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Jesse James’ 1959 Chevrolet Apache NAPCO

If you’re reading this post simply because its title grabbed your attention, please allow me to clarify.  This ’59 Chevrolet Apache was formerly owned by Jesse James of West Coast Choppers fame.  And if you’re saying to yourself “Wow, I had no idea a notorious outlaw and bank robber from the 1800s also built custom choppers” then please pause here for a quick history lesson before reading any further!  As it turns out, James sold the truck back in 2016 to the current owner who says it remains in the exact condition as when he bought it.  Located in Ogden, Utah the truck is for sale here on eBay where bidding has reached $12,100 with a few days left in the auction and the reserve price not met.

According to the seller, the custom mounted Miller Trailblazer 302 Air Pak welder has only 9 hours on it.  Also included is a Miller Suitcase X-Treme 8VS MIG wire feeder in great condition.  1959 was the final year GM customers could order a factory-installed NAPCO Power-Pak 4×4 conversion and this truck still wears its rare white 17″ wheels beautifully.  There is some surface rust present on the truck most of which appears on the tailgate and rear bumper.  Although it’s currently registered and used to drive around town, the truck is stored inside and is in great overall condition.  You can check out some better quality photos of the truck from when it was listed for sale by James back in 2016 here at Offroad Action.

Chevy offered an interior color called Comanche Gold Metallic in 1959 but I’m having a difficult time determining if that’s the color seen in the above photo.  It appears more bronze than Chevy’s original color.  The bench seat looks to be in very good condition, however, there is a tear and some sag in the fabric on the driver side.  Is the upholstery pattern original to what Chevy offered in ’59?  Do you think the truck’s interior has been reconditioned?

Under the hood is a small block Chevy 350 V-8 paired with a THM350 3-speed automatic.  As mentioned, the truck is currently roadworthy and reported by the seller to start right up and run without any known issues.  Does the non-original motor add to or detract from the truck’s value?  Prices for Apaches with NAPCO conversions are all over the map.  Considering the welding equipment alone retails for about $15k new, do you think this truck will reach $20,000 in the eBay auction?  Unfortunately for the seller, bidding seems to be stagnant at the moment.  Maybe if Jesse James hadn’t cheated on America’s sweetheart bidding on this beautiful Apache would be higher!

Comments

  1. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Nice truck and welding machine. The fact that it belonged to sleazeball james has no effect on the value of it. Why do I not like this clown? He married Sandra Bullock, then cheated on her . Moron. Sorry for the negativity.
    Wonder what the reserve is? I’m sure that’s welder cost at least 10 grand by itself. Might be a good buy, plus you get a nice truck with it. If the owner is trying to capitalize on Jame’s name, good luck,
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 25
    • Avatar JBP

      im also not crasy About him, and cant see that is a plus.. did anybody see when they blowed up that engine in that old White Caddy?
      when u doo such in tv Primetime, just for showing off, u must be a butthead..
      jimo

      Like 4
  2. Avatar Keith

    Jesse James is an awesome builder of many things, a straight up guy who pulls no punches. But I will say that he’s a little brash with his personality if there’s something he doesn’t like or agree with. Super talented with his many skill sets!

    Like 9
  3. Avatar CapNemo

    I really like the truck. I respect the skills that Jesse has. His lack of skills in treating women with Respect, however, leads me to feel that it would be fine if he caught fire.

    Like 21
    • Avatar Mountainwoodie

      Wasnt he the husband of some actress…….back in the 1880’s? Lily Langtree maybe?

      Like 3
      • Avatar Jay B Member

        That’s hilarious, Mountainwoodie!!!

        Like 3
    • Avatar Glenn Schwass Member

      Nice truck, him owning it doesn’t help. He is a social pariah after his many weird issues and always seemed way full of himself.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Rosco

    Nice truck and a great deal if you are also in need welding equipment. Old Napco trucks continue to bring good money even if not original. Anything about being owned by Jesse James as well as his personal life means nothing and not worth mentioning or discussing.

    Like 17
  5. Avatar TimM

    To me it doesn’t matter who owned the truck!!! Who cares???? We are here looking at classic automobiles!! It’s a great truck and I love the Apache body style!! Personally I would sell the welders separate than the truck!! Basically not all car and truck guys weld or know how to!!! So why would someone want to buy something they don’t know how to use or just don’t want!! I have all the welding equipment I need and I would end out selling it myself!!! Is Elvis Presley’s toilet seat more valuable than the one you use everyday????

    Like 10
    • Avatar KKW

      Maybe if Priscilla sat on it.

      Like 14
  6. Avatar Dirtyharry

    Geez. A little rough. I am constantly reminded about two things, (1) “Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.” That leaves me out. (2) “No matter how thin the pancake, it has two sides.” I wish the celeb’s good luck, there lives look complicated to me. I still agree that there is no celebrity value here, it is just a nice truck and who doesn’t like a 4 wheel drive truck. Just looking at it makes me want some apple pie.

    Like 14
  7. Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

    It’s a cool truck and all but is there any provenance proving the Jesse James connection? Didn’t see anything in the eBay ad other than “I bought this truck from Jesse James”

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Sal

    Yeah, I’m also not sure why the seller isn’t separating the two highly saleable items. Unless you own a farm or welding business, you have to either sell a welder or a truck once you take what you want out of the deal.

    And yeah, in 2019 his name is going to add little value to anything you have for sale.

    As for the America’s sweetheart business…It certainly wasn’t her fault, but that’s the risk you take get when you marry a guy that already cheated on his first 2 wives.

    Like 13
  9. Avatar Doug B

    I have a truck I bought from Pee Wee Herman if anyone is interested

    Like 16
    • Avatar CapNemo

      lmao!!

      Like 8
    • Avatar leiniedude Member

      Jeez Doug, If you had his bicycle I am in ! LOL!!!!!!

      Like 8
      • Avatar 38ChevyCoupeGuy

        I’ve got one of pee wees bikes, complete with metal basket and empty movie theater popcorn container. This said container has some really funny looking”butter” in the bottom. P.O. said he kept it in there for history !

        Like 5
  10. Avatar SC/RAMBLER

    I happen to like Jesse James and both of his previous shows. I’m not certain if this truck may have had a cameo appearance on the one show, whatever, as said “casting stones”.
    Nice truck I guess since the seller is selling it as he purchased it he is leaving the welder cause it was there when he bought the truck.

    Like 2
  11. Avatar sisuman Member

    I love this truck. If it sells for say $20K you could flip the welder for about $8K and have a Napco ‘59 Apache for $12,000. That’s got to be a steal.
    BTW that welder in the bed of a 1/2 ton truck is completely impractical. The welder and wire feeder that goes with it weigh about 800 pounds. So with any additional equipment at all the truck would de severely overloaded.

    Like 4
  12. Avatar LARRY

    Jesse James is a very talented guy. Sandra Bullock is a very talented woman. Pee wee herman is a very uhhh ummm never mind…this is a nice truck but is it worth the ask? Even with the welding equipment? Well it is to the right buyer. Someone will buy this and enjoy it

    Like 3
  13. Avatar Ken Carney

    Might consider it if Sandra Bullock sat in
    it! She’s from Peoria, Illinois and grew up
    a few streets away from my in-laws back
    in the ’70’s. In fact, one of my BILs went
    to school with her and had the hots for
    her ever since. All that aside, it’s still a
    truck no matter who owned it. And at
    the end of the day, it’ll wander all over
    the road and jar the fillings out of your teeth no matter who owned it before you did. Besides, I think all this celebrity stuff
    is nonsense anyway. If it were mine, I’d
    sell the welding rigs and put my tools in
    the back of it where they belong. That”s
    my plan for the F-350 once we get it on
    on the road again. Would never let Sis
    drive this truck. She just couldn’t handle
    it. Don”t think I could either. Hi Mike,
    I sent you an email regarding my experience on POF. Might have to visit
    Wisconsin to see what the young ladies
    are like there. As always, just my $.02!

    Like 2
    • Avatar Rube Goldberg Member

      Hey Ken, newsflash, all the ladies came out here. It’s a relative ghost town for relationships in the Badger,,,trust me, I’ve been single for 10 years, it’s one of the reasons I came to Colorado,,,and I’m still single,,

      Like 2
      • Avatar Chimmy

        What’s the second reason you moved to Colorado Rube? Puff puff pass? Lol. Love these threads, you can always count on them for a chuckle

        Like 1
      • Avatar Rube Goldberg Member

        Better healthcare for seniors and govt. assisted apt. My neighbor put an ad on one of the singles sites, and was married within 2 weeks. I just haven’t got to that point yet.

        Like 2
    • Avatar leiniedude Member

      Hey Ken, you are always welcome here! Rube is right on with his newsflash comment. But if you bring plenty of cabbage, I know where a couple are hiding! Thanks for the email, I will get back soon, Mike.

      Like 0
  14. Avatar Mountainwoodie

    Alright you might have a point. Viva La Resistance!

    Like 0
  15. Avatar Rube Goldberg Member

    Welcome to Hollywood,,

    Like 2
  16. Avatar Lance Nord

    Sandra was attracted to the “bad boy”… we’ve all known women who have hooked up with a POS because he had the “bad boy” image… It’s like their commonsense switch gets turned off when their hoo-ha starts itching… oh wait, that happens to guys, too!

    Like 5
    • Avatar Rube Goldberg Member

      She always portrays the wholesome “girl next door” attitude, but if she was with this guy, she’s no angel,,,like I say, Hollywood isn’t that far away from Sodom and Gomorrah.

      Like 2
  17. Avatar Rosco

    Just what we don’t need. Someone wanting to make it not about the vehicle but to try and turn it into a political thing.

    Like 4
    • Avatar leiniedude Member

      Agree Rosco. Take care, Mike.

      Like 0
  18. Avatar Tricky

    ‘Orange Menace’ – I had to look that up (I’m from Oz!) – LMAO…..

    Like 0

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