The Chevrolet Cameo was introduced in 1955 and this particular example is one of only 5220 produced for this model year. It was Chevy's first attempt to build a limited production "Luxury Pickup truck.”
This California pickup started as rust free truck that has benefited from a fresh frame-off restoration that was completed in 2016. The exterior is completed in Phantom Black Pearl paint with nice chrome trim. The interior is complete with black and red leather upholstery. Also completing the interior is black carpeting and headliner. The all new oak decking with stainless steel hardware has been stained to complement the red leather interior. Interior upgrades include Ididit chrome tilt steering column with a '58 Impala steering wheel, Vintage Air air conditioning, reconditioned stock instrument panel and gauges with a Sun tachometer mounted to the steering column. The sound system is completed with RetroSound Apache AM/FM radio that is compatible with iPhone, Bluetooth and USB MP3/WMA playback. Supplying sound to the passenger cabin is five custom speakers and an amplifier.
Driveline includes a Heidts Mustang ll independent front suspension with rack and pinion power steering. Power disk brakes are fitted on the front, along with drum brakes on the rear. Power is supplied by a freshly built small block Chevrolet V-8 engine. The cylinder heads have been ported and polished; and a Comp Cams Thumper Cam, HEI ignition, chrome headers and a Weiand four-barrel intake and carburetor are equipped for optimal performance. Shifting gears is a GM 700-R4 automatic transmission that is coupled to a Ford 9-inch rear differential.
The wheels are 18-inch and 17-inch American Racing All-Aluminum Salt Flat wheels wrapped with BFG Radials that give the truck a stellar stance. The 18-gallon fuel tank has been relocated to the rear under the bed, with the filler tube concealed behind one of the LED taillights. The cab features new tinted glass; and all stainless and chrome trim has been polished, replaced or re-chromed.
This Cameo is the epitome "50's Cool". It is reported to drive nice, as well as sound superb. The entirety of combined elements make this truck turn heads everywhere it is driven. Since the build was completed, only 600 break-in miles have been clocked on the truck.