Skip to main content

This is what $1.3 million worth of classic Chevy trucks looks like

The nine most expensive classic Chevrolet trucks to cross Barrett-Jackson
Image used with permission by copyright holder
If you’re a fan of the world-renowned Barrett-Jackson auction or simply a fan of vintage Chevrolet trucks, then you probably noticed that some customized classic Chevy trucks crossed the block, only to sell for some hefty prices.

But if you missed the last couple Barrett-Jackson auction, don’t worry. Chevy thought it would be a good idea to take a look back on some of the most expensive customized classic Chevy trucks ever to be sold at Barrett-Jackson in lieu of the auction last week. If you have a liking to some vintage Chevrolet trucks, particularly ones with a few mods, then you will love seeing these examples that sold for as much as some houses.

Recommended Videos

1971 Chevrolet C10 Custom

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Kicking off the list is this 1971 Chevrolet C10 Custom Pickup, which sold in 2014 for $110,000. It was originally donated to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. The C-10 then underwent an extensive restoration and was rebuilt with a list of new bits and pieces. Under the hood sits an LS3 crate motor with 430 horsepower, a four-speed 4L65-E automatic, Ridetech air suspension, a Be Cool cooling system, and custom body panels from Goodmark Industries.

1959 Chevrolet 3100 Custom

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Next up is this 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Custom, which went in exchange for $121,000 when the final hammer smacked down in Scottsdale, Arizona. Rebuilt and modified from the ground up, it features a reinforced chassis with four-link suspension, a chromed-out 3.70 rear Detroit Truetrac differential, and a white leather interior with aftermarket air conditioning.

1960 Chevrolet El Camino Custom

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Chevrolet El Camino is one of those trucks with a big cult following. More car than truck, the El Camino offered utilitarian practicality without the cumbersome driving experience of a truck … sort of. This specific example went for $126,500 in Palm Beach, Florida just this year. Everything was extensively refurbished or customized. Under the hood sits a GM ZZ 502 cu in crate V8 with a Ram Jet fuel injection system, and a completely custom leather interior.

1955 Chevrolet 3100 Custom

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Dating back to the 2006 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, this 1955 3100 Custom sold for $132,000. Believe it or not, there is some inflation missing when compared to 2017, with $132,000 in 2006 equaling about $164,300 in 2017 dollars. With a custom Kandy Orange exterior with a fully done-up tan leather interior, this 3100 was named as one of the top 50 trucks of the decade by Street Trucks Magazine. It also won various awards prior at Boyds Pro Pick in Scottsdale as well as other Super Chevy shows.

1955 Chevrolet Cameo Custom

Image used with permission by copyright holder

This 1955 Cameo Custom crossed the 2013 Scottsdale auction, ringing in the invoice at $143,000, only to be sold for $132,000 a year later at the Las Vegas auction. With a two-tone Titanium Grey and Lipstick Red paint theme, and a completely redesigned interior with Dakota Digital VHX gauges, a tricked-out Kenwood stereo, and Billet Specialties wheels, it certainly is a truck to remember.

1957 Chevrolet C-6 Custom Pickup

Image used with permission by copyright holder

One of this custom Chevy truck’s claim to fame is that it took around 7,000 man-hours and a whole bunch of custom fabricated parts to make this 1957 C-6 Custom a reality. Once completed, it crossed the Las Vegas 2011 auction and sold for a solid $148,500. It features an LS3 402 cu in V8, a full C6 Corvette suspension setup, and a six-speed transaxle with Air Ride suspension. It won an award at SEMA for the best GM Design in 2009 and the Mothers Choice Award in 2010.

1957 Chevrolet Cameo

Image used with permission by copyright holder

This bright orange Cameo crossed the Scottsdale auction in 2007, selling for a cool $159,500. Busting out the inflation calculator again and that’s close to $194,500 in 2017 money. It’s party piece, aside from the Orange Pearl Paint, is a Big Block Chevy crate motor with 500 horsepower and a 400 four-speed automatic transmission with Electric Overdrive. The interior was also redone with leather all around, a refurbished original air conditioning system, power steering, power disc brakes, power windows, and a decked-out 400-watt stereo.

1950 Chevrolet 3100 Custom

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Just this past year at the Scottsdale auction, this 1950 3100 Custom reeled in $205,700 when the hammer came down. Its chassis was extensively modified by TCI with independent front suspension and other tweaks. Powering this beast is a Chevy Performance Hot Cam LS3 crate motor good for around 500 horses, mated to a 4L65E automatic transmission. Of course the interior was also reworked with a new dash design, a custom-made bench seat, headliner, and door panels.

1957 Chevrolet 3100 Custom

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Last but not least is this 1957 3100 Custom, colloquially known as “Quicksilver.” This took the 2014 Barrett-Jackson Cup winner, It sold for a whopping $214,500. That is almost as much as a brand-spankin’ new Aston Martin DB11. With a price like that, it means some special things happened while being rebuilt from the ground up. Everything on the truck was supposedly handmade, from the remolded body panels, to the 540-hp Big Block V8. Hence, it’s probably why it was named as “one of the finest truck builds of all times.”

Chris Chin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Since picking up his first MicroMachine, Chris Chin knew his passion for automobiles was embedded into his soul. Based in…
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more
Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Tesla Model Y: Does electric SUV beat the bestselling EV?
Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on the way, after months of waiting for what many hope will be a  true competitor to the Kia EV9. The electric SUV is likely to be one of the go-to options for those who want a larger EV at a lower price than the likes of the Rivian R1S. But, while it's larger than the Tesla Model Y, it's also likely to be a little more expensive.

The two vehicles are a bit different when it comes to things like performance, range, and charging. Is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 worth the extra cash, or should you go for the cheaper, yet smaller car? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The overall designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Tesla Model Y are pretty different, and that may be enough to sway your buying decision. The Ioniq 9 is a true SUV; it's big and boxy, and while it looks a little sleeker than some SUVs thanks to its curved roofline, it's clearly larger than the Tesla Model Y. At the front of the Ioniq 9 is a long light bar separated into pixel-like blocks that helps give the vehicle a unique design motif. At the rear of the Ioniq 9, you'll also find pixel lights curving around the sides and top of the trunk. The Ioniq 9 measures 199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70.5 inches high.

Read more
Volvo EX90 vs Tesla Model Y: Is Tesla’s cheaper EV also better?
2025 Volvo EX90 front quarter view.

The Volvo EX90 is finally here. The all-electric Volvo SUV was first unveiled a few years ago, but after some delays, the sleek Scandinavian vehicle is now available for order. As an electric SUV, it will go up against the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. However, it will also have to compete with the most popular electric vehicle out there: the Tesla Model Y.

There are some clear differences between the two vehicles. While the Volvo EX90 is noticeably larger, the Tesla Model Y is significantly cheaper. Should you spend the extra cash for Volvo’s electric SUV, or should you opt for the Tesla?
Design
Perhaps the most obvious difference between the two vehicles lies in their design. The EX90 is more of a traditional SUV, featuring a big, boxy build that’s larger than the arguably crossover-sized Tesla Model Y. Beyond basic dimensions, however, there are plenty of other design differences. For instance, the Volvo EX90 has a more traditional appearance compared to the Model Y, which, despite being on the market for some time, remains relatively unique when compared to vehicles from other manufacturers. That’s not to say the EX90 looks dated — on the contrary, it’s sleek and stylish, showcasing Volvo’s signature design.

Read more