For one year only, 1959, the successor to the dressed-up Chevy Cameo pick up was the Apache Fleetside Double Deluxe. When you took a Fleetside and gave it both a deluxe-trimmed bed as well as a deluxe-trimmed cab you had yourself – you guessed it – a Double Deluxe (sounds like the name of a Chocolate Chip cookie). This mostly original ’59 Apache in DD trim can be found in Boxford, MA and here on eBay where the current bid is $29,999, but there is no reserve to contend with. You don’t see these around every day.

Until 1955, Chevrolet truck production was called the Advance Design Series. The trucks were upgraded and redesigned that year and took on the Task Force Series moniker through 1959. Important upgrades included a 12-volt electrical system, Chevy’s first optional V-8 engine in 40 years and smooth-sided beds call Fleetsides (starting in 1958). In addition, they now sported wrap-around windshields, a first in the pickup world. While Chevy built more than 353,000 trucks in 1959 (the year of the seller’s edition), we don’t know how many were the glamorous Double Deluxe. That order got you a deluxe Fleetside bed featuring full length stainless trim that ended with scallops. And the passenger compartment was also gussied up in the form of a chrome trim outline around the back window, side window glass, and the windshield, and came with chrome dash knobs, a chrome grill and chrome bumper. Sources: Wikipedia and MyRod.

As we can piece together from the listing, the seller has owned this 1959 Apache for many moons and when it wasn’t used on the farm, it’s been inside the garage. The two-tone white/orange paint is original, and no doubt looked mighty attractive back in the day, but patina is in charge now. We’re told it has some rust in the “normal corners” such as the rear of the cab. New cab corners will come with the truck if the buyer is inclined to replace them. We’re told the frame and undercarriage look good and the seller removed some of the trim pieces (was he planning a restoration?) and they will come along in a box.

There is new wood in the bed of the truck and the seller has replaced the front bed panel, saving the original if the buyer wants it. There also is the occasional dent or ding to be found walking around the truck, not unusual for a work horse that has seen at least 100,000 miles. The seller has made some repairs and upgrades that are noteworthy, not the least of which are a new heater, power disc brakes, new radiator and hoses, fuel pump, new wiper motor and a tune-up and oil change, The interior has been treated to a new original upholstery kit and other interior innards, although there is only one photo of that area provided.

Despite the mileage, the seller tells us that the original motor and transmission have never been out of the truck. This one came with the 235 cubic inch inline-six with a 3-speed on the column. We’re told it runs and shifts like new with zero leaks or smoke. To add further to the truck’s originality, the factory assembly line chalk marks are still present on the firewall and under the battery tray. The clutch is also original and is said to work fine.

The seller’s asking price seems high for an old truck, but if you search online, you’ll find Apache’s similar to this one going for north of $50,000. But, of course, they’re in better condition. The buyer will have a tough decision to make when he gets the truck home: either fix the rust and leave the rest alone or go for a full exterior restoration. But they’re only original once, so the prevailing argument might be to do nothing. Our thanks to Patrick S. for sending this tip our way!