1961 Chevy Apache 10 – John & Debbie D.

In 1961 my dad, Lacy Donavan, opened up a Western Auto Store in Collins, Mississippi. To service his customers he ordered himself a delivery truck in red and white so it would match the Western Auto logo colors. He also ordered it with an oil filter and radio since both were an option. It still has the original 3-speed on the column with a inline 6 cylinder motor.

When my dad got this truck, I was only 6 years old. Being a “daddy’s girl’” I rode a lot in this truck growing up. I remember riding with my dad on many deliveries. One of my favorite times was when we went to Jackson to pick up a special order. We had the windows down with the wind blowing like crazy since it had no air conditioner! But I didn’t care, it even made it more fun. One of my fondest memories was watching him load his dogs in the back to go quail hunting. On Sunday morning my dad would drive his truck to church since my mom would go early. I’ll never forget the times he and I loaded his Arkansas Traveler boat in the back and we would go fishing.

In 1985 my husband, John, and I got the truck and started making our own family memories. Our two girls loved to watch their daddy shift the gears on the column. Sometimes shifting from first to third. And the truck never missed a beat. Now, 33 years later not only our kids but our son-in-law and grand kids love driving and riding around town in the truck. If you look inside or through the window you will see a pipe holder on the dash. It is the same magnetic pipe holder and pipe that my dad always kept in there.

We have kept this truck as original as possible. Only had it painted and the seat recovered once. The only thing we did as an update was to buy an AM/FM radio replacement that was made to fit perfectly in the original place where the factory AM radio was. LMC has been instrumental in being able to order replacement hoses, gaskets, window kits, decals and numerous items in keeping our truck going for another 58 years and more.

When you look at this truck it takes you back in time. Taking care of it has kept it looking and running awesome. We are proud to know we have the original bill of sale and owner’s manual that we keep in the safe deposit box at the bank. This truck has always been a part of our family and holds so many great memories. My dad passed in 2002 and he was always so proud to know how well we took care of his truck. We feel like he lives on through this truck and he is with us each time we ride around in it. Now almost 58 years later this 1961 Chevy Apache truck is still going strong and bringing so much joy to our family.[lmc_story_gallery]