Hey Steve. I bought my 59 apache as a stock driver with a rebuilt 235. Added the 3:38 rear end, sway bar kit , made sure ever nut and bolt were either tight or replaced and have driven it in the last year alone at least once a month over 300 miles on the freeway at 75-80 without fear or issue of any kind so it can be done. I will be adding disk in the front as it will make driving in traffic around town a bit easier. Not sure if you think mine is as nice a driver as the one your looking at but mine came in at just a hair over 9k when I bought it so 11k might be close or right on depending on how nice this 57 is. Take a look at mine and compare for yourself.
http://s1186.photobucket.com/albums/z362/markireptiles/59%20chevrolet%20apache/
