Suburbans & Panels Yesterday & Today and 1959 CHEVROLET APACHE 31 LIGHT-DUTY PANEL
by Seth Doulton
As you can see, the Suburban is still a big part of American life as we pass into the next millennium. The Chevrolet Panel truck, as we know it, however, met its end in 1970. In that year, Chevrolet produced just under 4000 units at a base price of just over $4000. These 127-inch wheelbase enclosed pickups were the last of the classy delivery trucks.
The introduction of the 1961 Corvair rear-engine van and the early 1964 Chevy G10 van led the way for the demise of the panel truck. The 1961 Corvair van sold for about $2289 compared to the half-ton panel, which sold for $2308. The 1964 G10 van sold for about $2212 and could be ordered with a 90hp 4-cylinder or for a little more, a 120 hp 6-cylinder engine. The half-ton panel sold for about $2324.
The G10 van could have 211 cubic feet of payload while the 1/2 ton panel could only haul 175 cubic ft. The maximum payload of the G10 van was also higher (2250 lbs) compared to 1300 lbs for the half-ton panel. The standard engine on the half ton panel was the 230 6-cylinder; however a 292 6-cylinder and a 283 V8 were available which made the half-ton panel more desirable for towing.
Now let's hop in our time machine and set the dial for 50 years ago. It's 1949; the Suburban was only available in Fathom Green upper and Channel Green lower. The wheels were striped in cream medium. The panels were available in all 12 colors just like the trucks. All models used Waldorf White on the rear of the grill bars.
The 1950 Suburban and Panel had two exciting new features. One was a solid, 5-ply plywood floor in the panel trucks with steel skid strips for a better weather-tight seal and ease in loading heavy parcels. The Suburban was available for the first time with panel-type (barn door) rear doors. This meant there were two types of rear doors: panel type and the lift gate tailgate style.
Chevrolet continued the Deluxe panel option in 1950 that they had in the late 40's, which included bright stainless trim around all windows. There were three fender hash mark mouldings on the front and rear fenders as well as a front fender side spear.
The SUV of the 50's or the Carryall Suburban could be used as a passenger vehicle or for transporting commodities. The roomy interior seats eight people and their luggage. The Carryall can easily be converted for larger commodities by removing the seats. Ride stabilizers and the new, direct, double-action shock absorbers provided a smoother ride.
Standard equipment on the Carryall Suburban was the 92 horsepower Thriftmaster engine, three-speed transmission, and 600 Ib. 6-ply tires. Optional equipment included oil bath air cleaner, heavy duty clutch, 4-speed transmission, and 6.70 15-ply tires. The panel truck also had similar standard and optional equipment except that they came with the option of 15-inch, 8-ply tires and the Deluxe trim package.
The Suburban offspring of today, the Yukon and the Cadillac Escalade, come with beautiful leather appointments. The Suburban of the 50's had an option for "genuine leather trim #361F" and even the Panel had a driver and auxiliary seat option with "genuine leather." Now there's a bit of trivia for you!
RELEASE DATE: September 29, 1958
1959 CHEVROLET APACHE 31 LIGHT-DUTY PANEL
Up to 10 per cent better fuel economy from an improved six-cylinder engine, larger brakes on half-
ton models and numerous mechanical refinements complement the functional styling of the 1959 Chevrolet panel delivery line. Available in two- and four-wheel drive models and with either 7- or 10-ft. bodies, they provide cargo protection from weather and theft. In addition to better fuel mileage, the improved engine provides greater torque in low and medium speed ranges. For light or bulky load operations, a further economy option, consisting of a special carburetor with leaner mixtures and a lower numerical axle ratio is offered on half-ton models. Rear brakes on half-ton models are 1/4 inch wider, giving 10 ½ square inches more lining surface for better braking, cooler and more efficient operation, and longer life. Included among optional equipment are a 160 hp. V8 engine and Hydramatic transmission.
