1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100 Pickup
As part of American vernacular, native American references are commonly used to designate strength, ruggedness, and exclusivity and in some cases, include artful representation. In American automotive manufacturing, this is especially true and tribes representing include the Cheyenne, (Chevrolet), Cherokee (Jeep), Dakota (Dodge), and Apache (Chevrolet).
For consignment, a 1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100 pickup truck, owned by our consignor for 12 years and restored by the owner before that. It's got a great color and a reliable small block under the hood.
Exterior
Two stage Charcoal Gray Metallic coats the truck and while there was a gray available in 1959, it could not have looked this good with the metal flake and clear coat enhancement. Some of the black paint on the nose trim piece and the word Chevrolet in the grille is peeling and could use a refresh but the chrome filled fascia is in great shape with a mirror like finish on the metal. There's no paint on the side nameplate spear and no trim or color on the bed spear and this deviation from stock configuration is a nice touch. This truck has a visor and a drip rail that encircles the cab. The understated rear has two round tail lights, a straight chrome bumper, a monochrome tailgate and chain latches. Oak boards are stained with medium darkness beautifully contrasting with the gray and aluminum rails run straight and true between them. Flaws are limited to some rust on the underside of the rocker panel, and some bubbling in the paint down low.
Interior
Sculpted metal inners make up the door panels, painted in body color gray and housing the basic controls and none of them are power operated. A two tone vinyl bench seat includes stitch patterned charcoal inserts and thick cushioning with a center console added as an armrest and cupholder, all in great condition. A Grant 4 spoke steering wheel fronts a dashboard with the diamond shaped speedometer in metal trim augmented by an aftermarket tachometer mounted on top of the dash. A Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio is in the center and has an AUX port, while water, oil, and volts are relayed via a triple gauge pod added under the dash. No glove box on the passenger side, just a painted panel with some holes where perhaps an emblem would be. On the floor is a B&M shifter mounted on a base that raises it to within reach, all set in low pile black carpet that appears clean. The walls and ceiling of the cab are also color matched and glossy.
Drivetrain
Clean enough to show off, under the hood is a 350ci V8 topped by a Edelbrock intake painted orange as the block, and an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. Sending the truck through the gears is a TH350 3-speed automatic which sends power to the 10 bolt rear. Power brakes are onboard, and they're discs in front and drums in the back.
Undercarriage
In general the underside is clean. There's surface rust as expected and a few drops of oil on the oil pan and one on the oil filter. The dual exhaust travels from heat wrapped headers to an H-pipe, to Flowmaster mufflers, then exits with downward facing pipes under the wood bed. The front subframe is from a 1978 Camaro and the rear has leaf springs. There is some invasive rust on thinner metal components of the underside and on the bottom of the driver's door. The passenger door appears to have been rectified.
Drive-Ability
We would honk to announce our departure from the garage but the horn is not working. The engine does, however, and rumbles onto our test loop like a rented horse back to a stable. Plenty of power and surefooted handling on the staggered size tires, slowed by the power brakes. Other than the horn, every functional item is up to par. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
The indigenous Apache were a fierce tribe in the western part of the country and this truck pays homage to their name with a tough appearance and capability. Remember, these were pure work trucks back in the day, not shiny show trucks reserved for sunny days. This is a beauty in gray and has some unique design cues and interior components. Classic trucks are not slowing down in desirability and collectability, so think about picking up this pickup soon!
3A59S148542
3A-3100 Series
59-1959
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
148542-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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