Vehicle Description
This 1956 Chevrolet Cameo is not only a looker, but it's also a
proud member of a very pivotal class of vintage trucks. Coming
along at a time when pickups were all about bare bones ruggedness
and no-frills demeanors, the Cameo offered a styling sensibility
that was previously reserved for passenger cars. With a slick red
paint job, that killer factory smooth-sided bed, a powerful 350 V8
under the hood, and choice options that make driving this truck a
dream, this is the truck to own if you like arriving in style.
The well-ornamented exteriors of the 'Task Force Series' trucks
provides the first clue that Chevy had more than just reliable and
functional transportation in mind when the Cameo was introduced to
succeed the 'Advanced Design' pickup line in 1955. Shortening the
design gap between car and truck (a line of thinking that later
paved the way for the El Camino), this Cameo Carrier offers an
abundance of period-correct style for a '50s era truck that blends
in well with just the right amount of ruggedness. Take a look up
front, where the smile-like visage of the wideset headlights and
intricate 1956 grille sit over a sturdy front bumper and set the
iconic tone. Step around to the side and see the sculpted doors,
along with the smooth-sided bed that make these Cameos so unique.
The red color is perfect for a truck of this vintage, offering a
killer shine and deep luster with very few flaws and blemishes
visible. Owing to its manufacturer's quest to equip it with as much
car-like style as possible, there's also an impressive collection
of chrome on display, and the brightwork and bumpers both fore and
aft are in great condition. A large part of the Cameo's unique look
was achieved by adding fiberglass panels to the Chevy's existing
steel cargo-box, resulting in the incredibly stylish bed and
tailgate you see before you. And inside that cool Art Deco bed is a
finished, lightly-stained wood floor that's nice enough to have a
dance party on, held together by bright chrome rub strips.
The beautifully restored red-and-white interior further shows that
designers were trying to bring several automotive details over to
the truck lineup. The patterned upholstery has a very 1950s look to
it and shows minimal wear since the restoration was finished. Dark
red carpets are in great shape and help insulate the cabin, and the
headliner and the two-tone door panels soften things a bit. The
instrument panel should look familiar to Chevy fans, with a
V-shaped speedometer that is remarkably similar to the gauge panel
found in the '57 Bel Air, beautifully integrated into the two-tone
dash, just ahead of the factory steering wheel that feels great in
the driver's hands. Options are scarce, but you do get power
steering and power front disc brakes, an auxiliary temperature
gauge, and a Hurst shifter with a cue ball knob that control the
3-speed manual gearbox below. Detroit's Golden Era is definitely
represented inside this comfortable cab, so much so that you'll
have to be pried out of the seats when it's time to put this Cameo
back in the garage.
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In addition to everything else it offers, this is also a very
road-ready classic truck. The Goodwrench 350 V8 crate engine below
the hood is running strong, armed with a couple of performance
goodies that really kick up the horsepower and torque. There's an
Edelbrock 4-barrel carb mounted atop a performance intake,
long-tube headers at the flanks, and an HEI ignition/distributor
that fire it all up with ease. It's all presented very nicely, with
finned aluminum valve covers and matching air cleaner for added eye
candy and it sounds great through those headers that feed the
Flowmaster dual exhaust system that terminates under the rear
bumper. The powerplant combines with a 3-speed manual transmission,
and it spins a heavy-duty factory rear end filled with that brings
that torque curve to life. Power steering makes this well-restored
classic truck easy to navigate, power front disc brakes ensure it
stops on a dime, and it turns heads on its set of 15-inch steel
wheels adorned with chrome hubcaps wrapped with Coker wide
whitewall radials.
This 1956 Chevrolet Cameo represents a unique chapter in passenger
truck evolution, and with its awesome upgrades and unique pedigree,
it's one of the coolest classic trucks you'll ever come across.
Call today!
