1958 Chevrolet 3100

Description

Chevrolet trucks like this 1958 Apache were probably the first pickups to actually designed to take into account that maybe folks wanted their trucks to look good as well as haul stuff. Showing off its bright red paint and comfortable interior, this Apache never fails to elicit a smile from everyone who sees it.

Trucks were still practically tools in '58, but that doesn't mean people weren't using them for other things, and those were the folks Chevrolet was trying to attract. As a result, this handsome Apache has plenty in common with the other vehicles in the lineup and today stands tall as an icon of 1950s styling. The restoration was done back in the '90s, and while it's only just now starting to show a gray hair here and there, it still has an undeniable appeal. Even up close, the bodywork stands up to scrutiny, suggesting that the work was very well done and it's been well maintained ever since. There's lots of detail, too, from the ridges on the hood to the forward-canted stepside fenders that give an impression of motion. The chrome and other trim was all restored at the same time and still sparkles brilliantly, particularly the wide front bumper and simple horizontal grille. Personally, I'm a fan of the utilitarian look of the side-mounted spare tire and stake sides that are slotted into the bed. And speaking of the bed, it's finished with handsome dark-stained wood and stainless steel rub strips.

The gray cloth interior isn't totally stock, but the cloth fabric on the split bench seat is far more comfortable than the original sticky vinyl. Carpets on the floor help control noise and heat, making it feel far more luxurious inside than you'd expect, and matching door panels give the interior a neat two-tone look that works quite well. A bright red steering wheel highlights the driver's side of the cab, along with a full array of factory instruments in a neat V-shaped pod. Most of the components are stock Chevrolet pieces, but there is a Sony AM/FM stereo radio for entertainment, and it feeds a set of cleverly hidden X-Plode speakers. The only other options are a heater and defroster, which are still quite effective after all these years.

Chevy's small-block V8 was a natural choice in the sporty Apache, with this one carrying a 283 cubic inch powerplant that makes for an entertaining drive. Drenched in Chevy Orange paint and carrying a heavy-duty oil bath air cleaner on the 2-barrel carb, it certainly looks right under the hood. It's easy to forgive a few deviations from stock, particularly a modern alternator that keeps the electrical system in top form. Power heads aft through a 4-speed manual transmission and the original rear end, and a dual exhaust system with twin tailpipes under the rear bumper has just the right V8 rumble. There's more evidence underneath that the restoration was thorough, correct, and skillfully done, and despite being driven over the past two decades, it still looks quite clean. The whitewall tires are a popular choice on '50s pickups, although blackwalls would be more suitable, especially with those flashy red wheels and chrome hubcaps.

A neat old truck with a ton of character, this Apache shows you that form doesn't necessarily have to follow function and tools can still be beautiful. Call today!