1956 Chevrolet 3100 Cameo

Description

This 1956 Chevrolet Cameo is not only a looker, but it's also a proud member of a very pivotal class of vintage trucks. Coming along at a time when pickups were all about bare bones ruggedness and no-frills demeanors, the Cameo offered a styling sensibility that was previously reserved for passenger cars. With a slick red paint job, that killer factory smooth-sided bed, a powerful 350 V8 under the hood, and choice options that make driving this truck a dream, this is the truck to own if you like arriving in style.

The well-ornamented exteriors of the 'Task Force Series' trucks provides the first clue that Chevy had more than just reliable and functional transportation in mind when the Cameo was introduced to succeed the 'Advanced Design' pickup line in 1955. Shortening the design gap between car and truck (a line of thinking that later paved the way for the El Camino), this Cameo Carrier offers an abundance of period-correct style for a '50s era truck that blends in well with just the right amount of ruggedness. Take a look up front, where the smile-like visage of the wideset headlights and intricate 1956 grille sit over a sturdy front bumper and set the iconic tone. Step around to the side and see the sculpted doors, along with the smooth-sided bed that make these Cameos so unique. The red color is perfect for a truck of this vintage, offering a killer shine and deep luster with very few flaws and blemishes visible. Owing to its manufacturer's quest to equip it with as much car-like style as possible, there's also an impressive collection of chrome on display, and the brightwork and bumpers both fore and aft are in great condition. A large part of the Cameo's unique look was achieved by adding fiberglass panels to the Chevy's existing steel cargo-box, resulting in the incredibly stylish bed and tailgate you see before you. And inside that cool Art Deco bed is a finished, lightly-stained wood floor that's nice enough to have a dance party on, held together by bright chrome rub strips.

The beautifully restored red-and-white interior further shows that designers were trying to bring several automotive details over to the truck lineup. The patterned upholstery has a very 1950s look to it and shows minimal wear since the restoration was finished. Dark red carpets are in great shape and help insulate the cabin, and the headliner and the two-tone door panels soften things a bit. The instrument panel should look familiar to Chevy fans, with a V-shaped speedometer that is remarkably similar to the gauge panel found in the '57 Bel Air, beautifully integrated into the two-tone dash, just ahead of the factory steering wheel that feels great in the driver's hands. Options are scarce, but you do get power steering and power front disc brakes, an auxiliary temperature gauge, and a Hurst shifter with a cue ball knob that control the 3-speed manual gearbox below. Detroit's Golden Era is definitely represented inside this comfortable cab, so much so that you'll have to be pried out of the seats when it's time to put this Cameo back in the garage.