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.