Vehicle Description
Trucks like this 1959 Chevrolet Apache SWB were probably the first
pickups to actually be designed to take into account that maybe
folks wanted their trucks to look good as well as haul stuff.
Showing off an industrial look with a few custom touches, this
Apache never fails to elicit a smile from everyone who sees it.
Trucks were still practically tools in '59, but that doesn't mean
people weren't using them for other things, and those were the
folks Chevrolet was trying to attract. As a result, this handsome
Apache has plenty in common with the other vehicles in the lineup
and today stands tall as an icon of 1950s styling. While the paint
was completed with a practical goal, it's tough and textured look
resulted in a pretty slick appearance. This one has been painted
using an industrial finish that makes it tough and has an almost
satin shine that looks very trick in today's day and age. Some of
the trim has been shaved and even up close, the bodywork is pretty
solid, sans a few imperfections, suggesting that the truck lived a
fairly simple life. The chrome is the expensive part on this truck,
so it's a good thing that part is done, with 1-piece chrome bumpers
fore and aft, a beautiful grille, and round taillights nestled into
the bed behind those long silver moldings. And speaking of the bed,
it's finished with handsome stained wood and stainless steel rub
strips that look just too pretty to ever work again.
The black vinyl interior isn't totally stock, but the pleated seat
cover aims for the late '50s pickup truck look. Carpets on the
floor help control noise and heat, making it feel far more
luxurious inside than you'd expect, and simple steel door panels
painted with the same matte-finish paint tie everything together
neatly. A big 3-spoke steering wheel highlights the driver's side
of the cab, along with a full array of factory instruments in a
neat V-shaped pod that echoes those in the passenger cars. Most of
the components are stock Chevrolet pieces, but there is a Pioneer
AM/FM/CD stereo radio for entertainment and a long Lokar shifter
for the upgraded TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. Simple and
to the point.
Chevy's small-block V8 was a natural choice in the sporty Apache,
with this one carrying a later 350 cubic inch powerplant that makes
for an entertaining drive. Drenched in Chevy Orange paint and
carrying a bright chrome air cleaner on the Rochester 4-barrel
carb, it certainly looks like a Chevy under the hood. It's easy to
forgive a few deviations from stock, particularly a modern
alternator that keeps the electrical system in top form and an HEI
ignition system that lights it up quickly and easily. Power heads
aft through the aforementioned TH350 automatic transmission and the
original rear end, and a dual exhaust system with glasspack-style
mufflers has just the right V8 rumble. Even more remarkably, you'll
find front disc brakes, a cool find on a vehicle still using leaf
springs and solid axles at both ends. 17-inch Torque Thrust wheels
show off those big discs and carry 255/45/17 BFGoodrich
radials.
A neat old truck with a ton of character, this Apache shows you
that form doesn't necessarily have to follow function, and tools
can still be beautiful. With a higher-end paint job, these rare
short bed '59 Apaches easily bring $40-$50k, if you're lucky enough
to find one. This one has had most of the heavy work completed, and
can be driven and enjoyed as-is, or taken to the next investment
level with a little more work. Call today!