One of the many films made by Jam Handy for Chevrolet and General Motors, “It’s Your Money” shows a customer examining a Chevy panel truck. The 3100 Truck, part of the Advance Design Series, was one of the most popular delivery trucks in its era because of its efficient engine, with a valve and head design, steering-column shifter, and large useable load space. It was sold in a variety of models including pick-ups, panel vans, and double duty models.
00:00: Salesman acknowledges the customer’s interest in Chevrolet trucks, specifically for delivery purposes.
0:57 – 1:15: The conversation turns to what the average person with delivery needs wants in a truck, leading into discussing Chevrolet’s offerings.
1:15 – 2:03: Highlights the economy of Chevrolet trucks, focusing on the valve-in-head engine, which provides superior performance and efficiency, proven by AAA tests. Discusses practical design elements like efficient fuel use, exhaust, oiling, and cooling systems.
2:03 – 2:20: Points out the accessibility of engine parts for easier and cheaper maintenance.
2:20 – 2:56: Discusses the practicalities of handling, driving, and loading for Chevrolet’s panel models, including door functionality and load space.
2:56 – 3:32: Talks about the ease of handling in city delivery due to shorter length and steering column gear shift, emphasizing the synchromesh transmission for smoother gear changes.
3:32 – 4:01: Covers the braking system, noting Chevrolet’s exclusive articulated brakes for safer, longer-lasting stops.
4:01 – 4:27: Describes the steering system, comparing it to passenger cars for ease of use, and mentions the foot-operated parking brake for convenience during frequent stops.
4:27 – 5:06: Addresses the durability and strength of Chevrolet trucks, focusing on the all-steel welded construction and robust frame for load protection and durability.
5:06 – 5:35: Summarizes why Chevrolet trucks are popular – lower operating costs, durability, dependability, and aesthetic appeal, which add value to any business.
5:35 – 6:06: A light-hearted exchange where the visitor humorously admits to not having money but is there to pick up a truck his boss has already decided to buy, showing confidence in Chevrolet’s solutions for delivery needs.
Chevrolet’s first major redesign post-World War II, the Advance-Design series was billed as a bigger, stronger, and sleeker design in comparison to the earlier AK Series. First available on Saturday June 28, 1947, these trucks were sold with various minor changes over the years until March 25, 1955, when the Task Force Series trucks replaced the aging Advance-Design model.
The same basic design family was used for all of its trucks including the Suburban, panel trucks, canopy express and cab overs. The cab overs used the same basic cab configuration and similar grille but used a shorter and taller hood and different fenders. The unique Cab Over fenders and hood required a custom cowl area which makes the Cab Over Engine cabs and normal truck cabs incompatible with one another while all truck cabs of all weights interchange.
From 1947 until 1955, Chevrolet trucks were number one in sales in the United States, with rebranded versions sold at GMC locations.
While General Motors used this front end sheet metal, and to a slightly lesser extent the cab, on all of its trucks except for the Cab Overs, there are three main sizes of this truck: the half-, three-quarter-, and full ton capacities in short and long wheelbase.
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