Specifications for a 1959 Chevy Truck

The last year of the Task Force design for Chevrolet trucks was 1959. The 1/3 ton light pickups for 1959 were designated as Apaches. Styling for the trucks, especially the heavily chromed front ends, was highly influenced by GM's line of passenger cars.

Engine

• Chevy trucks for 1959 were offered with a choice of a 115 horsepower Thriftmaster 235 cubic-inch or a 130-hp Jobmaster 261-ci, in-line six-cylinder engine. The motors had 195 to 218 foot-pounds of torque. Eight-cylinder options included the 137-hp Trademaster or Taskmaster 283-ci, or a 170-hp Loadmaster 322-ci. The eight-cylinder motors had vacuum-spinner governors.

Chassis

• The 1959 Chevy pickups came in the Stepside or larger bed Fleetside body style. The trucks had quad headlights and large chrome grilles. Four-wheel drive, air-conditioning and limited-slip differentials were offered as factory options. The trucks had three-, four- or five-speed manual transmissions with leaf-spring suspension and constant velocity universal joints.

Dimensions

• The seven series of 1959 Chevy pickup trucks had wheelbases ranging from 114 to 135 inches. Their overall lengths ran from 188 to 218 inches. The cargo box dimensions ranged from the short-bed's 78 by 50 inches to 108 by 50 inches in the long-beds.