Classic Under $10k: 1959 Chevrolet Apache

This thing is going to go fast. Not drive fast. Sell fast.

Pre-1970s American trucks are collector's items. This was way before the Japanese got into the pickup business as Toyota did in the 1980s and took a chunk out of Detroit's sales. In the late 40s and 50s no one else in the world were making trucks like this. They were unique. They were also "built tough" as they saying goes, and could be used for a long time, provided they did not rust away (alas, as most did).

The Apache was part of Chevrolet's Task Force lineup that debuted in 1955, replacing the legendary Advance Design series that dominated the post-war truck market. The Task Force trucks featured wrap around windshields, power steering and brakes, an upgraded electrical system and refreshed styling. The actual name Apache was used from 1958 onward for all 1/3 ton trucks. They gained two more front headlights. Meanwhile factory air conditioning debuted. They could also be ordered with four-wheel drive instead of the default rear-wheel setup.

In 1960, the pickup lineup was totally revised again with entirely different and more boxy styling.

This is a final year 1959 Apache 3600. The owner says it has the 235 straight 6-cylinder engine with a column mounted three-speed shifter.

Cosmetically it's looking worn, but that's expected, even desired. I like the green and white paint. It'll look good year round in any locale.

As with any old car, rust is a top concern. The seller says they welded the front cab mounts and floor but the rear cabin needs floor welding. They also say they installed an electric windshield wiper motor and are including extra bumpers and a driver's side door.

Mechanically, they say it's running.

This is clearly a project car, but if you intend to use it as the beater it really beckons to be, it could be ready to haul your firewood and Christmas tree home this winter.

Available here on craigslist in Manchester, New Hampshire for $5,500.

Short Box Driver: 1958 Chevrolet Apache Pickup Truck

I think the Apache is my favorite of all classic American pickup trucks.

It has the look down to perfection: quad round headlamps, white front fascia and bumpers, flare-side bed. There is a feeling this gives that no other type of vehicle else can come close to replicating.

The seller states the body needs work, obviously. The paint is fair to poor, but I like the patina. The dull blue is low-key and nicely vintage feeling, and the wear is in all the right spots, enhancing the ruggedness. What I don't like is the rust, and fortunately the seller is honest and up front about it. He states there is rust on the cab corners, floors, fenders and eyebrows.

Just from looking at the pictures I can see a large hole at one corner:

Usually rust is a deal-breaker, but I'm not sure it matters too much on this, depending on what you do with it. The seller also states the 235 inline 6-cylinder is in running order, as are all major lights and gauges except the temperature. They say the glass is good except for one crack, and that a few new things like brake lines and shocks have been added. The seller says it could be driven home. So this could easily be used as an everyday work driver, which I like, and which you can't say about many of these.

The interior looks better, and possibly original, especially the dash, which is clean and simple. The seller says they added new seat covers and they don't look half bad.

These things are usually either field fixtures or pricey showcase pieces, so it's rare and somewhat comforting to find a beat-up runner that could continue to be a useful hauler for someone. I love old, un-restored runners because they can be enjoyed right away, then restored later, or just driven into the ground for maximum usage. Either scenario would be acceptable and in the proper spirit of this.

Find it here on ebay in Minnesota with no bids, $200.00 starting price, and a $4,100 buy it now.