You can be at the peak of your game and hear those dreaded words, “You’ve got cancer.” The dreaded disease is no respecter of persons, but thanks to the dedicated group of doctors and volunteers, progress has been forthcoming to combat the illness.
Fuel stabilizer super-power, STA-BIL, has joined in the fight by helping fund research and development; donating the proceeds of the sale of its very own 1958 Chevrolet Apache pickup to benefit Curing Kids Cancer. The organization is devoted to funding cutting-edge research that will lead to better treatments with fewer harmful side effects for those children dealing with the disease.
The Truck
A revision of Chevrolet’s “Task Force” line of trucks that began in 1955, the 1958 Apache was the first fleetside pickup available from the manufacturer. Light-duty trucks were called “Apache”, while the medium-duty units carried the moniker “Viking” and the heavy-duty haulers were called “Spartan.” And of course, they were, since hauling heavy loads was their primary goal.
This truck is anything but Spartan, as it features many upgrades that enable it to haul in more ways than one. Built-in 2018 to commemorate STA-BIL’s 60th Anniversary, this truck features a Chevrolet Performance LS3 crate engine, 4L70e transmission, a Classic Performance Products Mustang II front suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes all around. There’s also a Currie nine-inch rear end, subdued by a set of Viking rear shocks and capped with a duo of American Legend, rally-style wheels.
The truck was built to be driven, and that’s exactly what the folks at STA-BIL did with their commemorative pickup. The truck was first introduced to the public at Mecum’s Indianapolis auction in 2018, where it was then driven on that year’s Power Tour. The truck has been a fan favorite at numerous other Mecum events and car shows around the country, each mile thanks to that LS3 crate engine.
The truck is slated to make one more trip to Dana Mecum’s 33rd Original Spring Classic, known as the Mecum Indy event, but this time, it won’t be heading back home to STA-BIL’s garage. The car will be offered at no reserve during the recently-rescheduled event, now slated to take place on July 10-18, 2020. Some lucky winning bidder will be able to park this road-going beauty in their garage, knowing that the proceeds from their bid will go directly to a great charity, driven by a great cause.
Check out Mecum’s website for a complete list of scheduled auctions and cars offered. You can also sign up for their newsletter and find TV schedules for each event. Keep your eyes on this red Apache pickup, as when it crosses the auction in June, the load it carries could mean a lot for a bunch of kids feeling the burden of the struggle for life or death.