Vintage Truck Project: 1955 Chevrolet Apache
General Motors’ trucks were redesigned in 1955, moving from the Advance Design platform to that of the Task Force. While GMC offered the same trucks, in the Chevy arena the light-duty trucks models were called the Apache, medium-duty units were dubbed the Viking, and the Spartan was the name of the heavy-duty trucks. This ’55 Apache looks to have been sitting in a barn for several years and we’re told that it will run with gas poured into the carburetor. Located near Knoxville, Tennessee, this former workhouse is available here on craigslist for $7,500 OBO.
Task Force trucks were only built from 1955 to 1959 before the next successor stepped up to the plate. New for ’55 was the 12-volt electrical system, the first V8 engine in a pickup in 38 years, a wrap-around windshield to mirror GM’s automobiles, and you could get power steering and power brakes for the first time. The seller’s 1955 Apache 3100 is a truck seldom seen these days and it may not be complete – the limited photos seem to indicate there is no truck bed.
We’re told it has a 250 cubic inch inline-6, but the correct motor for that period was the 235 CI. So, the engine has either been changed at some time or the seller is mistaken. Either way, the truck comes with “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission shifting. We only get to see the front and passenger side so it’s hard to gauge its overall condition. The logical assumption is that you will strip it down and start from scratch in a restoration. The seller’s willing to entertain a trade (but for what?).
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Comments
It’s a 55 Chevy with straight axle, would that not make it a Bel-Air Gasser??
A straight axle is straight. A solid axle has curves. Just because it has a solid axle doesn’t make it a “gasser”… (another mis/over-used term that shows lack of knowledge. geeze…) Anyhow, this P.O.S. is waaay over priced. The purchase price could easily be doubled after just stripping all the crud off this thing and doing body repair, not counting everything else it needs.
The “Apache” name and trim was not introduced until 1958,
then only on the 1958 and 1959 Task Force trucks.
Depending on rust, it could be priced a little high since there’s no bed. Needs a windshield. I hope it’s the 235. Can’t buy it now anyway so it’s a moot point.
Its listed as a 250 6cyl with the 3 on the tree
I have a feeling that $3500 might be a tad more realistic…
This isn’t an Apache
The Apache had four headlight set up so IDK what this truck is
Four headlights started in 1958.
I believe it is an Apache for 1955 and a two lamp set up started in 1958
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=1955+chevrolet+apache+pickup&qpvt=1955+chevrolet+apache+pickup&FORM=IGRE
Depending on rust, it could be priced a little high since there’s no bed. Needs a windshield. I hope it’s the 235. Can’t buy it now anyway so it’s a moot point.
apache 58-61always 4 headlight setup
Even tho GMC’s looked a lot alike, they were different in this period. GMC used a V6 and Pontiac for their V8.
So many people mistakenly call ‘55-‘57 GM trucks “Apache’s”. They are Task-Force series. The Apache term was not used until 1958.
$7500 bucks for that? There is one with the same cab style long box step side sitting in a someone’s front yard in the next town over from me looks like they are currently using it to fill in a gap in their fence the part of it you can see from the road it appears to be straight and have all its glass the white paint is growing moss. But if they can get $7500 for half a truck makes me wonder what a complete one in better condition and more complete would sell for. I’m thinking semi quick flip…
It needs a bed, a windshield, front fenders, a paint job, and who knows what else. These truck from 55 to 59 are in demand and bring a good price, but this one needs too much to be worth that price. From what I can see I wouldn’t value it at much over scrap price. I sold my 57 Chevy truck last year that I Restored so I know how expensive it would be to even get this one to decent driving shape.
I bought one of these in 1965 for $200. It had a step side body with a steel diamond bead design. I painted it with a brush green and the grill was a cream color. It smoked so bad I took the thermostat out and that fixed that. I sold it in 1967 for $600. I did have a lot of fun with it fishing and hunting.
As stated, the Apache designation was not used until 1958 and the six cyl. engine would have been a 235 cu. not 250.
Kallie