General Motors implemented a mid-cycle refresh of their 1955-1959 Task Force truck series for the 1958 model year, resulting in significant visual changes. A key element of this update was the introduction of the now-classic 1958 quad headlight system, paired with a new full-width grille that integrated the park lights. Beyond aesthetics, buyers were also offered the option of a durable all-steel Fleetside bed. This refresh also marked the debut of memorable model names designed to reflect the trucks’ strength and reliability.
For the 1958 and 1959 model years, Chevrolet’s truck lineup was branded as follows: the Apache for light-duty trucks, the Viking for medium-duty applications, and the Spartan for heavy-duty commercial purposes.
Chevrolet Apache
It’s not surprising that the light-duty Chevrolet Apache is the model most classic truck enthusiasts associate with the 1958-59 Task Force series, as it was the most prevalent version. To illustrate, a 1959 Chevy Apache might have been equipped with its original-specification 283 cubic inch V8 engine, often mated to a four-speed manual transmission.
Although the Chevrolet Apache moniker gained considerable recognition during the 1958 and 1959 model years, its application continued into the early 1960s. Specifically, in 1960 and 1961, the light-duty model was identified as the “Apache 10.” Following this short period, General Motors simplified their truck model naming system, superseding the Apache designation with the more direct C-10 nomenclature, which became a consistent element within the C/K Series model names.
Chevrolet Viking
For medium-duty needs within the 1958-59 Task Force truck range, General Motors utilized the Chevrolet Viking name. These were heavy-duty trucks engineered for more demanding tasks, featuring a reinforced chassis, higher payload capacity, and dual rear wheels to enhance stability and distribute heavier loads. The Viking models, encompassing the 40 to 60 series, were later redesignated as the C-40 through C-60 beginning with the 1962 model year, aligning with General Motors’ changing nomenclature.
It’s interesting to observe the specific way the Viking name was used across different model years and truck series. During the 1958 through 1961 period, the Viking designation applied to all trucks within the 50 and 60 series. Furthermore, in the 1958-59 model years, the 40-series trucks were also marketed under the Viking name. However, this changed for the 1960-61 model years, when the 40-series trucks were reclassified with the Apache designation, indicating a change in GM’s naming approach for their medium-duty offerings.
Chevrolet Spartan
The Chevrolet Spartan, which is probably the most difficult of these models to find in the present day, was purpose-built for rigorous heavy-duty commercial use. The Chevrolet Spartan series, including the 70, 80, 90, and 100 models, offered the greatest hauling capability available from General Motors between 1958 and 1961.
Consistent with the other truck lines we’ve discussed, the Spartan models eventually transitioned to a revised naming system. Models with a single rear axle were redesignated with “C” prefixes, for example, the C-70, while those with tandem rear axles adopted “M” prefixes, such as the M-70. This evolution reflects General Motors’ broader movement towards a more uniform and informative nomenclature for their truck offerings.