49-Years-Owned 1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100 Fleetside Pickup 4-Speed

Description

The 1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100 Fleetside Pickup represents a pivotal moment in Chevrolet’s light-duty truck evolution. Introduced in 1958, the Apache series replaced the previous “Task Force” line, bringing a modernized look and improved functionality.

The 1959 model featured a bold front-end design with quad headlights, a wider grille, and a more integrated styling approach that reflected late-1950s automotive trends. The Fleetside bed, introduced a year earlier, offered smooth, slab-sided panels for a sleeker appearance compared to the traditional Stepside.

This 1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100 Fleetside has been under current ownership for 49 years, and it was used in the sellers’ part-time painting business from 1977-2019. According to the seller, the 235-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine was rebuilt around 1990. The truck reportedly underwent a four-year refurbishment process starting in 2015. Upgrades performed during the process are said to have included replacing the cab, installing a new rear axle assembly with a higher gear ratio, refinishing the truck in blue with white side flares, and installing a new digital stereo.

This refreshed Apache is offered with refurbishment photos, some service receipts, shop manuals, and a clean Utah title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Under current ownership since 1977

• Four-year refurbishment completed in 2019

• Refinished in two-tone blue paint with white side flares

• Cabin refinished in gray with a reupholstered black vinyl bench seat

• Oak wood-planked bed

Factory Equipment

• 235ci inline-six engine

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Fleetside short bed with smooth, slab-sided panels

• Chrome grille and front/rear bumpers

• Wraparound windshield

• 100-mph speedometer with gauges for temperature, amps, oil, and gas

• The chassis number (59L101644) decodes as:

  • 59 – 1959 model year

  • L – Los Angeles (California) assembly plant

  • 101644 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Four-year refurbishment (2015-2019) reportedly included:

  • Replacement cab

  • Rear axle assembly upgraded with a higher gear ratio

  • Chrome tappet/valve covers with oil breather and filter

  • Refinished in two-tone blue paint with white side flares

  • Interior refinished in gray and black paint

  • Reupholstered black vinyl bench seat

  • Digital stereo with Kenwood door-mounted speakers

  • Oak wood-planked bed

• Non-original steel wheels with Chevrolet hubcaps

• Heater switch below dashboard

Servicing

• Goodyear Wrangler Radial P235/75R15 tires

• 1990: Engine reportedly rebuilt, including replacement single-barrel carburetor

Documentation

• The seller states that some service receipts and refurbishment-related photos accompany the sale

Known Imperfections

• Paint scratches and chips

• Throttle cable is not connected

• Wiper motor malfunctioning

• Tailgate sticks and needs to be adjusted

• Cigarette lighter is not connected

• Glovebox door needs adjustment

• Some firewall grommets are missing

Ownership History

The Utah-based seller of this 1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100 has reportedly owned it since 1977.

Included Items

• Spare tire

• Shop manuals

Additional Information

The seller states, “This truck has been a dependable and enjoyable vehicle for us for 49 years. It was originally sold new to a farmer for field use; the second owner did engine repairs, repaired the original wood bed, and drove the truck to work and back. As the third owners, we have used it in our part-time painting business from 1977 to 2019, with the only major repair coming in 1990, when we had the 235 inline-six engine completely overhauled at 100,000 miles.

“In 2015, we decided to tear it down to the frame, remove all rust and rebuild it as a fun restoration project. Since then, we have driven it only occasionally. During the restoration process, a used cab was installed because the floor pans were too rusted to be repaired, and the rear axle assembly was also upgraded with a higher gear ratio to be more fuel efficient. The paint has some minor scratches and a few small chips, the wipers do not function correctly, and the tailgate needs to be adjusted so it opens without sticking.”