The History of the Chevy Cameo & Our '58 Cameo Project
When you think of Texas, the pickup truck surely follows close behind. After all, what country song isn't best heard with the windows rolled down while speeding down country highways beneath the wide western sky? But not all trucks are built the same -- and that is especially true when it comes to 1950s era Chevy trucks like the Cameo.
Many auto buffs considered the 1950s as a sort of golden age for General Motors, especially with the introduction of the new V8 Chevy engine that propelled the brand to new heights. It was a decade of innovation and in 1954 future vice president Chuck Jordan brought the design for an innovative luxury truck to the desks of the Chevy execs. The design was a success and within a year the Cameo Carrier rolled out of Detroit.
The Special Sauce of the Chevy Cameo
Advertisements for that first 1955 Chevy Cameo Carrier boasted its combining 'dazzling beauty and rugged utility'. The model featured a smooth-sided, 6.5-foot-long cargo bed atop a 114-inch wheelbase. While the base trims featured the durable 235-cid six-cylinder engine, buyers could opt to swap it out with the more exciting 265-cid V8. This year the model was only offered in bright Bombay Ivory that was contrasted with a B-pillar and inner truck bed painted Commercial Red. On the inside, luxury accents reigned with a matching two-tone dash and bench seat, full carpeting, and radio.
Production for the Chevy Cameo continued on until early 1958, with just a touch over 10,000 units sold across all its year models. The unique thing about this truck is that while some went on to be enjoyed as consumer vehicles, other owners saw this model as a premier hot rod build. In fact, NASCAR favorite Smoke Yunick once modified and raced an aero enhanced 1957 Chevy Cameo pickup at the Daytona Beach NASCAR speed trials and set new class records. Today, Chevy Cameos are popping up at auto shows across the country thanks to their versatile design and classic good looks.
CHRA's 1958 Cameo Pickup Build
Here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, we have our own classic Cameo getting some big custom attention. Check out this work-in-progress 1958 Cameo pickup The truck came in,in fairly good condition but we operate on the premise that all things can be improved with a little elbow grease! Part of its restoration work includes a new Roadster Shop Chassis, an enhanced 427 big block Chevy engine, Vintage air, and a whole lot of custom sheet metal work that'll include a lowered stance for a more street-ready hot rod appearance.
Learn More About Chevy Classics, and Get Started with Your Project at CHRA
Whether you want to learn all about the Cameo or want to bring your classic Chevy in for a custom paint job, our team is here for you! Contact us today to learn more.