Legacy Chevrolet NAPCO 4x4 Conversion First Drive

In the foothills that climb out of Southern California's Ojai Valley, the Legacy NAPCO looks as if it sprang naturally from the landscape. At least putatively a 1957 Chevrolet 3100 stepside pickup, the gloss of its paint, athleticism of its stance, and 33-inch-tall Toyo tires all belie that there's some magic at work. Impressions matter, and this truck is so gorgeous you can practically hear your pupils dilating at first sight.

But there are some visual nitpicks worth making. First, the lack of chrome badges leaves the truck looking a bit stark and anonymous. It's missing the subdued jewelry that distinguished the Task Force design as both a part of its and one of the best truck designs of that time. Also, Legacy equipped this truck with a Borla Corvette-style, center-mounted, four-outlet exhaust system that awkwardly overwhelms the entire rear view. It simply destroys the illusion that this truck is a serious tool and not a rich man's toy.