1936 Chevrolet Pick up VIN Verification

INTRODUCTION

The 1936 Chevrolet Pickup—part of Chevrolet’s FB half-ton truck series—stands as a classic emblem of pre-war American design. Notable for its bold Art Deco styling, solid build, and dependable performance, it served as both a hardworking farm vehicle and the canvas for today’s beloved collector restomods.

HISTORY & ORIGINS

Introduced as part of the Master Series, the FB chassis was used across Chevrolet’s 1936 trucks, including models like the Canopy Express—which featured a steel cab, side-mount spare, hydraulic brakes, and a refined automotive-style dashboard. That year marked Chevrolet’s best-ever annual truck registrations, surpassing 200,000.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

These pickups were powered by Chevrolet’s renowned “Stovebolt” inline-six: around 206.8 cu in, producing 72–79 hp and up to 155 lb-ft torque. The driveline included a 3-speed manual transmission (some panel variants offered a 4-speed), and the truck rode on leaf springs and rigid axles with hydraulic drum brakes

DESIGN & FEATURES

• Exterior: One-piece stamped cab (low-roof or high-roof), hood louvers, horizontal Bowtie emblem, and optional canvas canopy tops, especially on Canopy Express models

• Interior: Simplified yet functional—wooden bed, basic bench seat, and dashboard gauges arranged for speed, fuel/temp, and ammeter/oil pressure

TRIM LEVELS & VARIANTS

The FB platform included multiple variations:

• Half-ton Pickup (standard)

• Panel Delivery

• Canopy Express (with side-drop curtains and cargo versatility)
  Variants came in high- or low-roof cabs, wheelbases from 112–157 inches, and payloads up to 1.5 tons

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

Technologically ahead of many rivals, the 1936 Chevy introduced:

• Hydraulic brakes (a first for Chevy trucks)

• All-steel cab

• Dashboard styling more aligned with Chevy cars

FUEL ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY

While not a priority in 1936, the truck had moderate efficiency:

• Estimated 10–15 mpg, aided by lightweight construction and simple powertrain

MARKET COMPARISON

Against competitors like Ford, Chevy offered more modern features such as hydraulic brakes and a more refined interior. The Stovebolt engine provided smoother delivery and better torque than many flathead rivals of the era

PRICING

• Original MSRP: Around $515 for the Canopy Express variants, similar or slightly less for standard pickups

• Collector Market: Restored and custom models trade between $20,000–$65,000, occasionally higher for ultracustom versions

NOTABLE AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• The 1936 Chevy Pickup helped define Chevrolet’s truck identity in the pre-war era.

• Its hydraulic brake system, durable construction, and classic lines have made it a favorite for restoration and hot-rodding.

• As one barn-find owner reflected, despite wartime and daily use, these trucks could endure decades with resilience and care

“The stove-bolt engine… simple, rugged, and torque-rich—built for the real American work.” (Common enthusiast sentiment)