1956 Chevrolet 3600 NAPCO

Today, four-wheel drive pickups have evolved from serious work vehicles into daily drivers for many motorists but that was not so much the case in the middle 1950’s.  In fact, even manufacturers like General Motors had to source parts and components from outside suppliers to provide four-wheel drive trucks.

GM chose to partner with Northwest Auto Parts Company (NAPCO), a manufacturer founded in 1918 in Minneapolis, MN to supply them with the parts needed to make their half-ton and three-quarter ton trucks capable of having power at each corner.  While not a hugely popular option, a person ordering a new Chevrolet or GMC pickup staring in the 1955 second series through the 1959 model year could have the NAPCO conversion installed at the factory and pick it up at their local dealer.  It’s estimated that approximately 2,000 such trucks were built during that time period.

General Motors’ relationship with NAPCO ended with the 1960 model year, when the newly designed truck incorporated independent front suspension which was not compatible with NAPCO components.  Instead, GM chose to manufacture the needed parts in-house, a move which caused serious financial difficulties for the Minnesota based company.

This Chevrolet 3600 is an excellent example of a NAPCO-equipped truck.  Power comes from a small-block Chevrolet V8 backed with a four-speed manual transmission.  Keeping true to the utilitarian nature of the truck, the vehicle was restored as it would have been available in 1956 when purchased new.  The wood bed floor has been stained to contract nicely with the brilliant yellow paint.

This truck is evidence of why NAPCO vehicles have been held in high regard by collectors and enthusiasts for decades and command top prices when they come up for sale today.  Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this 1956 Chevrolet 3600 NAPCO at a price of $94,900 USD.  Pre-purchase inspection is both advised and encouraged.  Transportation for this truck can be arranged at buyer’s expense or we will gladly work with the shipper of buyer’s choice.  For additional information or to make an offer call sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000.