1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier

Pickup

Chevy's new-for-1955 Task Force pickups were very attractive, but the Cameo Carrier version took truck styling to a whole new level. Looking like a Motorama concept, the production Cameo Carrier is widely considered the first-ever 'luxury' truck. The application of Jet Age styling to a pickup was groundbreaking and served to influence truck designs for the rest of the decade.

The key to the Cameo Carrier's smooth, integrated styling was the use of bolt–on Fiberglas 'faux' fenders that concealed a standard pickup bed. A Fiberglas tailgate cover completed the masquerade. Other upscale features included a healthy dose of chrome and a special interior. Initially, the only color scheme was Bombay Ivory with Commercial Red trim. The standard power plant was a 235 cubic-inch six-cylinder, but Chevy's new 265 cubic-inch VB was optional, as was a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

These good looks came with a stiff price premium, and sales were slow. The Cameo made its final appearance in 1958. It was replaced midyear by a new steel-box Fleetside pickup, which offered better function and most of the beauty at a far more reasonable cost.

This Cameo Carrier was rescued from a used-car lot, by the current owner, in 1982. It was initially intended to be a parts vehicle for his other Cameo Carrier. Subsequently, it was deemed to be the better of the two, and was treated to a full restoration that was completed in 2012.

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