Persistence Pays Off Gavin Haggers Stunning 1948 Chevy Pickup

Some trucks turn heads; others tell stories. Gavin Hagger’s 1948 Chevy pickup does both, embodying a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern craftsmanship. With its low-slung stance, bronze glow, and meticulous attention to detail, this truck is a rolling masterpiece that stops traffic and starts conversations wherever it goes. But this isn’t just another showpiece—it’s the result of persistence, passion, and an eye for perfection.

We caught up with Gavin outside the Blouberg Jerry’s, where he shared the incredible story of how this dream build came to life.
 
Photos by Kian Eriksen

The Hunt for the Perfect ’48
“I just love the shape of the ’48 trucks,” Gavin starts with a smile. “It’s beautiful, and it’s been something I’ve always wanted. It’s a dream car.” That dream, however, didn’t come easy.

Through a friend, Gavin learned about a running ’48 Chevy pickup in Bloemfontein. While the truck was in decent condition, it wasn’t for sale. Not one to give up, Gavin struck a deal—sort of. “I told the owner I’d keep asking until he sold it to me. Every month, like clockwork, I’d call him. After almost a year of persistence, I think he realized I wasn’t going away, and he finally gave in.”

The moment the deal was done, Gavin jumped on a plane to Bloemfontein and brought the Chevy back to Cape Town. That’s when the real fun began.

The Build Begins
Once the Chevy arrived, it went straight to Simon at Old Mill Rod and Custom. Gavin had a clear vision: to transform the pickup into a low-slung masterpiece while maintaining its vintage charm.

First, Gavin sourced a donor car: a 1986 Jaguar with a 350 Chevy combo. “We literally parked the Jag next to the Chevy in the shop and got to work,” he says. The Jaguar’s motor, gearbox, and suspension were pulled and stripped down for a complete rebuild. But, as with any custom project, challenges arose.

“When the suspension came back, Simon wasn’t happy with the work, so he rebuilt it himself. Then, we found cracks in the Chevy’s frame rails, which had to be repaired before anything else could move forward.”

Stance is Everything
For Gavin, the stance was non-negotiable. “I didn’t want to run air suspension but wanted it as low as humanly possible.” Simon pulled the chassis in to get the perfect stance, and Gavin’s set of chrome Steelies, wrapped in 225/60/15 tires, completed the look.

Interior: Old-School Luxury
The interior was another area where Gavin’s attention to detail shone through. “I wanted a nice, big leather bench, so I had to buy three cows,” he jokes. The bench, crafted by Nathan’s Upholstery, features classic diamond stitching that ties the vintage aesthetic together beautifully.

Other must-haves included retaining the column shifter and the original steering wheel. To modernize the column shift, Simon swapped the lever system for a smoother cable setup. Meanwhile, the steering wheel was painstakingly restored to its former glory by Simon and Burt.

Modern Touches in a Classic Frame
The team relocated the fuel tank from behind the seat to the back of the truck. Old Mill fabricated a custom filler cap and pipe, leading to a bespoke aluminum fuel tank. The result? A cleaner cabin and safer design.

Under the hood, the rebuilt 350 Chevy motor and transmission breathe new life into the truck. And while the bronze paint was already on the pickup when Gavin bought it, a full blow-over by Ian in Strand made it shine like new.

The Finishing Touches
When it came to the exhaust, Gavin turned to Noise Boys. “There was no space left under the truck, but somehow they made it work. The sound is incredible.”

With everything complete, Gavin reflects on the journey. “I’m so happy with how this pickup turned out. Sure, I’ve spent a lot on it—probably more than I’d like to admit—but every cent was worth it. When I look at it, I know I’ve built something truly special.”

A Dream Realized
Gavin’s ’48 Chevy pickup is more than a truck; it’s a testament to persistence, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of a dream. Whether parked outside Jerry’s or cruising the streets of Cape Town, this bronze beauty turns heads and starts conversations.

For Gavin, it’s not just about owning a classic; it’s about the journey of bringing it to life. And in true hot rodder spirit, he’s already dreaming about the next project. “But that’s a story for another time,” he says with a grin.
 
Selling Price: 
0.00
Sold: 
Yes