Vehicle Description
There are a lot of ways to build a cool ride without spending cubic
dollars, and this 1959 Chevy Apache pickup could be used as a
how-to guide for doing it right. Sure, it still packs its original
six-cylinder engine, but that's all part of the charm, and the
upgrades it does have are smart and stylish so it really needs no
apologies.
The bright blue paint on this truck is called Marine Blue, and you
have to admit that it looks fantastic in a subtle, very 1950s kind
of way. Code 708A is this truck's original color so it looks right,
especially with that white roof. The two-tone look doesn't
overpower the basic goodness of the design, which is arguably the
first "styled" truck, and one of the best-looking of the 1950s. Fit
and finish are exactly right for a vehicle designed "for economical
transportation" as the door tag suggests, and the recent work gives
it a great shine that will attract admirers everywhere it goes.
It's got some wood plants that appear to have been intentionally
aged to give it an old truck patina, so you don't have to think
twice about actually using it as a truck. There's some chrome on
the bumpers and grille of this working-class pickup, and it retains
original-style white painted grille surround that is a nod to
tradition.
No truck was this luxurious inside back in 1959, but the upgrades
are certainly welcome. The original bench now wears an updated seat
cover with cloth seating surfaces that are a lot more comfortable
than the original vinyl. That is the original steering wheel,
painted satin black and placed within easy reach of the 3-speed
column-mounted shifter. The instrument panel is stock with crisp
markings and a look that was clearly lifted from the passenger car
line. Turn signals, a radio, and even the heater were still
optional in 1959, although this one does have a later Kenwood
AM/FM/cassette head unit in the center of the dash and a heater
tucked under the dash. Nevertheless, nothing spoils the honest
goodness of this truck; sometimes basic is good.
In a world full of Chevy trucks with "me too" small block V8s, it's
refreshing to see an original 235 cubic inch inline-six still under
the hood of this Apache. Certainly willing and able to work hard,
it has a great trucky sound and smooth torque that only six
cylinders in a line can deliver. It's wearing the proper corporate
blue engine enamel, an oil bath air cleaner, and single-barrel
carburetor. The only notable upgrade is a bigger radiator up front,
but I think you'll agree that's a good idea. The stock 3-speed
manual transmission lives behind it and spins the original rear
end, so this truck will still haul a load without breaking a sweat,
and cruises happily at highway speeds. Who says you need a crate
motor to enjoy your old iron? Thanks to a frame-off restoration a
few years ago, there are also new shocks, super clean floors, a new
exhaust system, and stylish color-matched Rally wheels with
235/70/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials for the perfect look.
This is just a neat old truck with a lot of character that comes
from both its age and style. Call today!
