1961 Chevy Apache Pickup Is All About Style
Forget about things like towing capacity and fuel economy. Trucks like this classic Chevy Apache used to be judged by their looks!
When Chevrolet ushered in their entirely new line of pickups in 1960, it brought along a lot of firsts. A new ladder frame, lower cab height, and independent suspension, to name a few. Chevy also ditched its old series naming system, instead using 10, 20, and 30 to differentiate between 1/2, 3/4, and 1-ton models. And in 1960 and 1961, the 10, 20, 30, and 40 series were known as the Chevy Apache. It was a fitting moniker for a lighter yet tough and agile pickup.
One thing that didn’t change over the outgoing Chevy trucks, however, was an emphasis on style. And yet, trucks like this 1961 Chevy Apache that we spotted over at Leake Auctions took that styling focus in a whole new direction. The stepside bodystyle still sports plenty of luscious curves, make no mistake. But a flatter, bullnose front end and prominent hood scoops give it a more muscular, masculine look.
This Tundra Grey Chevy Apache lives up to that tough look, too. Under the hood you’ll find a stroked out 383 small block, which packs more than enough torque to light up the rear tires. A 4-speed Saginaw transmission sends that power back to a 3.42-geared 12-bolt limited slip rear end for a formidable drivetrain package.
And yet, this is not the kind of truck you would expect to tear up the stoplight drags. The subtle look is accentuated by timeless rally wheels and an essentially stock exterior. Even the bed sports beautifully finished red cedar planks. The only real clue that this isn’t your average ’61 Chevy Apache is the Hurst shifter inside the also stock cabin, really.
Otherwise, this pickup is just a super clean cruiser. And a reminder that in the old days, people judged trucks more by their style than things like towing capacity!
