What is the name of the 1947-1955 truck style?
The truck style from 1947 to 1955 is commonly called the Advance-Design era, the postwar redesign by General Motors for Chevrolet and GMC pickups.
Origins and naming
The term “Advance-Design” (often written with a hyphen) is used by historians and collectors to describe General Motors’ first postwar truck redesigns. The era began with the 1947 Chevrolet and GMC pickups and lasted until GM introduced the next generation of styling in 1955.
Context within postwar American trucks
In the late 1940s, automakers reshaped their light-duty trucks to meet new professional and personal use demands. GM’s redesign gave these trucks a more modern, streamlined look that stood apart from prewar designs and signaled a broader industry shift toward integrated styling and improved comfort.
Design hallmarks
The following features distinguished Advance-Design trucks from earlier models and became defining cues of the era.
- One-piece curved windshield for improved visibility and a more contemporary silhouette
- Rounded, integrated fenders with a smoother hood line
- Prominent front grille with horizontal elements and a bold face
- Wider cabs with upgraded dashboards and seating for greater comfort
- redesigned bed rails and cargo area to simplify loading and use
These elements collectively created a recognizable, postwar aesthetic that influenced GM trucks for years and helped shape public perception of the modern pickup.
Models and production footprint
During the Advance-Design era, GM offered a range of pickups through Chevrolet and GMC, including various wheelbase lengths and payload options (commonly categorized as light and medium-duty configurations). The lineup supported commercial, agricultural, and personal use, with multiple bed options and trim levels. The era effectively concluded with the 1955 shift to the Task Force design language, which began a new styling chapter.
Representative notes
- Chevrolet and GMC produced pickups in several body styles and bed lengths to meet different needs
- Era-specific styling cues—such as the curved windshield and bold grilles—became enduring identifiers for the brand
Today, collectors prize these postwar GM pickups for their era-specific cues, build quality, and nostalgic value.
Impact and legacy
The Advance-Design trucks helped redefine the American pickup’s look and feel, marrying practical engineering with a modern, highway-ready silhouette. The era’s emphasis on improved comfort, visibility, and front-end styling set a standard that influenced not only GM but the broader market for decades to come.
Its enduring legacy is seen in the continued hobbyist interest, restoration projects, and the way these trucks are remembered as the first truly postwar-gen pickups that bridged utility with a newer aesthetic.
Summary
The Advance-Design era (1947–1955) marks General Motors’ defining postwar styling for Chevrolet and GMC pickups. With rounded lines, a curved windshield, and a modern front end, this period established a lasting design language that continues to captivate collectors and influence later truck designs.
What was a 1954 Chevy truck called?
1954 Chevrolet Series 3100 Half-
1954 Chevrolet Series 3100 Half-Ton Pickups. The design cycle of the 1954 Chevrolet Series 3100 half-ton pickups spanned less than two years, making the trucks relatively rare today. See more classic truck pictures.
What was the 1956 Chevy truck called?
1956 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup
1956 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup
The 1956 Chevrolet, 3100 series Stepside ½ Ton Pickup, was a carry over from the ever popular and new for 1955 model lineup light duty pickup, with only very minor changes probably not even noticeable to the average person.
What is the name of the 47-55 truck style?
First available on 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 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.
What is a '48 Chevy truck worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,900 for a 1948 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
