With the engineering complete on this custom Chevy Fleetside, it just needs a new owner to jump behind the wheel and twist the key. The 1958 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside represents Chevy’s first Fleetside (smooth-sided bed without separate fenders) and this one has been overhauled with a later-model Chevy crate motor, Camaro front subframe, and more! Dual headlights were new for ’58. Offered here on eBay, the listing has attracted at least three bidders to the tune of more than $12,500. The auction approaches its final hours; if this truck trips your trigger, act now!
The seller claims this GM crate 350 cid (5.7L) V8 runs and sounds “fantastic,” and driving this classic requires “zero effort,” a phrase rarely applied to vintage trucks. A later model dual-circuit power brake system adds safety and lightens the pedal pressure. The “Rural King” battery definitely earns some Man Points. The 350 mates up to a stout TH400 automatic that’s perfect for hauling loads or simply hauling fanny on a hot Summer night.
Note the prominent spear on this early Fleetside, terminating in a circular tail light bucket. This design only appeared in 1958 and ’59 according to OldChevyTrucks. In addition to smoother styling, the Fleetside also increases cargo space in the bed, which is especially useful when hauling amorphous cargo like topsoil and gravel. The single-pane wraparound rear window makes for an attractive greenhouse.
A later couch-like split bench seat looks right at home in the utilitarian cab. The classic “V” cluster recalls the contemporary ’55 and ’56 Chevy car dashboard, an iconic slice of ’50s cool. That dash and the Fleetside styling makes this the car-like truck version of those famous Chevrolets. There’s something special about an honest truck you can drive anywhere *and* park anywhere. High-dollar hot-rod builders like the late Boyd Coddington always did two builds: one to sort the engineering and a second one where everything gets taken apart and made pretty before final reassembly. This Apache’s got the first part knocked, and the new owner can drive it as-is or embark on the “second build” their way. Which would you choose?
Updated? It looks like it’s been
downdated. Hopefully the next owner will raise this back up to a stock ride height, where it belongs, and enjoy driving it. The lowered pickup ‘thing’ has gotten really old, and can’t disappear soon enough…
I believe the Cameo was the first”fleetside” although limited in numbers.
Unless there’s power steering (not visible) this will require effort… I’ve probably owned 8 or so 55-59 pick-ups, carry-alls, and panel trucks. None were effortless.
The power steering pump is visible, but obscured by the radiator hose in the picture of the engine compartment. The Camaro front clip should improve its ride and handling.
Steve R
Thanks Steve, shoulda looked closer. I wouldn’t mind taking this for a spin just to see how different it drives…
Hack school 101. He failed
I am amazed that this piece of doo doo has reached the price it has. Certainly not because of the quality of the build.
What a mess.
It sold for $15,500, which I think is a decent buy, if you want to take the truck to another level. Or if you just don’t get it ,and your tired of cool trucks, you could raise it up,and make it stock and see how much, you can sell it for, especially after the money you spent to make it that way.
I live in Phoenix and went to the fall Auction for Barrett- Jackson yesterday, it was very different for many reasons, which I can’t go into here, but one thing stood out to me. Prices there were significantly lower across the board, except for one catagory, older modified pick-ups. Even though, some seemed cheaper and reasonable buys, compared to other sales, Vetts, Early Birds, European Exotics and so forth, I thought they were holding close to the prices, we had been seeing in the past ,and not as far off as the other marques. I will admitt B-J may not be the best indicator, and should be taken with a grain of salt, but there are not allott of comparrisons around now.
Curious.
With the Camaro front clip already there can this truck be lifted back to its original height?