Reinis Babrovskis Photography: 1959 CHEVY APACHE

1959 CHEVY APACHE

THE BEAUTIFUL WORKHORSE

Text and photos: Reinis Babrovskis

There are great cars, rare cars, beautiful cars and then there are cult cars. Cars that won’t ever get out of fashion, get dated or be abandoned, I can name a few - VW Camper van, Porsche 911, Ford Mustang, VW Beetle, Ferrari F40, Fiat 500, Mini and the list goes on. For one reason or another these cult cars are loved by everybody – whether it would be for its beautiful design, mind blowing performance, super reliability, enormous capability, but it has won hearts of us all. Among them is a very humble car that was designed for nothing else than dirty and heavy work, yet there is its 65 years later sitting proudly at a car show between supercars and sports cars; I am talking about the humble yet beautiful Chevrolet Task Force of course.

#HEAVYDUTYWORKHORSE

Following the very successful Chevrolet’s workhorse - Advance Machine, Chevrolet recognized the need for a much more modern and trendy pick up truck that would charm the wider audience. In 1955 Chevrolet finally released a lighter and more up to date commercial pick up truck called the Task force that was offered in various styling and specifications. The light duty pick ups received a nickname Apache; whereas heavy duty was known as Vikings and Spartan. I am fairly confident nobody in the automotive industry back then would have realised that his humble workhorse would become a future classic and be loved by so many people worldwide.

#THEHISTORY

The Chevy Task force models were produced between 1955 and 1959 in one the several American factories and were a continuation of the Chevrolet’s Advance Design pickups dating back to 1947. With competition from Ford and Dodge Chevrolet saw the need for a much more up-to-date design and designed an all-new, smoother and curvy-shaped body, visually more appealing than its competitors. Furthermore, each of the four yearlong production Task Fleet models continuously received subtle changes making each year’s model distinguishable to their fans.

The very first model rolled off the production line with a completely new to the industry wrap around windshield as well as an optional rear window for the Deluxe cab models; the truck versions came with the power steering and brakes and electrical system was upgraded to 12 volts. It was also the first pick up to receive the glorious American eight cylinder engine.

The 1956 model was visually unchanged (apart a subtle badge change); however it received the power steering, power brakes, wheel covers, whitewall tyres, chrome front and rear bumpers and a radio. In 1957 the Task Force received a new front grille as well as a power boost, thanks to the small block v8 engine bore increase. The '58 models saw the biggest visual change of them where the two headlights were replaced in favour of four to accommodate the new industry standard switch in the USA.

The lighter commercial versions also known as the "Apache" came with a painted grille and front bumper as standard but could be still upgraded to chrome. The fleetside model featured a smooth boot and increased capacity for load at the bed. Further new optional extras included a four-wheel drive and air con. The last year of the Task Force line in 1959 received only minor changes like a different badge at the front and side and larger brake drums. This was the last year all 13 variations of the Task Force were available. The 1960 saw the introduction of the new Chevy C/K which remained to be the production truck all the way up to 1999 when the Silverado took over. Sadly C/K never obtained the same popularity as the 1955-59 Task Force.

The American Pony era really seemed to have been something else. Each automotive manufacturer it appears took pride and joy in production of every body panel, part and instrument. Every line, shape, gauge was beautiful; and I don't refer only to the sports cars. If you get into a modern van or pick up truck, please let me know if you can find a part that makes you go WOW!

And whilst the pony era may have been the most ridiculous era of automotive world with their oversized bodies, over-exaggerated engines and thirst for petrol like Irish for whiskey, they also in my opinion were the pinnacle of motoring industry. I couldn't care less how much quicker a modern car is or how it saves money - I want the ludicrous chrome bumpers, super stylish door handles and mechanical speedometer.

#IWANTONE

The love for American classics doesn’t stop in the United states, oh no, it extends worldwide, these cars can be seen everywhere, even here in the very distant Northern Ireland. Stephen first came across the Chevy Task Force while following the NASCAR round America for the last 20 years. He said, “I fancied the idea of a V8 pick up and was always amazed to see people just driving them around; I knew I had to have one”. The search for one begun 7 years ago, and whilst he was adamant the pick up will have to come from the America he actually found one far closer – Spain to be exact. The Apache Fleetsite model was used as an advertising tool there, so Stephen bought it to restore and use it as it was intended.

#EXTERIOR

Stephen’s Chevy is a 1959 Apache Fleetside Double Deluxe spec model finished in a gorgeous, retro Tartan Turquoise over white. Being a Deluxe model it features extras like extra chrome, stainless trim, Deluxe 2 speed heater, stainless spears on the bed, rear cabin window etc. It just looks spectacular.

The exterior features so many little details and you can really appreciate why the American Pony era was so amazing. Every badge, every bumper, every grille is a piece of art. There are no cheap plastics, cut-corner designs found anywhere, and may I remind this was a commercial pick up truck - not an elegant sports car. The Apache beautiful paintwork is nicely complemented with whitewall tires and shiny chrome smoothies by Cragar.

Stephen spent a lot of time restoring this – and all in his own spare time. The bed is now sitting super flush featuring wood and stainless trims and looks spectacular. Every part of the car has received attention and it really shows. I can certainly appreciate why this car became a cult car with such a huge following worldwide. Now I want one….

#INTERIOR

The interior is matching the beautiful exterior of this vehicle, featuring a beautiful white leather "sofa" where nowadays a bland, boring fabric seat would be found instead. The '50s cream white steering wheel is a piece of art on its own, as are the chrome finish buttons and knobs. The massive wrap-around cabin glass makes the viewing out of the cabin simply breath-taking, letting you immerse into the environment and the roads you find yourself on.

I remember recently getting into a modern van and looking around in sadness - plastic, cheap materials and bland design. This is where we have gotten to - cheap and cheerful and does its job attitude. Oh I miss the old days.

#ENGINE

Is there anything more American than a V8 you may ask, and the answer is hell no! Any American car has to have an American v8, fact! Stephen's Apache received a new engine and completely new wiring. It is now running the world famous Chevy 350 small block 5.7 litre naturally aspirated V8.

It has been upgraded to Edelbrock intake, Holly carb and MSD electronic ignition. The noise, oh my, the noise of this is vicious; a small input of throttle and the cabin shakes in anger and the stainless steel exhausts let out an evil burp. I am in love with this beautiful engine.

#BRAKESANDSUSPENSION

To keep with the original theme the brakes are not power assisted and feature the standard brake drums. Same goes for the suspension – standard leaf suspension. So whilst it may not be the most user-friendly and appropriate for traffic jams, it really retains the originality of the Chevy Apache characteristics and I love it.

#NOTMUCHLEFTTOSAY

There really isn't anything else I could say but, yeah, this is just motoring awesomeness. A cult car and it is beautiful. I genuinely can't stress how important it is to preserve motoring history for our kids and grandchildren so they could see how wonderful cars where back in the day. They were something more than just a means of transport. They were something we were proud to get into.