in timber. Saying that, our's is a bit of a rarer over here -- being a full steel cab.

        This old truck's original colour was light blue with black guards and running boards. It was only repainted in the early 1980's.

        It still has the original running gear front to rear. It also has still running its 6 volt system, foot starter, wiper. And we have the original keys!

        I've even been known to crank start the beast.

        Images: driver's front ~ driver's rear ~ bed ~ interior ~ engine ~ rear

        When I first ever drove it, I was surprised by its low down torque, especially in top gear and only doing around 20 mph. Then after that, she cruises effortlessly at around 50 mph. When it's idling, you can hardly hear her running. With no lead in our petrol anymore, the poor old girl needs regular checks, as the plugs seem to foul up a lot.

        We purchased this truck around 2001 and have only done around 800 miles, but they have always been enjoyable.

        Hopefully in the near future, we will have her fully restored to her former glory. We will probably add a slightly more modern running gear in order to keep up with today's traffic.

Cheers,

Fraser and Elizabeth

PS. I registered your world address site as CLASSIC 7

        Well, thanks for the kind remarks about the site. We certainly have a lot to look at. Just don't drool on the keyboard. And try not to wake the neighbors with any hoots and hollars! ~ Editor

-30-