Chevrolet’s Task Force Series of pickup trucks were built from 1955 to 59. They had many technical improvements from the prior Advance Design Series, like a 12-volt electrical system. For the last two years, light-duty versions of the truck were known as the Apache. The seller’s pickup has the optional NAPCO-supplied Power-Pak four-wheel-drive set-up which was used until that hardware was sourced in-house beginning in 1960. The seller’s ’59 Apache has the Power-Pak and a seller-installed extended bed for hauling larger cargo. Located in Weldona, Colorado, this running cosmetic project is available here on craigslist for $12,000. Thanks for another cool tip, T.J.!
Companions to the Task Force trucks were the Blue Chip Series sold by GMC dealers, which were the same vehicles with different badging. Unlike earlier pickups, the Apache was available with both six-cylinder and V8 engines, though the seller’s truck is equipped with a later 302 cubic-inch GMC I-6. 1958 and 1959 Apache’s could be identified by their use of four headlights in the front instead of the prior two. Apache buyers in 1958 and 1959 could go for the NAPCO Power-Pack 4X4 conversion that could be ordered from the factory.
NAPCO was an acronym for Minneapolis-based Northwestern Auto Parts Company which was a 4WD automobile parts manufacturer that had been around since 1918. On the Apache, the Power-Pak could be ordered as RPO 690 and factory-installed on trucks with few modifications required to the original chassis. GM and NAPCO parted company when GM redesigned the front suspension on their 1960 trucks, making the Power-Pak kits no longer compatible.
The seller’s truck is a one-ton model with what we’re told is the desirable Power-Pak. The truck originally had a 9-foot step-side box that the seller replaced with one that’s 8-feet in length. Though the truck is a variety of colors which could have been beige and green when new, the body panels are in generally good condition. But there is some small corrosion in places and a patch looks to have been made in the floorboard on the driver’s side.
With a replacement motor, the truck is said to run well with no smoke or noises and the transmission and clutch work fine. The brakes are okay but need bleeding. The other things that may not be working are the speedometer, which is connected to an odometer than has rolled over at least once, the horn, and the dome light. The seller believes this is a solid restoration project that comes with no surprises. So, what you see is what you get. Video clips are available upon request.
12 for this ? What is this world coming or going to ?
This, apparently.
All the neat “finds” today seem to be posted by dreamers. Both of those wagons are great, but only at half the asking price. This truck, while desirable has been cobbled together. These on the east coast in this condition still only realize $5k or so. Yes it’s a Napco, yes it’s from the high plains, but it is still a $5k unit. GLWTS…
For the umpteenth time, GMCs of this era were not badge-engineered Chevies. This would have come with a GMC specific 6 cylinder or a Pontiac V8. Awesome truck!
Looks like it should go to a small cattle ranch in Montana
Some people just do not appreciate rare metal
That’s in great shape. Only one fender heal rusted and cab corners are good? For what it is, price seems about normal. I’m not familiar with the 301 GMC 6 banger. Did it have a 292 cu in stock? Quite a neat beast that wasn’t run into the ground…
I remember one of these with a lift kit, nice chrome and painted a nice blue metallic back in the 1980’s in Ocean City, MD. Very sharp truck when it was done. Always had me looking for it again but never saw it to try to buy it. Today, although this is a nice starting point, the asking price is too rich for me. Perhaps even unrealistic. To me, this truck finished should be a 15-20 grand truck. We are talking to start, muscle car project money, and this truck, is not and never will be a muscle car. Wouldn’t mind adding this truck to my collection along with the early 70’s Trans Am in the background.
A lot of negative comments on the asking price of this truck. If you think it’s worth half that, offer half that. Have you ever paid full price for anything on Craigslist? Even if you paid 10K for it what what modern truck would that get you? You’d get “just another old truck” nobody would even notice unless you hit them with it. In this truck everyone in town would know who you were.