The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Hard to believe - a '50 Chevy sold at auction for big bucks

A 1950 Chev. pickup sold on Bring-a-Trailer for $345,000. It is a 5 window resto mod, "but".

George

post a link to the listing. Are you sure you aren't missing a zero or two?

There is nothing about that truck that is 50 Chevy except a few pieces of tin and even that was customized, it is a beautiful build done by an iconic shop, from the frame on up is ‘over the top’ custom at every turn. I wouldn’t hazard a guess at the cost to have that truck built. To each his own.

BTW:I’d be surprised to see the new owner here on the ‘bolt…..but for me they would be welcomed aboard…

Chuck

I've been to auctions and seen family members fighting over Dad's car and the bidding went way above what would normally be expected...maybe that's what happened here?!?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1950-chevrolet-thriftmaster/

Mike B

Maybe for a GMC, but no way I'd pay that kind of money for a Chevy.

It does not take long to get too much in a restoration. Ask me how I know. It was the while you are here syndrome. Beautifully done. A number of years ago a southern company Took a 1954 3100, new everything, chassis, engine, trans, interior, and bed, It would be built from new. $50,000 and everyone said no way. It was around for a few years under different owners. The last time I saw it, it was at $60,000.

How about 3 zeros. It has been edited.

George

“While you are here” syndrome… ah, yes.

Regarding the truck in question, it is an extreme build , but I am surprised that the bidding went anywhere near that high. Usually those high end high investment builds are sold at a great loss.

That's ridiculous.

The name “Icon” Says it all!
Their builds are spectacular. The amount of detail and perfection is amazing! Watch one of their videos, amazing!
You won’t find a better build than an Icon!

Jim

So what? It may be a work of art but it's completely useless as a vehicle. What's the point? Hey come see what I have in my garage! It's one of a kind! Don't touch it!

It will never be driven or enjoyed.

I've been going to auctions for decades and typically when you see an item going for over three times the normal high water mark it's because two people have sentimental attachment and are willing to pay whatever it takes. In this case it took $345K to make the runner-up bow out! There's a real story behind this truck that we don't know about...

Mike B

A few NOTES from the GTT Moderator on this thread:

George (Wrenchbender Ret.) - Thanks for the tidbit of news you found and shared. Your title "Hard to believe" is very appropriate to the info shared on the truck.

Chuck (Hanks custodian) - Thanks for saying "To each his own.

BTW:I’d be surprised to see the new owner here on the ‘bolt…..but for me they would be welcomed aboard…". You have stated what this site is all about and I echo your sentiment.

Otto (Otto Skorzeny) - Your opinion is noted, but in keeping with what "Chuck" expressed, if you don't have anything nice to say about someone else's truck and/or choices - how about don't say anything all.

ALL - This is the GTT where we discuss general topics and things related to our trucks, but in a way that respects other peoples choices whether we agree with them or not. Further disrespectful or negative comments will force me to move the thread to the Greasy Spoon or EDIT/Remove them as deemed necessary.

Respectfully,

Dan

Otto,
I respectably disagree. She was built to be driven. I watched some of their builds, and following them from their first project.
My friends Audi R8 is also a a very expensive exotic well engineered ride! Doesn’t sit in a garage, she runs it. Also allows her friends to take it for a spin.
Some people like trailer queens, some run the crap out of them. So, as the old saying goes, if it’s not your taste, it could be somebody else’s.
Jim

Dan,
Thanks for your post! Totally agree!
Jim
If the moderator finds this or my prior post against forums rules, please go ahead and delete them.
Jim

ICON builds trucks from many all-new parts, even a fair amount of sheet metal. The chassis is a modern setup.
link
Their "worth every penny" comment is an opinion (not mine, for sure - that's not what this hobby is about IMO.)

Thats not a outlandish price honestly if you add up parts, labor , and what it took to get there. Plus its made for someone who really wants something totally modern and fresh. Its cheap compared to my asking price hahaha. Last 10 people that asked me how much again after i said not for sale got the instant “1 million dollars would probably buy it” with a totally straight face. I cant ever re-buy the experience that it took to buy it and the old friend that i bought it from then the experience I had building it and getting it back on the road.

If I had the disposable income necessary for such an acquisition I’d go ahead and drive it. Why not? I wouldn’t trash it but I’d drive it.
If it needs a new paint job somewhere down the road, so be it.
You can’t take it with you, so you may as well drive it.

Wow, that is an impressive looking truck. Looks brand-spanking new. I bet it even has the *new truck* smell.


For the price??? Wonder if we should use some of that "info" in the What's my truck worth Tech Tip.

That's a funny. Been working on those pages this week. The old version is still up, tho so, fresh on my mind. (Talk about "can't take it with you ... )

It's an absolutely beautiful Truck, and yes it was built for driving. I'm sure like most of these high dollar builds it will make the show circuit and finally trade hands a few times on the auction board.

If it were mine I would drive it, it's not so for now I'll dream a little and drool a lot.

You may remember Howard Keith's 1936 GMC T-14 1/2-ton pickup. That was a great restoration that GM used his truck as part of a big ad campaign. That was a big Feature story for us, and it was exciting to work with Howard to bring it about. It took me awhile to figure which name was his first name.

His is a dream for sure. Plenty of show. And then some.

The actual commercial is on Howard's webpage. It's the first truck as the cameras roll.

It is lovely!!!!

The discussion of modified trucks is a slippery slope, for me once you change anything your soapbox is shaky, so…if the only change is a hidden bolt, a floor mat, a special condenser that is not original… have you crossed the line? So is it then matter of how far you can cross?

My 46 looks (mostly) stock but stock it is not…. I never ever had a soapbox to stand on, It came to me with non original paint, a pressure 235, a T5….., I added a Langdon dizzy, and converted an air filter to accept a paper filter, Bendix brakes and a dual master….mea culpa!

Where do I draw the line?
Me? Nah, I’ll pass on that one….

Chuck

Chuck -- Spot on. As my good friend Scott Ward says, "It's only original once."