Vehicle Description
This 1956 Chevrolet 3100 Cameo represents was a leap forward. After
all sixty-five years ago there were a select few who recognized
what we all now know today: trucks can have serious style. So when
you want the granddaddy of all V8 stylish haulers, you know this
restored Chevy is going to make them all take notice. There's even
an upgrade to an overdrive transmission to let you show it off near
or far.
Chevrolet wanted to give a select few customers the ability to have
extra price in their pickups. Sure, the 3100-series was durable,
but they also wanted to upgrade the style so that owners didn't
feel like the handyman of the neighborhood. So they threw in their
best elements, like a shining chrome front end, a car-like rear
bumper, and the premium wraparound big back window cab. Of course,
what made these so special were the fiberglass panels on the truck
bed that gave them the sleek lines close to a sports car. In fact,
the same facility making the Corvette's fiberglass body also was
responsible for these special side panels. The color combo here
brings the direct link to the early Vettes even closer. After all,
the first-year Corvettes were done in white with a red interior and
red trim. This one is particularly striking because you can see
there has been a solid investment in newer paint to keep this rare
classic shining bright. Plus, this has all the best classic
details, like a jet-inspired hood ornament, windshield sunshade,
side window drip guards, and Bel Air hub caps. And at the center of
that bright red bed is plenty of real pine lumber.
The Cameo's interior goes for more of the premium and upgraded
feel, too. The two-tone cloth and vinyl bench seat has more in
common with the Bel Air than the 3100-series truck, and the door
panels were done to match. Even the dash has this red and white
intertwined nicely. You get all your favorite vintage Chevy truck
elements, like the grippy three-spoke steering wheel and fan-style
gauge panel. Even the details are nice, like the classic traffic
signal viewer on the dash and the AM radio that's still there for
display. There are few subtle but worthwhile upgrades for keen
eyes. The seatbelts are a nice addition, and have you looked at the
gear selector yet?
The Cameo came along at the dawn of the small block era. So it's
great to see a classic V8 in the engine bay with the bold red
block, classic cursive script valve covers, and an oil bath air
cleaner on top. But this truck is carrying a little secret, the
motor is a larger 283 cubic-inch V8 that wouldn't be available
across the Chevy line until the next year. This upgraded V8 fires
up nicely and runs strong. So it makes a great pairing with the
upgraded four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Rarity is assured with this pickup. Chevrolet produced 1,460 Cameo
Carriers in 1956, and by comparison, they made nearly two and a
half times more Corvettes that year. So when you have the
opportunity at something distinguished, radiant, and subtly
upgraded to be a better driver, you know you don't want to let it
slip away. Call today!!!
