1956 Apache Wins Best of Show at Lone Star Throwdown

Terry Kirven’s 1956 Chevrolet Apache took home Best of Show this weekend at the 2022 Lone Star Throwdown. From the moment we first laid eyes on it at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, we knew it was a winner.

“The goal was to have something that has never been done,” says Chris Pate of Mobile Toys Inc., who spearheaded the project. “It’s classic, but completely modern.”

The story begins a few years ago when Chris and Terry were at the Goodguys Lone Star Nationals in Fort Worth, Texas. As they walked around the show, Terry mentioned to Chris that he wanted to take on a classic truck project. Not just any truck, either. “We wanted something that would blow people away,” Chris says.

As luck would have it, Chris had the ’56 Apache in his stable. It was partially completed by another shop, and he admits that it had a long way to go. Nonetheless, he and Terry formulated a plan to take it to the next level.

So, what exactly does that entail? It all started with a chassis from No Limit Engineering. To get it sitting low, they installed Ridetech Shockwave TQ 1000s up front and TQ 7000s in the rear. The system is controlled via a RidePro E3. Jose Pena of Drops R Us in Pasadena, Texas, handled mechanical set up as well as the wiring.

For the powerplant, Terry opted for an injected Chevrolet Corvette LT4. “We wanted a truck that could handle like a car when its show days are over,” Chris says. The entire engine bay is covered with custom-formed panels, further enhancing the streamlined look.

An Amazing Apache

From top to bottom, inside and out, the Apache has been given the full treatment. Robert Meza and his team at Alamo Customs in Alvin, Texas, are responsible for the flawless body and paint work. Both the Champagne and Candy Copper are custom mixed, and they looked resplendent under the lights at the Lone Star Throwdown. The matching Savini wheels add an extra touch of class.  

Just like the exterior and undercarriage, the interior has been detailed to the max. Chris and the Mobile Toys Inc. crew covered it in Relicate leather, while Morel provided the audio system.

Now that the two-year build is complete, the truck is making a splash wherever it goes. We’re excited that we got to check it out in person last weekend, and we’re looking forward to seeing it in action soon.