1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100

Description

Some pickups are just too nice to use for work, and this restored 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Apache is one of them. It only takes a glance to know this truck is no beater, with its gorgeous restoration, wicked stance, and attention-grabbing curb appeal. The quality of workmanship is ample proof that this project was done with a discerning eye and an open checkbook. With a powerful 454 V8 under the hood, a beefed-up, air-bagged suspension underneath, and a luxurious A/C interior inside, this dialed-in Apache is ready for the big time.

Choosing the correct exterior color is one of the most important decisions in any project. The high-impact Dark Blue Metallic finish seen here perfectly complements the body style of the late '50s step-side Chevy short bed. Truly, it would be hard to imagine a color that accentuates these bold, classic contours any better. The vivid color pops with the complementing bling from the bright chrome bumpers, front grille, headlight surrounds, hood ornament, and remaining brightwork. While it isn't museum-quality, this is a higher-end, driver-grade paint job that would acquit itself well at local shows and cruise-ins, and the curb appeal alone is worth its weight in gold. With a lowered stance atop those oversized wheels, color-matched side mirrors, and a color-matched hard tonneau cover on the bed, this Apache is a vastly more upscale look than the basic work truck version the '59 Chevy and the 454 badging on the front fenders matches the look perfectly. Beautiful wood bed slats held together with chrome rub strips make up the bed floor, and the interior walls have been finished to the same level as the exterior truck. Add in the smoothed tailgate and hard tonneau cover, and it likely spells the end of this Apache's hauling days, although if you should be so brave, it's certainly still capable. The doors, tailgate, and hood all close fairly easily, from bumper-to-bumper the gaps in the bodywork are uniform and consistent, and the look of the bed rail cap reflectors, rocket-style blue-dot tail lights, and embossed 'Bowtie' inside the tailgate all add to the appeal. This might be a half-ton pickup, but it easily carries two tons of eye appeal.

One of the cool things about this restoration is that there is no weak link in the entire project. The interior looks as dialed-in as the outside, with a lovely combination of new and old that, works together seamlessly to form a superbly comfortable cab. A wide bench seat wrapped in a gorgeous two-tone vinyl pattern shows barely any signs of use and will wear like iron with just a modicum of care. The metal parts of the door panels and cab are painted blue to match the body aptly, and the silver accents surrounding the billet door hardware match the inserts in the bench. For convenience, a tilt column has been added. It carries a shiny, polished steering wheel that perpetuates that '50s look. Beyond it, a chrome instrument bezel was filled with flashy Intellitronix digital/analog gauges that keep an eye on the upgraded motor under the hood. Other options include a cup holder console that was stitched to match the seats, an Airlift Performance module that regulates the airbags (and consequently, the truck's ride height/stance), an upgraded AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit in the center of the dash that powers upgraded speakers inside the kick panels, and coup de gras; an aftermarket R134a A/C system that was neatly installed with vents under the dash. You'll find the perfect balance of beauty and comfort within the spacious cab of this Apache pickup, equipped and ready for all-day comfort for you and a passenger.

Chevy's big-block V8 is a natural choice in the sporty Apache, with this one carrying a powerful 454 cubic inch V8 motor that makes for a very entertaining drive. Dressed in finned valve covers and a matching air cleaner, the hefty block is nestled neatly inside the beautifully finished engine bay, including a smoothed firewall and matching inner fenders. Topped with a big Holley 4-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock Performer aluminum intake, and an HEI ignition that all improve performance, it's a responsive motor with more than enough power to move this vintage metal with ease. Long-tube headers at the flanks dump into a rumbling Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds downright sexy, and a giant radiator keeps the whole show nice and cool. Power flows through a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and a 12-bolt rear end, and with power steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors, this Apache drives like a dream. The full Airlift Performance air-bag system plays a large part in this truck's impressive road manners and also helps set that killer stance atop 20-inch chrome Foose wheels wrapped in 245/40/20 Toyos with plenty of grip.

Vintage Chevrolet pickup trucks from the 1950s have long been favorites among casual enthusiasts and diehard collectors. Here's one with power, prowess, and poise. All this '59 Apache needs is a new owner. Call today!