Stored 30 Years: 1959 Chevrolet Apache 32
The Apache was Chevy’s light-duty pickup truck as part of the Task Force series between 1955-59. They were the successor to the Advance Design collection which went into production after World War II. This edition from 1959 is an Apache 32, which means that it’s a ½ ton truck with a long bed (8 feet) and a “step-side” set-up. The original owner kept the truck in storage for 30 years and more recently it has been put back into running condition. Located in Junction City, Oregon, it’s available here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $20,000 OBO.
Apaches had a wrap-around windshield, which was a truck industry first. A wrap-around rear window was optional on the Deluxe cab, which appears to include the seller’s pickup. The trucks now had a 12-volt electrical system. The most visual difference between the 1955-57 models and the ones for 1958-59 was that the latter trucks wore quad headlights, something new to the U.S. auto/truck market. Chevy pickups had both six and eight-cylinder power available to them, but we’re not told what’s under the hood of the seller’s truck.
As the story goes, the original owner of this truck stored it inside for the past 30 years and it was not in running condition for the last 10. But after adding a new battery and redoing the brakes, the pickup is said to “purr like a kitten” now. The two-tone blue and white paint appears to be wanting for nothing, according to the seller, which equates to turn-key to me. It’s possible the Apache could be wearing its original finish that the seller says has some minimal rust, but we don’t see it unless it maybe has to do with the bed. The rear bumper looks huge and is one that you could stand on and lean over the tailgate.
BTW, the other numerical designations for the Task Force Apaches were 31 for a short-bed ½ ton, 36 for a ¾ ton and 38 for a 1-ton. Task Force trucks were made in smaller numbers compared to the previous generation of Advance Design trucks, so fewer are likely available today. That may have some bearing on resale value as Hagerty says premium examples can be worth as much as $50,000. More realistically, though, is one in Good condition for under $20,000. That seems more in line with the seller’s expectations.
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Comments
Has duel exhaust, their coming out before the rear tires. Maybe an v8.
I bought a 1955 Chevy truck with the wrap around rear window at an estate auction in 1985 for $400. It was noted as a 3/4 ton, but I actually think it was was a 1 ton truck. A monster in every way, it always amazed the guys at the lumber yard when 8 foot boards left a foot of empty space in the bed. I kept it around to haul landscaping materials when doing a big yard at a new house. It could sit in the back of the lot for weeks, and then start right up after a couple of pumps of the accelerator. I was always concerned about having a flat tire because it still had the two piece rims on it, and I didn’t know if tire stores would still even deal with them.
Also the ‘V’ hood emblem would indicate a V8 but that doesn’t necessarily verify what’s indeed under the hood… My experience is that many sellers don’t show us a pic of the mill if it has an I-6, IMO very strange. Regardless of what kind of mill any vehicle I consider is equipped with, I’d of course want a glance at the engine bay to at least get an idea of its overall condition.
IMHO the ’59 is the last year that looks good as stepsides, all following years I find the square cabs combined with a bulgy stepside bed look weird. Personally I’d much rather see it with the fleetside bed with its beautiful rocket-shaped spears. It’s a nice truck indeed and I’d probably just drive it as-is, still I think it’s optimistically priced considering its battle scars
I recall HMMWV (also Humvee) had two piece rims. They seldom had issues. But I new what bolts to take off to get the wheel off (never touching the bolts that attached the rims together ((or catastrophe I suppose!))). Sometimes a whole new wheel would come on the tire on a crate. I was not a mechanic, but that’s what I noticed that they would just order a whole new tire already mounted on the wheel. Or they would just simply use a plug kit.
I am living in New Zealand an I would like to purchase this Chevy Apache.
I always have problems trying to contact the seller …so generally miss out on a sale.
Can someone please help me
Thank you.
Gerald Burgess
New Zealand
There’s an Aussie guy in California that imports cars from the states he would do an inspection and arrange import I will try to find his name and let you know soon
The 55 Dodge C series trucks also had a wrap around windshield ; I dont think the 55 Chevy was the industries first.
Two holes with black stain protruding from the rare bumper would appear to be V8 and three speed column shift but for twenty grand I would like to see some underneath and engine bay photos and a bit more detail in description please
This definitely could come to my place. I would drive it around and put it to work. Well, that rear bumper would have to go. You got enough to land a small airplane on it, as it is. Let’s have another look at the airplane ad from a couple days back. I’m going to bet on a V8 being under that hood. Probably a 283 which is just fine with me; you could cruise quite nicely at 65. Nice truck, just a little over my budget…
the chrome grill and bumper look fairly new, i suspect some works been done here which now leaves a question about motor being changed out. I owned a 58 and i loved it.