Are you a sucker for classic pickups
? Truck lovers well versed in ‘50s models can’t get enough of the historic and sentimental Chevy
Apache. Before the F-Series became America’s darling, the Chevy Apache changed the work truck forever. Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, investigates the all-American vehicle that could be worth more than your house.From the Task Force to the Chevy Apache
In 1955, the Task Force trucks debuted. The pickups took the place of the Chevy Advance Design trucks that debuted in 1947 after WWII.
The Task Force was soon replaced by the Chevy C/K series in 1960. The light-duty Task Force truck was renamed the Chevy Apache from 1958 to 1959. The Apache name even carried on to the 1961 C/K pickups.
Though Ford unleashed the overhead valve V8 before Chevy, consumers seemed to prefer Chevy's small-block 4.3-liter V8 engine. It was even incorporated in the Corvette, Bel-Air, and the Task Force Trucks.
These special pickups introduced a wraparound “sweep sign windshield” that was also featured on the 1954 Buick LeSabre Concept car. The trucks also featured a trademark egg-crate grille, hooded headlights put into visored fenders, and a concealed running board.
Equipped with power steering and brakes, the Task Force trucks housed a 12-volt electrical system, tubeless tires, and an optional four-speed automatic transmission.
By 1958, the special truck featured more modern tech and boasted a 4.7-liter V8 engine with an optional Rochester mechanical fuel injection system. With 283 hp, the vehicle sported a wider grille that ran the length of the front fascia, factory-equipped air conditioning, and four headlights instead of two.
From 1959 and beyond, these light-duty Chevy Task Force pickups were known as Apache. You may also recall that the brand’s mid-duty trucks were named the Vikings and that the heavy-duty models took on the name Spartans.
Spotting a Chevy Apache in the wild
Since the Apache was replaced by the Chevy C/K series in 1959, finding one today makes it all the rarer. If you locate an Apache in dire need of TLC, you can probably get away with spending less than $7,000. In fact, the lowest sale auction for the truck is recorded at $6,380.
Now if you happen to spot a Chevy Apache in pristine condition, you can expect to pay up to $140,000. That’s quite a jump! And the average mint condition Apache can easily cross the six-figure mark.
Believe it or not, the Apache is a part of California history. Old Model As were built in Carson, and the state made military tanks and trucks for WWII.
According to 1958 Apache owner Wes Thurston, "It was the truck for working people, and they made it easy to work on the engine. All you need is wrenches," KCET
notes. Wes bought his truck in Mead Valley in 1986 and is part of the small community of Apache enthusiasts. Insuring your junkyard treasure
Whether you own a 1958 Viking or a 1965 Chevrolet Corvair
, you’re going to need the best coverage in town. But instead of overpaying for your coverage each month, why not spend those precious dollars on restoring your reclaimed beauty? If you’ve got questions about your coverage, Jerry’
s got answers. That’s why it’s the top insurance app in the country. Once you download Jerry and answer a couple of quick questions, you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry customers save an average of over $800 a year. 
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