Before the advent of Chevrolet's Cameo Carrier in 1955, pickup trucks were strictly vehicles of utility, favoring function and ignoring style. But all that changed in 1955. The distinctive looks of the 1955 Chevrolet Cameo came from flat fiberglass side panels that gave the truck's bed a substantially sleeker look than any of its predecessors. It also started a trend of attractive trucks suitable for everyday transportation that was later popularized with the Ford Ranchero and Chevy El Camino, as well as virtually all light trucks available in today's market.
In a dramatic departure from the styling of contemporary pickups, the designers at Chevrolet used radically wrapped-around windshields and sheathed the steel stepside rear bed with smooth fiberglass covers. The wooden bed floor remained, but the tail gate was also sheathed in fiberglass. In a departure, a full three-piece rear bumper was used. With chromed ends, the painted center section folded down to reveal the hidden spare tire. This Cameo is a highly sought-after Custom Cab model that features a large wraparound rear glass. Its handsome looks are enhanced with an exterior visor, Blue Dot tail light lenes and wide whitewall 225/75R15 Coker Classic radial tires. The attractive red and white interior appears largely stock, but has been upgraded with seat belts, a retro-style modern radio and a smaller, but correct looking 16-inch steering wheel.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Rare 1 of fewer than 5200 Cameo's produced in 1955
Desirable Custom Cab with large rear glass
235ci Inline 6 (Rebuilt approx 1800 miles ago in 2020)
4 Speed Hydramatic automatic transmission
Dual Ford Motorcraft carburetors
Fenton intake and exhaust manifolds
Power steering
Front sway bar
Alternator conversion
Coker Classic wide whitewall radial tires
Retro-style modern radio
Visor
Powering this classic is a smooth-running 235 cubic inch ""Thriftmaster"" straight OHV six-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. The engine has been upgraded with a chrome valve cover, power steering, front sway bar, chrome alternator in place or the original generator and a Fenton dual carburetor intake manifold. The twin carburetors breath in through chrome air cleaners and the exhaust exits through a dual exhaust system fitted with rumbling Flowmaster FX mufflers with chrome tips.
According to www.truckworld.com, ""Cameos were a styling hit, but not in sales or production."" With sales at least partly held down by the novelty of a truck that looked good and a base price of well over $2,000, few buyers opted for the handsome hauler. In the end, fewer than 5,200 Cameos were sold in 1955 making them rare and highly coveted collectables today.
In exceptional condition, with great colors and carefully selected upgrades, this great looking and driving 1955 Chevrolet Cameo is a rare find. Call today!
