Documented and verified 27000 mile (currently 27282 miles as of 5/626) 1971 Chevy pickup truck. 

I was fortunate to find this original truck several years ago in Ludington, Michigan.    The truck was purchased new there by a local family who operated a summer fruit stand harvesting and selling from their local orchard.   The owner ordered the truck from URKA Chevrolet (still in business), wanting a BASIC NO FRILLS pickup for the summer season use in the family orchard.   The truck was used by the family for summers only and was stored every winter since new.   The truck averaged a few hundred miles every year until 20 years ago where it was retired when the family ended the orchard operation.   It was used to collect fruit from the orchard, move crates to the farm stand nearby along the highway.       

HIS TRUCK NEVER SAW SNOW OR SALT IN OVER 50 YEARS!        Ludington, Michigan area is favorable climate for fruit growing and several area operations still exist. 

I was able to negotiate with the family to be the second owner (caretaker) of this original low miles factory correct time capsule.  It was stored and rarely drive for many years except to excercise it annually for a short drive or to add fresh gas.   The son of the original buyer still referred to it as the Orchard truck and no one in the family really wanted to drive it as IT IS MANUAL  (no power for the youngsters) STEERING, MANUAL BRAKES, NO A/C and was always limited to summer operation.    The grandchildren had no interest in the truck and the son now was retiring and decided to sell. Some young drivers are completely missing the wonderful connection to driving an old vehicle using a clutch and manual transmission. The tire shop had me pull the truck on the lift as none of the young men knew "3 on the tree", and they were fascinated.

The truck was ordered with the STOCK BASIC 6 cylinder (legendary) engine, the famous 3 on the tree (3 speed on the steering column) manual transmission with heavy duty clutch (option). Heavy duty rear springs (orchard crates), a full foam bench seat and deciding to dress the stock basic package up a bit, included the chrome hubcaps, chrome front bumper and a factory white pinstripe.  (real deal painted factory option).  The color combination was stock OCHRE (think yellow) with black vinyl trim #148.   The dealer added a rear step work bumper (replaced by me) for the orchard operation, a basic radio and antenna as was done in those days on trucks.

Over the years the branches in the orchard banged both mirrors off a couple times as well as knock a few scratches and dings in the bone dry body.  The bed is dinged and dented from the crates but absent of any rust whatsoever associated with normal 5O year old pickups.  The truck paint is far from perfect but unmolested and a few spots of chips and weathering are clearly evident as one would expect.    I have resisted the urgings of many to buff out the original factory paint.   I did wipe on a preservative on a few small paint chips shown. 

  

Drives like new in 1971 with the new radial tires I added as well as a new muffler system after complete maintenance refresh on fluids.   This truck needs NOTHING to drive anywhere.  It is as 1971 intended for a basic 3 on the tree stock 6 cylinder pickup.   The body and frame are remarkable and you are welcome to crawl around poke and prod and closely inspect this old gem as I did several years ago.   1971 was the first year for Chevy pickups to use Disc Brakes.  Even though I knew the history, I pulled the front wheels and inspected the ORIGINAL brake pads and found less than 1/2 the pads used!   Pads still have the factory GM part numbers!  Look at the original dash pad, the seat and the factory original rubber floor mat.  Completely original and remarkable.  If you know, you know they say.  You will be as amazed just like I was.   It just doesn't happen but a few times in a lifetime of old cars and trucks. 

I have been a hobby car and truck guy for 50 years.  I have seen the fakes, the imposters and the replicas.  I have heard the tales and been a the wild goose chases myself.   Spent lots on restorations to show quality twice in my retirement, and have come to appreciate the original survivors best.   I have owned this over 5 years, showing it at local shows and enjoying occasional drives for a parade or ice cream.   It is nostalgia for those of us that knew these when they were still pretty new. Drives like a truck, rides like a truck and has no fancy anything except the radio.  It is heaven on wheels for those who sometimes need none of todays techno everything.    I promised the wife I would pass it on this year to another caretaker to work on the 56 Willys Jeep rescue ... couldn't resist.

I am painfully aware that many will be interested in this bone dry perfect cab and body for a project and perhaps no interest in a bone stock factory 6 cylinder.  Maybe want to save lots and lots on bodywork on your restomod or hot rod....     I have learned over the years to be inclusive to car culture folks and understand... just don't tell me please.  : )

I am happy to show it, have you inspect it, drive it if you can manipulate the 3 on the tree or take you for a drive.    I am not interested in tire kickers, trades, negotiating price or sad stories. Don't need to hear about extra money shipper scams, foreign country razzle dazzles or other fools wasting time.  I spent a career in law enforcement and my wife says I basically barely trust family. 

The sale of this truck can take as long as needed to find a good home. It will be shown by appointment and will be offered locally at a few select events.  I am a long time eBay hobby person for nearly 25 years with 100 percent POSITIVE feedback and sold one other vehicle on eBay in those years.    I have a several documents, the factory manual, the original family Michigan License plate new in 1971 and a few spares.        I wrote this long description help answer questions so please read!