1956 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2-Ton

Chassis & Flat-Face Cowl
Chassis number: 3A560002614

The American truck was originally a utilitarian workhorse. In 1956, Chevrolet attempted to change all of that with the Cameo, a pickup truck that brought style and an attractive design. GM's all-new Task Force range of trucks was introduced in 1955 and served as a replacement for the venerable Advance Design series that was in production from 1947 through early 1955. The new styling featured a car-like grille and a wrap-around windshield. They were larger and more powerful, and they were also stronger and heavier duty in nature.

The 'Thiftmaster' inline-six cylinder engine was supplanted with the 265 cubic-inch V8, a first for General Motors pickups. The Task Force trucks were available with 6-, 7-, or 8-foot beds, power steering, power brakes, and a 12-volt electrical system. The interiors were larger and more accommodating, fitted with many accouterments to make using a truck more enjoyable.

The Cameo was considered the first pickup truck with car-like amenities and was marketed toward the suburban buyer. The wraparound front window, described by Chevrolet as the Sweep Sight Windshield, was an industry first.

This particular Chevy 3100 Pickup has been given a body-off restoration. It is finished in two-tone light green and a dark green pint. Power is from a 235 cubic-inch 6-cylinder Thriftmaster engine, and it rides on new correct BF Goodrich tires. It has a rare big back window cab, new tinted and shaded glass, side mount spare tires, and oak box floor and bed rails.

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