We’ve recently seen a few nice classic pickups cross our desks here at Barn Finds, and this 1959 Chevrolet Apache Short Box looks like a gem. Treated to a frame-off custom build around a decade ago, it presents nicely and features a drivetrain that should provide a rewarding and reliable driving experience. For anyone seeking a turnkey pickup from this era, it is worth a closer look. Located in Boise, Idaho, the Apache is listed for sale here on eBay. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $16,000, although this remains short of the reserve.

This Apache won’t tick the boxes for potential buyers seeking an unmolested classic pickup. Its previous owner tackled the project as a custom build, completing the work approximately ten years ago. They followed a frame-off approach, making it no surprise that the floors and frame are spotlessly clean and rock solid. The panels share that trait, with no evidence of rust or other issues. Once satisfied that the panels were flawless, the restorer applied a color combination of Root Beer Brown and Tuxedo Black. The paint still presents acceptably, although a decade of use has allowed it to accumulate a few flaws and defects. The worst of these is around the fuel filler, and it stands as a lesson in how not to do things. Apparently, the previous owner was pouring an additive into the tank when they spilled some on the paint. They failed to rinse away the residue, and the paint has become badly stained in that area. It is beyond responding to polish, so that section will require a repaint to present acceptably. That’s a shame because the rest of the exterior looks excellent. The only other flaw worthy of note is some deterioration of the bed timber. It isn’t rotten, but a refinish would lift it enormously. Otherwise, the trim and glass present well, while the wide steel wheels, chrome hubcaps and trim rings, and the wide whitewall tires add a classy touch to the exterior.

While whipping the exterior into shape, the previous owner refreshed the interior painted surfaces utilizing the same paint combination. They added matching custom upholstery, a tilt wheel, a CD player, a Sun tach, a GT wheel, and a gauge cluster under the dash. It still presents exceptionally well, with no wear or physical damage. It has no immediate needs, although there’s no doubt that the buyer will want to source something to cover the bare floors. Rubber mats are easy to find, but an interior of this caliber deserves a high-quality carpet set. If I were considering this option, I’d probably also add Dynamat to reduce road noise. With carpet sets readily available for under $280, achieving a stunning presentation will hardly break the bank.

If someone chose to write a book outlining the process for enthusiasts wishing to build a reliable and potent classic custom pickup, this Apache could serve as a template. Lifting its hood reveals a Chevy 350ci small-block, backed by a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. The front end is from a Mustang II, featuring rack and pinion steering and disc brakes. The engine wears aftermarket headers and dual exhaust, while the seller recently added a new Edelbrock carburetor and treated the Apache to a tune-up. It isn’t clear how much power that small-block produces, but it would be safe to assume that not only will there be more than enough power for most buyers, but that it should be reliable. The bulletproof nature of the drivetrain combination should mean the buyer will spend considerably more time behind the wheel, rather than tackling tweaking and tuning in their garage or workshop. The seller indicates that the Apache runs and drives well, meaning that the open road is beckoning for this classic and its next lucky owner.

If you ever harbored doubts about the popularity of classic pickups, you only need to examine the bidding history on this 1959 Apache Short Box to gain a clear insight. It has already attracted an incredible fifty-seven bids, and there’s plenty of time left on this auction. When you consider what it offers, it’s easy to understand the interest it has generated. I would be willing to bet that a few of our readers feel the same way. Will that be enough for one of you to consider joining the bidding party to park this classic in your garage?