Honda Rebuilds a 1961 Chevrolet Apache Pickup hauling close ties to the brand's heritage

After Honda launched in North America in 1959, one of their first steps was purchasing a fleet of ten Chevrolet pickup trucks. They were put right into service, being used by company sales staff to deliver the brand’s motorcycles to dealers around Southern California, not far from Honda’s Los Angeles headquarters.

The push to move their two-wheeled products paid off and in a big way. By 1965, Honda was the best-selling motorcycle brand in America, commanding almost seventy-two percent of the market.

Just like the originals, the lettering and graphics were hand-painted on the tribute truck. (Courtesy of Honda)

A Tribute Truck for Honda’s 60th Anniversary

In celebration of American Honda’s 60^th anniversary, the brand has built a tribute to those iconic haulers. A black and white photo taken around 1961 was used for primary reference. It depicts one of these red and white Chevys parked in front of the company’s original office, located 4077 Pico Boulevard. Retired Honda staff members were also interviewed to glean additional details and memories from the days with the Honda haulers.

This photo was taken around 1961 and shows an original Chevy delivery truck parked in front of the first American Honda Office in LA. Courtesy of Honda

The Truck’s Overhaul

With the whereabouts of the originals unknown, a suitable 1961 Apache was found and given a mild mechanical freshening. Under the hood of the half-ton is a 283ci V8, paired to a 3-speed manual transmission. The exterior was repainted white, just like the originals, and given hand-painted graphics, in the form of a red stripe along the beltline and company logos on the doors.

The Apache was a higher trim on Chevy’s light duty pickup line. Courtesy of Honda

Precious Cargo: a 1965 Honda 50 & Honda CB160

The finishing touch on the custom truck was loading up the bed with a pair of additional relics from Honda’s heritage: two vintage motorcycles. On one side is strapped a red 1965 Honda 50. Known also as the ‘Super Cub’, these little 49cc two-wheelers were affordable and easy to ride back in the day. They sold quite well, helping the brand establish their top spot in the marketplace.

It’s joined by a white and blue 1965 CB160, which is one of Honda’s first small-displacement sport bikes. This one was just restored last year and sports a 161cc engine and a 4-speed manual transmission.

Ahead of the retro motorbikes is a wooden tool chest, no doubt used by the drivers for carrying additional supplies and marketing materials.

In the bed of the Chevy are two classic Honda motorcycles, a 1965 50 and a 1965 CB160, one of the brand’s first sport bikes. Courtesy of Honda

One Truck, Two Anniversaries

The whole project was completed just in time to celebrate Honda’s 60^th anniversary in America and 40 years of production in America, which will take place in September of 2019.

After a busy year of traveling, the Apache will make its way back to American Honda’s collection, located in Torrance, CA. Courtesy of Honda

Touring Plans for the Chevy Truck

The truck will soon hit the road, traveling the country and taking part in various automotive events and shows. It’ll be displayed at the 2019 SEMA show and from there, make its way back to the American Honda Collection Hall in Torrance. There, it’ll be staged in front of a replica of the company’s original Los Angeles office.