GM dominated the automotive market so thoroughly by the mid-1950s that their biggest concern was an antitrust suit that could split the divisions into separate companies. In this era, it seemed that every styling risk, engineering feat and new model they attempted turned about very well for them, and they just continued to grow. GMs radically different approach to the standard pickup truck was no exception. Introduced in 1955 and continued through 1958, the Cameo was truly an important piece of automotive history.

Although the Cameo is not a complete model of its own, it is a highly customized version of the Deluxe Chevy Stepside pickup. It was fitted (from the factory) with fiberglass fenders and a fiberglass tailgate surrounding the narrow bed. Hubcaps and special taillights were styling cues normally found on Chevrolet cars that were added to the Cameo giving it a special look. The previously mentioned features were obvious; however, the most inventive part of this truck was the rear bumper – made of fiberglass and consisting of seven different parts. The rear bumper opened to reveal a spare tire compartment that sealed the spare from road elements.

The example presented here is finished in Cardinal Red and Bombay Ivory with a two-tone red and white interior and was restored four years ago. It is highly optioned with a 283 cubic inch V-8 complete with two-barrel carburetion, the rare Hydra-Matic transmission, radio, heater and chrome mirrors. The bed is attractively finished in oak and chrome. This Cameo is well presented with very few miles since restoration and is ready for show or drive.