The 1958 Chevrolet Apache 3200 was a part of the Task Force Series which ran from late 1955 through 1959. The Task Force Series was also known as the Blue Chip Series. The Task Force Chevy light trucks replaced the Advance Design models.
The Task Force Series of Chevy trucks have long been popular with collectors, hot rodders and light-truck enthusiasts. When these new models first came out in 1955, these light trucks blurred the lines between a work truck and a passenger car with their wraparound windshields, V-8 engines, 12-volt electrics, two-tone paint and plenty of available chrome trim.
When referring to the 1955 Task Force trucks, many refer to them as “Second Series,” as “First Series” 1955 (early 55 models) were carryovers from the previous Advance Design line.
The New Task Force Design Including New Fleetside Styling
As it pertains to the 1958 models, this was the first year for Fleetside bed. There was also a significant redesign of the front end. All of the light-duty trucks were now called “Apache”, medium-duty trucks were called “Viking”, and heavy-duty trucks were called “Spartan”.
The Fleetside styling is the ‘standard’ pickup bed style at GM, Dodge and most import brands. The exterior of the bed is flat while the wheel well arches are contained within the bed. The Stepside bed option was offered for generations on various GM and Dodge models. Here, the wheel well arches are outside of the bed, leaving a perfectly rectangular space inside the box for cargo.
The 1958 Chevy Apache truck had four headlights instead of the previous two and features a shorter, wider grille running the width of the front end. Parking lights are now in the grille instead of being in the front of the fender and the hood is similar to 1955/1956 models, but with a flat “valley” in the middle. 1958 was also the first year for factory equipped air conditioning for the light trucks. For that model year GM was promoting their fiftieth year of production, and introduced Anniversary models for each brand; Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Chevrolet.
The 1958 GM models all had a common appearance on the top of the line models for each brand. Cadillac Eldorado Seville, Buick Roadmaster Riviera, Oldsmobile Holiday 88, Pontiac Bonneville Catalina, and the all new Chevrolet Bel Air Impala. The Chevrolet trucks also received the same kind of attention to appearance, while still staying durable, with minimal adornment.
1958 Chevy Apache Specifications
Chevrolet Task Force light truck engines included a 235 cubic inch Straight Six, a 265 cubic inch V8, and the 283 cubic inch V8.
During the Task Force Series years, the base transmission was a three speed manual. Options included overdrive, a heavy duty three speed manual, a four speed manual and a Hydra-Matic four speed automatic.
Chevrolet two-and four-wheel-drive Task Force trucks used four-wheel drum brakes.
In addition to the new Ffleetside body and quad headlamps, the 1958 light trucks also held the distinction of being the first to adorn the Apache nameplate that was used through the 1961 model year.
See these additional Auto Museum Online articles found on the links below…
Reference materials for this article included…Collector Car Market Review…The Complete Chevrolet Book, Petersen’s, 4th Edition.
Chevy Apache Trucks Collector Valuations
As mentioned above, the Task Force Series of Chevrolet trucks have long been popular with collectors, hot rodders and light truck enthusiasts.
It’s been decades since Task Force trucks were available at bargain prices, but they are still affordable in two or even the much more rare four-wheel drive models.
As a restoration project, old light trucks have the advantage of being simple, and easy to break down into manageable chunks. Parts availability for Task Force Series trucks is excellent making a restoration project much less complicated.
Prices can range from low four figures all the way up to $50,000-plus for a fully restored Task Force Series light truck .
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)