What a 1948 Chevy Truck Is Worth Today

Most 1948 Chevrolet 3100 half-ton pickups trade in the $12,000–$35,000 range for honest driver-quality examples, with excellent restorations at roughly $40,000–$65,000 and top concours builds sometimes higher; professionally built restomods typically bring $45,000–$95,000, with exceptional customs clearing $100,000. Rough, incomplete projects often sell for $3,000–$10,000. Long-bed 3600 and 3800 models usually trail 3100 short-beds by about 10–25%, and five-window cabs often command a 10–20% premium.

Why the Answer Varies So Widely

“A 48 Chevy truck” covers several configurations in Chevrolet’s Advance-Design lineup—most commonly the 3100 half-ton short-bed, but also 3600 three-quarter-ton and 3800 one-ton pickups. Value swings are driven by originality, condition, cab type (five-window versus standard), drivetrain, and whether the truck is stock or modified. Market conditions since the 2020 boom have cooled slightly but remain strong for tasteful upgrades and high-quality restorations.

Typical Price Ranges by Condition

The following ranges reflect recent guidebook valuations and observed U.S. market results for 1948 Chevrolet pickups, especially the 3100 half-ton. Actual outcomes vary by region, documentation, options, and quality of work.

• Project/Non-running or heavy rust, incomplete: $3,000–$10,000
• Driver-quality (#4 to lower #3): $12,000–$28,000
• Good to very good (#3 to #2−): $25,000–$40,000
• Excellent restoration (#2): $38,000–$55,000
• Concours/show-quality (#1, rare): $55,000–$70,000+
• Quality restomod (V8/overdrive/discs/suspension): $45,000–$95,000; elite builds can exceed $100,000

Expect 3600 and 3800 long-bed values to run about 10–25% below comparable 3100 short-beds. Five-window “Deluxe” cabs typically add 10–20% versus similar three-window trucks, all else equal.

Key Factors That Move the Needle

Several attributes consistently influence what a 1948 Chevy truck brings on the market. Knowing where your truck stands on these variables will help you estimate value more precisely.

• Model and cab: 3100 short-beds and five-window cabs are most sought after.
• Condition tier: Professional metalwork, panel fit, paint quality, and rust repair quality are critical.
• Originality vs. modifications: Numbers-matching restorations appeal to purists; restomods draw modern-driving buyers if the work is documented and high-grade.
• Drivetrain: Desirable upgrades include small-block or LS V8s, overdrive automatics, power steering/brakes, and disc brakes; for stock trucks, a correct 216/235 and period-correct details help.
• Chassis and suspension: Mustang II–style IFS, Art Morrison/Scott’s chassis, or well-executed drop kits can command premiums in customs.
• Documentation: Photo evidence of restoration, receipts, and provenance reduce buyer risk and boost prices.
• Color/trim and options: Deluxe trim, sun visors, accessory heaters/radios, and correct interior finishes matter in stock builds.
• Geography and seasonality: Prices can fluctuate by region and sell stronger in peak auction seasons.

A truck that checks multiple high-demand boxes—desirable cab, strong cosmetics, sorted mechanicals, and documentation—will reliably outperform the midrange, while missing pieces or unknown work quality push values down.

How to Estimate Your Specific Truck’s Value

Use a structured approach to benchmark your truck against recent market outcomes and guidebook tiers.

1. Identify the exact model: 3100 (1/2-ton), 3600 (3/4-ton), or 3800 (1-ton), and whether it’s a five-window cab.
2. Assess condition honestly: Look for rust in cab corners, floor pans, lower fenders, inner cowl, and bed supports; check panel gaps and paint quality.
3. Document the drivetrain: Note whether the engine is original (216/235) or upgraded (small-block/LS), and list transmission, rear-end ratio, and brake setup.
4. Compile paperwork: Gather titles, receipts, build sheets, and restoration photos.
5. Benchmark comps: Compare to recent sales of similar trucks (same cab/type, build level, and condition) from reputable auction archives and dealer listings.
6. Adjust for premiums/discounts: Add for five-window cabs, premium chassis/brake/steering upgrades, and proven show-quality paint; subtract for rust, incomplete trucks, or unknown build quality.
7. Get a second opinion: For high-dollar trucks, consider a professional appraisal and pre-sale inspection.

Following these steps helps translate broad market ranges into a realistic number for your specific truck and supports negotiations with buyers or insurers.

Notes on Market Trends

Advance-Design Chevy pickups surged during the pandemic-era collector boom, then generally leveled off through 2023–2024. As of late 2024, well-done restomods remained resilient, while average drivers and workmanlike restorations saw flatter pricing. Quality and documentation increasingly separate strong sellers from lingerers.

Bottom Line

For most owners, a solid, drivable 1948 Chevrolet 3100 will be worth roughly $12,000–$35,000; better restorations push into the $40,000–$65,000 bracket; and serious, documented custom builds can bring $45,000–$95,000 or more. Long-bed and heavier-duty variants typically trade for less, while five-window cabs and top-tier workmanship lift values.

Summary

A 1948 Chevy truck’s value hinges on model, cab style, condition, originality, and build quality. Expect $12,000–$35,000 for typical drivers, $40,000–$65,000 for excellent stock restorations, and $45,000–$95,000+ for high-quality restomods. Five-window cabs add value; long-bed 3600/3800s generally sell for less. Documentation and craftsmanship are the biggest swing factors.

How much is a 1948 Chevrolet?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,250 for a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline in good condition with average spec.

What is a 1949 Chevy truck worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $25,150 for a 1949 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.

How much is a 1948 Chevy truck worth today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $25,150 for a 1948 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1948 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $121,000.

How much is a 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster worth today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $26,000 for a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster in good condition with average spec.