Pickup trucks have been very hot for more than a few years now in the collector/hobby car circles. Those from the ‘40s, 50s and ‘60s are especially popular with their simple yet classic styling, wood-planked beds, no-frills interiors and vibrant colors. Some of the allure may have to do with these being work vehicles that were typically driven into the ground, not a lot of them have survived. As such, seeing one at your local Cars and Coffee…
Pickup trucks have been very hot for more than a few years now in the collector/hobby car circles. Those from the ‘40s, 50s and ‘60s are especially popular with their simple yet classic styling, wood-planked beds, no-frills interiors and vibrant colors. Some of the allure may have to do with these being work vehicles that were typically driven into the ground, not a lot of them have survived. As such, seeing one at your local Cars and Coffee is a considerably rarer treat than seeing say a ’69 Camaro or ’66 Mustang.
Purchased from a private estate, this 1959 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside half-ton pickup is a special truck indeed. The recipient of a high-end nut-and-bolt restoration (with less than 2,000 miles added since), this California truck still boasts nearly all its original body panels, including the front fenders, doors and bed sides as well as its floors and undercarriage. The truck has plenty of eye candy with its arrow-straight and pristine body panels, gorgeous Galway Green factory color and the “Custom” trim with its chrome bumpers and chrome-enhanced side spears. The rebuilt suspension features original-style spiral shocks.
This Apache features a custom mirror mounted above the side window. The wood planks in the bed add to the old-school charm, while the 16-inch color-matched wheels with their chrome caps/trim rings are fitted with modern Michelin 235/85R16 radials to further the curbside appeal. The Apache’s underside is so clean you could eat lasagna off the floor pans. It is obvious that this classic Apache has led a pampered life since its incredible restoration.
Inside the cab the Apache is just as impressive. Everywhere you look, the attention to detail is stunning. The steering wheel has been restored, as has the whole dash with its crystal-clear instrument panel, as-new controls and tastefully added N.O.S. 1950 Chevrolet dash clock that is blended into the dash top. The bench seat has been restored with soft, charcoal-colored upholstery and the painted surfaces are as beautifully finished as the rest of the truck. As no radio was ordered when this truck was new, it still has the bow-tie embossed block-off plate and plugs.
Under the big hood there’s plenty of power in the form of a rebuilt 350 V8 originally rated at 350 horsepower. That potent V8 is finished in satin black and features a Carter 4-barrel carburetor as well as a massive, late 1950s-style air cleaner to preserve the period-correct look. A 4-speed manual gearbox featuring a super-low first-gear (aka “Granny gear”) sends the power to the 4.11-geared rear end. The Apache runs smooth and strong, with performance the original powerteam could only dream of.
To say this beautifully restored 1959 Chevy Apache is in like-new condition is not entirely accurate; we’re pretty sure the truck wasn’t quite this nice when it rolled out of the factory.
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)