Vehicle Description
When you think the words "different" and "Chevrolet", what comes to
mind? It's most likely NOT the acres of tri-fives, Camaros and
Corvettes sitting at the local swap meet. What about when you think
the words "cool" and "Chevrolet"? Well, that's pretty much all
classic Chevys, so I guess I need to be more specific. What happens
when you think "Chevrolet", "different" AND "cool"? Chances are
something akin to this awesome Chevy truck rolls through your mind.
Being a '50s bowtie, it's certainly cool. And being a low
production Cameo definitely makes it different. But what makes it
both different AND cool is the fact that it's a fully restored, low
production '50s bowtie that's available for what's essentially
cruiser money. Looking for an exclusive classic that doubles as an
awesome weekend warrior? Come in, sign this pickup's papers and set
out for the nearest car show!
BODYWORK/TRIM
The beneficiary of a detailed, frame-off restoration, this
impressive truck is one of the coolest Chevrolets on the market.
Its rock-solid panels sport a correct combination of Gypsy Red and
India Ivory 2-stage that highlights distinct style while shunning
'50s excess. While the Cameo was designed to appeal to more
sophisticated buyers than the average Chevy truck, it was still
intended as a working vehicle, and it's newly strengthened chassis
was heavily promoted in GM's 1955 marketing materials. That
adherence to strength and rugged execution makes for great panel
fit, which gives the sculpted body an expressly handsome profile.
And overall, this premier Task Force is a high quality classic
that's poised to turn heads.
Originally envisioned by GM designer Chuck Jordan, the Cameo
arguably began the American truck's decades-long march toward
car-like attributes, eventually spawning one of the market's first
legitimate crossovers: The El Camino. However, despite blending two
distinctly different styles of vehicle, the truck managed to mix
great detailing with excellent proportions. At the front of this
Chevy, a domed hood centers a tough Chevrolet crest above a
polished grille, chrome-trimmed headlights, bullet-style marker
lamps and a guarded bumper. Behind that hood, like-new glass rides
between polished stainless wipers, a color-keyed visor and polished
stainless frames. Beneath that glass, a sculpted profile
incorporates a combination of solid metal and lightweight
fiberglass under a small mirror, slim door handles, a traditional
fuel filler and color-keyed ornamentation. At the center of that
profile, a Gypsy Red bed seats clean wood planks under polished
stainless hardware. And at the back of that bed, a steel,
cable-operated tailgate centers a wide bowtie between stylish
taillights and a guarded, polished and painted bumper that's
designed to cleverly conceal the truck's spare tire.
ENGINE
Hoist the hood and you'll find 265 cubic inches of small block V8
that hangs a date-correct 3703524 casting number behind a
1955-exclusive "F" suffix stamp. At the top of the spry mill, an
oiled air cleaner funnels wind in to a big 4-barrel carburetor
that's sequenced to stainless lines, a small bowl and a reliable
Pierce pump. Below that juice box, a Chevy Orange intake perfectly
complements stamped, Chevy Orange valve covers. At the back of that
intake, a traditional points distributor shoots spark past cast
exhaust manifolds via 7mm Hi-Temp Radio Suppression Cables.
Opposite that distributor, a beefy radiator utilizes pliable hoses
and modern screw clamps to cycle water around a familiar pulley
fan. Details like a tagged Unit Parts generator and a modern
battery ensure this Chevy runs every bit as good as it looks. And
the engine's attractive frame is constructed of Satin Black fenders
and an India Ivory firewall.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Crawling under this sedate bowtie reveals a factory chassis that,
for the most part, appears weather-free. Power meets the pavement
through a correct Saginaw 3-speed, which is tied to a sturdy
10-bolt axle. Correct leaf springs and big drum brakes occupy all
four corners of the chassis, mixing rugged road prowess with firm
and solid stops. An aluminized, single-pipe exhaust system, which
is wired to a large muffler, runs the entire length of the truck.
And everything rolls on Gypsy Red steelies, which twist 215/75R15
Ironman Touring Pros around stainless, bowtie-branded wheel
covers.
INTERIOR
Slide inside this Chevrolet's fully restored interior and step back
into the simplistic and purposeful culture of 1950s America. The
vibrant red from the truck's body is carried onto 2-tone doors and
a 2-tone dash that's fitted with factory telemetry and a correct AM
radio. Opposite that dash, a wide and supportive bench features
tight vinyl surfacing. That seat is framed by fresh carpet, a small
headliner and color-keyed sun visors. And in front of the driver,
an aircraft-inspired steering wheel laps a polished bowtie
centerpiece.
If you're looking for something a little different than a
run-of-the-mill Chevy, this awesome Cameo is a fantastic choice.
Distinctive, comfortable and lovingly restored, it's a lot of fun
on the road OR at the show. Few classics make us want to just punch
out, grab the keys and hit the Carolina backroads. This is
certainly one of them!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a detailed, frame-off restoration
Correct 265 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
Correct 3-speed manual transmission
Correct India Ivory and Gypsy Red paint
Correct Red and Beige interior
15-inch steel wheels
1 of only 5,220 Cameos produced for the 1955 model year
