1957 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier Pickup

Chevrolet's Cameo Carrier Pickup was never a hot seller due to its high price, but it was important in bringing passenger-car styling elements into the truck world for the first time. It's forward-slanting windshield pillars on the "Panoramic" wraparound windshield combined with a new upper cab structure, hooded headlamps and shapely wheel openings gave way to form an all-new profile.

The Cameo's pickup box was a standard item, and fiberglass rear fenders broadened it to the same width as the front end. Like Chevrolet's cars of the day, the Cameo sported an eggcrate grille, wraparound front bumper, and a third more glass than the previous 3100 Series. Its interior also was more car-like , the dashboard being one example , sporting a fan-shaped speedometer and needle gauges, with a top finished in textured black to cut down on reflections.

The 1957 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier's accent trim included a horizontal band on each side of the pickup box, with a chrome bow-tie emblem at the leading edge and the word "Cameo" inside the painted strip.

The biggest improvement was it's new 265-cid V-8, tuned to deliver 145 bhp, more than the old "Stovebolt" six. It could be mated to any of five Transmissions : a three-speed, heavy-duty three-speed, three-speed with overdrive, four-speed, or Hydra-matic. Power steering and power brakes were also now available.

A "Custom Cab" package, with standard or wraparound backlight, gave buyers the choice to replace the optional corner windows of the Advance-Design trucks. Interiors could be upgraded with foam-padded seats, chrome knobs, dual armrests, and sun visors. Buyers could shop among 15 solid body colors, five two-toning colors, and four interior color combinations. The Cameo's pickup bed had bright moldings above and below the accent color and bright hubcaps with fluted trim rings. A chromed grille, headlight bezels, bumpers and guards, hubcaps and hood ornament also were available.

Unfortunately, the Cameo Carrier turned out to be somewhat lackluster in 1957, because only 2,572 were sold that year. This was partly due to the Cameo's competitors catching up. Ford Motor Company introduced its car-based Ranchero pickup with all the amenities of a coupe; Chrysler's Dodge division launched the D-100 Sweptside with a finned pickup box and flashy two-tone paint treatments; and International marked its 50th anniversary with a new smooth-sided A100 Custom pickup.

But today, the Cameo Pickups are still prized by collectors. Their unique style lends itself well to everything from a well restored stock to custom and hot rod treatments. No matter how you like yours, the Cameo Pickup will be loved and enjoyed for many years to come. Count on it!