Legacy Classic Trucks Puts a Modern Spin on a Future Classic
This is one “restomod” that would be welcomed to any Cars and Coffee, or the Rubicon, your choice.
Inspired by the classic NAPCO 4×4 Power-Pak fitted to 1950’s Chevrolet and GMC trucks, Legacy Classic Trucks set out to create a modern day tribute. The original Power-Pak trucks of 1955-1959 arrived at dealerships as standard 4×2 models, and were then converted to a 4×4 driveline, fitted with heavy duty suspension and had more stout engines dropped in. Legacy Classic Trucks founder Winslow Bent wanted to preserve the feeling and spirit of the original Napco, but incorporate modern amenities showcasing the 60+ years of technological progress that has benefited the offroad community.
Legacy’s Napco tribute trucks starts much the same as the originals, with a 1955-1959 Chevy or GMC 3100 body, but that’s about where the similarities end. The Napco rides on a custom designed suspension, with leafs and shackles front and rear, promoting massive suspension travel and the ability to absorb big bumps, and impacts. The Legacy/Offroad Design (ORD)/Alcon-designed suspension is paired with King offroad shocks with 12 inches of travel up front, and 14.5 inches of travel out back. That suspension controls the movement of the 34″ all-terrain tires, which come with optional beadlock for when the going really gets tough.
Sure, an old school small block Chevy could be built up to spin those big 34’s but in keeping with the “modern classic” theme the Napco is packing LS-power, in the form of a 5.3L Vortec or the optional 6.2L LS3 with full accessories including power steering and air-conditioning. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available. Those transmissions send drive through Dynatrac ProRock axles, fitted with disc brakes front and rear; Detroit Tru-Tac limited slip diffs (ARB lockers optional) and 4.11 gears for excellent down low pickup.
Lest you be concerned about a 60+ year old chassis handling those big tires and big power (430 from the LS3), rest easy: the Napco has a custom built, boxed frame that has been beefed up and made trail-ready.
These custom built “restomod” trucks are excellent for people who had childhood memories of their favorite truck. 60 years of technological evolution, coupled with the dreams of people like Winslow Bent at Legacy Classic Truck means that we can have the best of both worlds, with classic styling and modern performance.
