1961 Chevrolet Apache 10 Pickup

Beginning in 1960, the Chevy C/K was the name of the full-size pickup truck lineup.  “C” indicated the truck was 2WD and “K” indicated 4WD and the Apache name was applied to the lighter duty series of trucks.  This would be the production truck for many years until the famous Silverado nameplate took over in 1999.  The new model was introduced with a redesigned body style with many changes.  It sat on a ladder frame that allowed the cab to sit lower than before and featured an independent front suspension for car-style handling.  The designations also changed from 3100, 3200, and 3600 to C10 or K10 1/2 ton, C10 or K10 long 1/2 ton, C20 or K20 3/4 ton, and C30 1 ton.  Also, beginning in 1960, the trucks were available in the smooth Fleetside or Stepside.  For 1960, 1961, and 1962, all models would use a torsion bar front suspension and trailing arm suspension in the rear.  Engines included the 135 horsepower 236 I6, 150 horsepower 261 I6, and 185 horsepower 283 V8.  The years following would bring even more changes for the Chevy truck lineup.  From 1955 to 1962, the Chevy truck evolved quickly.  All years were eye-catching, and, for the most part, they were moving the market forward.  Without these vital years, the Chevy truck wouldn't be such an American icon.

For consignment, a hot item lately based on trends at Classic Auto Mall…a 1961 Chevrolet Apache 10 beauty and the beneficiary of a full body off restoration.  During such time this truck was brought back to factory fresh with a complete repaint and a redux of the interior surfaces.  A beauty of a bed, and just a wonderfully done finished product that you can haul whatever and look great doing it…Why Not??

Exterior
With all well documented in pictures, a prospective buyer can peruse the photos and look at the gallant efforts that were put into the restoration of this classic truck.  Now all bathed in Galway Green and subtle white for the roof, all steel construction with no rust, and just shiny paint.  A few minor faults in the paint, as nothing is ever perfect in the world of cars and trucks, and this one is very nicely done, so don't be fooled by a writer's critical comments!  A white finished and encircled grille with dual round headlights flanking either side leads the way, and mounted turn signal lights above in the jet pod inserts in the hood, this would be the second and final year for this design, and it would also be the most revered of the early 60's C-10's designs.  Interestingly enough, the hood's jet pod design and their rearward streaks allude to things to come in the way of factory hood scoops.  This fleetside has mostly black trimmings around the windows, and clean shiny bezels in chrome for the lighting.  Up high, crisp clean white dresses the roof, back of the cab, and B-pillars.  Meanwhile, the long clean bed is exposed for the world to see with a nice stained oak boarded bed with shiny dividers, and a straight Galway Green tub surrounding the bed floor.   A white Chevrolet embossed tailgate hangs between the simple bed side mounted tail lights and a shiny bumper hangs below.  Beautifully restored and painted Galway Green steel wheels in 15-inch form have red bowtie badged moon caps, and are wrapped in deeply treaded 7.00-15 black walls all around.

Interior
Maintaining its original utilitarian charm, door panels are straight steel presenting in industrial gray with a quasi-arrowhead pointed panel pressed into the panels and houses the door opening lever and the window crank.   Inside, we see the recovered full length bench with smooth gray vinyl bolsters and meshed black and gray knitted inserts.  Upfront, a gray painted dash has the dual eyebrow curved panels, one housing the gauge cluster, and the other the glovebox.  In front of the driver is the original cluster black background and central speedometer with lined up smaller warning lights on either side.  Below is more gray where various knobs and switches as well as where the ignition is located.  In the center is a radio delete panel, temp and fan sliders and the requisite smoking station.  The headliner is shiny metal with horizontal ribbing and painted more battleship gray.  

Drivetrain
A flip of the vintage hood, and we now are greeted with the factory correct 235.5ci inline 6 cylinder.  This engine is fed by a 1-barrel carburetor under a black oil bath air cleaner assembly and a 3-speed manual transmission is on back.  For the rear axle we have a 3.90 geared designation.  Presenting like a shiny gem, this engine has plenty of orange accenting to keep your eyes in candy land.

Undercarriage
I just love these frame off restos'  as you know the bottom is going to be just as nice as the top, and indeed it is!  Like new single pipe exhaust with factory style muffler sends spent fossils to the rear of this rig.  Independent torsion bar suspension for upfront, and a swing arm with coil springs is on back.   Drum brakes are noted all around and all is road dirt free and as showroom new as one can get!

Drive-Ability
A twist of the key and she fired up into an almost inaudible idle.  Not only does it sound fab, but runs excellently, and is all buttoned up on the mechanical end.  The bench seat is a comfy plus, and all functions are working save for the heater blower not blowing.  Good brakes, nice power, and I would feel confident to haul just about anything that would fit in the bed.

Taking off the body from the frame always yields great results, and this classic truck is no exception.  The Galway Green with some white accenting and hints of red peppered around the exterior, and we have a well-built classic that is a real eye-catcher, is mechanically solid as a rock, and will be able to take nearly anything you have to anywhere.  That's a LOT of choices!

1C1540119506

1-1961
C-2 Wheel Drive
15-1/2 Ton 127" Wheelbase
4-Pickup
O-Oakland, CA Assy Plant
119506-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.