For Sale: 1959 Chevrolet Apache in Lithia Springs, Georgia

Cool hybrids like this 1959 Chevrolet Apache 4x4 make for ideal hobby vehicles. With a late-model chassis underneath and old-school looks on top, it does everything you want an old truck to do but with a lot fewer hassles. The fact that it looks like a million bucks and runs like the factory built it this way are merely icing on the cake.

If you have a stepside Apache, you'll probably be shocked to learn that it's such a neat fit on an '80s K10 chassis, but here's the proof. At a glance, it looks like the factory built it, and that's purely intentional. They kept all the bodywork stock to give it that 1950s look, complete with the period-perfect paint job in battleship gray. The dramatically styled Apache pickups were some of the most handsome on the road back then and if you want attention, this truck will definitely deliver. The bodywork is nicely done, but not so perfect as to erase the fact that this is still a truck that's willing to work. Gaps are the way the factory would have done things and the paint has a shine that's better than anything available in 1959. The stepside bed gives it a muscular look and the especially with those oversized tires living in the fenders. Add in some brightly re-chromed bumpers, a factory grille, and a bed that's beautifully refinished with oak planks, and you get a truck that does everything extremely well.

The interior is still basic, but the upgrades are visible throughout. The two-tone bench seat has pleated inserts to make it more comfortable on long hauls they worked hard to integrate the original controls with the modern chassis living underneath. The fat wood-rimmed wheel is easy to spot, but on the other hand, the original gauges remain fully functional monitoring the later engine. The original AM radio is gone, replaced by a digital AM/FM unit, and the 8-ball shift knob is linked to a 4-speed manual gearbox with a 2-speed transfer case behind it. Gray rubber mats help with the vintage pickup vibe and certainly sticks with the low-maintenance vibe. But that's the look and it works really well.

The late-model chassis is from an '80s K10 pickup, and that included a great-running 350 cubic inch V8. Not dramatically modified, it sports a Holley 4-barrel carburetor on an aluminum intake manifold, but they were careful to keep it closer to its production roots rather than choosing a lot of modifications. Moroso valve covers and Chevy Orange paint brighten things up in a good way, and you'll note there's a big aluminum radiator up front to keep things nice and cool. The late-model swap also includes power steering and power front disc brakes, both welcome safety upgrades. Newer shocks along with dual steering stabilizers tame the ride quality to make this truck a pleasure to drive and the polished aluminum wheels and big 33x12.50-15 Mickey Thompson off-road radials look exactly right when on a lifted truck as beautiful as this one.

A cool old pickup with a bit of a modern flair makes for a very usable package. Drive it, show it, take it to work, there's nothing this truck doesn't do well. Apaches are hard to find these days, and rarely do we see them restored to such a high level, let alone on a 4x4 frame. Call today!