You don’t see many like this anymore! This 1959 Chevrolet Apache ¾-ton fuel truck was reportedly used at a Kansas airport, where it served its time fueling aircraft beneath their wings. It’s now offered in running and driving condition, complete with its functional PTO-driven fuel pump. If you’re into aviation, vintage gas stations, or unique parade vehicles, this is a piece of history worth considering. See it here on eBay.
This particular Apache was factory-built as a flat face cowl truck—likely intended from the beginning for specialty equipment installations like fuel tanks or delivery bodies. Finished in a proper utilitarian white, it shows some light dings and minor wear but is described as rust-free and structurally solid. For a truck that’s been in service since the late 1950s, that’s a win.
Under the hood is a 235 cubic inch inline-six that runs smoothly with no smoke or strange noises, according to the seller. The 4-speed transmission is noted to be a little noisy but fully functional, and the PTO drive system engages and spins the pump as intended. The steering is reported to be a little tight, but the biggest mechanical note is that it will need a master cylinder to get the brakes functioning. For now, it rolls and drives, but stopping will require a bit of maintenance.
What’s most charming about this Apache is how specific its life story seems to be. Purpose-built for airfield duty and now finding new life as a collectible or showpiece, it feels like the perfect fit for someone curating a period-correct filling station display, museum, or even a vintage airplane hangar. It has reportedly served in recent parades and is said to trailer easily if you’re not local.
Offered with a bill of sale (but a Kansas title can be arranged for $100), the seller is accommodating with storage and even offers help with shipping arrangements. It’s a rare chance to grab a functional piece of Americana. Would you keep this Apache as-is for display, or convert it into the world’s coolest vintage tow rig?
For a vintage truck enthusiast, airport refueling trucks were one step down from fire trucks, condition wise. Seems Dodge was a popular choice, but all makes were used. Best deal there, probably. Obviously, tis’ more machine than vehicle, and have very low mileage, but high idling hours. The drivers seat, on which I’ve driven some dump trucks with not much more, shows it’s to be used and put back in the hanger, if lucky, as many of these spent their lives outdoors. The “tight steering” is probably the steering box, or seized king pins, and aside from some static display for petroliana collectors, it has little actual use today.
Great moonshine hauler!!!
Yeah, or a portable kegarator. Just think of all the beer you
could serve with this thing! Or, you could remove the fueling apparatus and mount a delivery body of some sort on the frame and put it to work. The uses for this truck are endless.
I’ve seen these used as laundry trucks as a kid. Boy, what a door dash vehicle it would make! Then, you could take any kind of delivery you want. Had to turn down a delivery of a water heater because it wouldn’t fit in our car. Sure wish I had this truck that day.
I think Chevy had a name for this particular shade of white – orange
Fix the kingpin situation, cutout the top of the tank and fill with water and take the wet passengers for a parade run. It’s getting to be a thing in the summer to have squirt gun/super soaker wars at the end of a parade. I’m betting the pto driven pump could dispense a good stream of water!
I’m going to quit making fun of these weird vehicles. Buyer, use it in good health!
Nothing there much except a good parts vehicle
Restore it. Put a spray nozzle on the hose. Fill it with water. Put water cans in the boot and use it for fire company mulch fires instead of running million $$ fire rigs to put out carelessly caused mulch fires which seem to be happening daily.
Portable smoker.
Here’s a thought about the delivery tank: Hopefully, there is a baffle or baffles in there. For some low quantity tanks (1000 gal.), they didn’t put baffles in. You topped it off to the neck, and drove s-l-o-w-l-y. My first drive with a non-baffle tank loaded with 1000 gals. loaded, went right through the first stop light at around 0500 one morning. This tank looks like about 250 gals., but it could explain the loss of braking.
Sooooo many possibilities ran through my head!
“This listing was ended by the seller on Fri, Jul 4 at 8:01 AM because the item is no longer available.”
those guys still drive these sorts in all kindza weather. Gotta hand it to them. All the tRump-onieans tryin to union bust ‘em… shame.
Have tried to get the ol CJ8 (scramblers) from the local field. Still in use,
same (1 w/a huge counterweight for towing bigger jets) all open, modded.
In winter the guys gotta dress like a sno mnt wrker. Not sellin tho, got the
258 motors, good for million mi B4 1st rebuild, tq way down low (peak is
near 1500rpm I assume).