1957 Chevrolet Series 3100

The Chevrolet 'Advance-Design' series was the first major redesign in the post-World War II era. It was advertised as strong, sleeker, and bigger in comparison to the AK Series which it replaced. The Advance-Design series was available from Saturday, June 28th, 1947, through March 25th, 1955. During that time, they were the number one in sales in the United States. The aging Advance-Design was then replaced by the Task Force Series, which ran from late 1955 through 1959. Their GMC siblings were called the Blue Chip Series.

One of the prominent features of the Task Force series was an industry-first wraparound front windshield. The Task Force Series II brought modern features such as a 12-volt electrical system and an available V8 engine.

Even though the 1957 Chevy truck models changed little from the prior year, they could be distinguished by the two raised spears on the hood bulge. 1957 was the final year for the open grille on the Task Force trucks, which were redesigned for 1958. Most of the 1957 models featured the proven and durable inline-6 cylinder engine. The V8 was a cost option, and for many, the inline-6 was more than enough engine for a practical truck like the Chevrolet.

by Dan Vaughan

Cameo Pickup
Chassis number: V3A57L105020

The second post-war generation Chevrolet Cameo was introduced on March 25th, 1955, and it made automotive styling history by incorporating car-like lines into the pickup bed exterior. Sales were sluggish mostly due to high prices, which translated into low production figures.

The Model 3124, dubbed the Cameo, was designed by Charles Jordan and would be the foundation of what would later become known as the SUV. One of the most innovative features of the cameo was a widened cargo box and the lack of pontoon fenders that had previously been standard on all pickups.

In 1957, Chevrolet produced just 2,572 examples of the Cameo. This vehicle was given a restoration in late 2002. The following year, it was acquired by its current owner. The car is finished in a blue and cream two-tone paint scheme, a revised double-trapezoid chrome grille, chrome wheel accents and rear fender moldings.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Az. It was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $60,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $34,100, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Cameo Pickup
Chassis number: 3A57K134288

This particular example has a pair of two-barrel carburetors on a Weber intake manifold, adding improved performance to the 261 CID 6-cylinder Task Force. The engine is mated to a GM 700R 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Power steering and power front disc brakes are two more drivability upgrades. The sandcast Wayne valve cover is a period-correct finishing touch under the hood.

The truck was given a comprehensive body-off-the-frame restoration and has logged just over 3,000 miles since the work was completed. It has a new Cameo trim-level interior, new wood bed and show rails, and a rich paint finish in Tropical Turquoise with Shoreline Beige accents. A sun visor and wide whitewall tires complete the like-new 1957 look.

by Dan Vaughan

Cameo Pickup
Chassis number: V3A57J110624

The Chevy Cameo Carrier was developed under the supervision of Luther Stier, head of Chevrolet's truck studio, but it was a designer named Chuck Jordan who deserves much of the credit. Chuck Jordan and Bob Phillips, both designers at Chevrolet Truck, were responsible for much of the front-end styling, and the interior was the work of Drew Hare, then chief designer for truck interiors.

The Cameo Carrier, introduced with Chevrolet's 'second series' 1955 trucks in March 1955, was available only in white, with red accents between the side windows and the wrap-around rear window. The inside of the box was also red. For 1956, eight different colors became available and choices were broadened again in 1957. In the Cameo's final year, 1958, it used that year's updated cab with quad headlights and a revised trim scheme.

Chevrolet produced just 2,240 Cameos in 1957. This particular example has been fully restored and is powered by the 265 V8 mated to a three-speed transmission. It is finished in blue and white with a white and blue plaid interior. The bed is lined with oak planking and stake sides.

by Dan Vaughan

Suburban

Chevrolet pioneered the 'truck wagon' concept in the mid-1930s with the introduction of the rugged Carryall Suburban. Offering supreme versatility for passengers, cargo, and trailering, the Suburban is the longest-running Chevrolet nameplate and is generally recognized as the first American sport-utility vehicle.

The Suburban was completely redesigned in 1955, with minor updates occurring in 1956 and 1957. It was a sleek design that used covered 'Safety Steps' to replace the exposed running boards of earlier models. The twin ornamental wind splits on the hood made a visual connection to the styling of the 1957 Chevrolet passenger car. Buyers could choose from a 235 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine or an optional 265 cubic-inch V8.

This 1957 Suburban is the result of a nine-year off-the-frame restoration. It is finished in its original hue of Cardinal Red and is equipped with the available V8 engine.

Pickup
Chassis number: 3A57K134762

This 1957 Chevrolet 3100 Stepside pickup is powered by a 235 cubic-inch engine mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. It features a rare side-mounted spare tire and a solid oak bed with stainless steel trim. It has been refurbished in the original colors of Pure White and Cardinal Red. Interior features include all-new period-correct upholstery, seat, carpet, headliner, dash gauge cluster, and original GM Tube AM radio with an external speaker mounted on the roof pillar. It has all chrome bumpers, grill, glass, and brightwork. It has period-correct headlights, trim, front turn signals, and a battery.

by Dan Vaughan

In mid-1955, Chevrolet introduced its Cameo Carrier pickup truck, which would later help pave the way for the El Camino. The Cameo was a variation of the company's light-duty pickup and offered several car-like features that included passenger-car styling. In the back were fiberglass fenders, two-tone paint, and a relatively luxurious interior. A V8 engine was available, as were the automatic transmission and park assists. Design features included forward-slanting windshield pillars on the 'Panoramic' wraparound windshield and hooded headlamps. Chuck Jordan, former head of GM Design, is credited with giving the truck's rear fenders the same width as the front end, producing a flow-through appearance. In the front were an egg-crate grille and wraparound bumper. Inside the truck were a fan-shaped speedometer, needle gauges, and two-tone upholstery.

During the Cameo Carrier's introductory year, sales were not great, partly due to its relatively high price.

Mechanically, the Cameo had several improvements over other light-duty trucks, including a new frame, wide track, and longer leaf springs. The wheelbase was shorter by two inches, measuring 114 inches. Under the bonnet was a 265 cubic-inch V8 rated at 145 horsepower. Gearboxes included a three-speed, heavy-duty three-speed, three-speed with overdrive, four-speed, or Hydra-Matic.

Several options were available, including power steering and brakes, a 'Custom Cab' package, chromed grille, headlight bezels, bumpers and guards, hubcaps, and hood ornament.

The Cameo Carrier Pickup continued through 1958, signaling the end of this costly pickup truck / passenger car experiment. 1958 would also begin a new numbering system for Chevrolet trucks: 30 for light-duty vehicles, 40-50-60 for medium-duty, and 70-80-90-100 for heavy-duty. The 30 series was also known as the 'Apache' line.

The Cameo Carrier was an important vehicle for Chevrolet and the motor-vehicle industry. It would provide the foundation of what would later become known as the SUV. For Chevrolet, it was the forerunner of the El Camino. The Cameo Carrier had car-like lines and a smooth and elegant design.

In February of 1958, the Cameo Carrier was replaced by the all-new Fleetside bodies. They had full-width rear bodywork, chrome grilles, bumpers, and trim. In total, just 1,405 examples of the 1958 Cameo Carrier were produced.

by Dan Vaughan