Our feature Truck of the Month Series is well known for the very unusual. So, here we go again!
Cameos of the mid-1950’s are now rarely seen, however this example was even quite unusual when you could place an order at the Chevrolet dealer 65 years ago. Not only is it one of the country’s top unrestored Cameos, it has a standard six cylinder engine and the expensive optional Hydra-Matic 4 speed automatic transmission.
The owner is Kevin Rantuccio in Fort Augustine, FL, a serious collector of limited production GM gentleman pickups. The only change Kevin knows in this Cameo is a re-paint in 1978. Even the interior, though showing its age, is what came off the assembly line. The odometer shows 72,000 miles. That’s only 1,077 miles/year!
The color is Indian Turquoise and Bombay Ivory, exactly as GM designed it. Even the yellow pine bed wood was given the same gloss black as all other GM Stepsides had through 1978. The inner off white bed sides are proof these pickups were not sold to work in the field or haul store merchandise.
It appears there are two options, a Hydra-Matic transmission and the front bumper guards. White wall tires were optional and the earlier owner did not see a need.
The following are some of the photos received from Kevin. We have added some text by them to better describe the unique parts on a mid- 1950’s Cameo.
Kevin has followed its history as far as the mid-1970’s. Then it was owned by Danny Alderson in Oklahoma. He was for a time, president of the National Cameo Club. Another important person during the 1978 repaint and making any corrections he saw was Dennis Albertson from the early Classic Cameo and GMC Suburban Pickup Club. At the time he was considered one of the most knowledgeable enthusiasts being sure everything was 100% for this 1957 Cameo.
NOTE: Unfortunately these clubs are no longer active! Any takers on organizing the club again?
These trucks are much more popular 50 years later than when the clubs were in existence. Gathering owners together and keeping them should not be so difficult in today’s world.
The accessory bumper guards are in place . 
Great color combination.
Doesn't this view tell you "Do not carry merchandise"? 
Couldn't be any more like it left the factory!
No one sits on this gate! 
This close-up of the right rear shows the influence of a top-of-the-line passenger car.
See how the long 6 foot side trim strips terminate at the end. 
The side plate and front bedside trim. All fits together perfectly.
This chrome side plate shows the world it is a Chevrolet. 
Yes, the gas cap is always the color of the cab. Cameos did not use chrome caps.
The GM round mirror head does not attach in its center. The arms are painted black! 
Lower hinge area on drivers side noted for rust. None here, ever!
The seat upholstery color and right door was picked up incorrectly by the camera. They are actually Charcoal as the lower dash. 
The beginning of safety additions.
A. Non reflective dash top paint.
B. First year for recessed steering column to better
protect driver from a sudden stop.
C. Note: Black, blank-out plug because of no choke
cable on a Hydra-Matic.
This little "shift window" shows there is no clutch pedal. 
One of GM's greats! This 235 six cylinder does the job. Note the tan automatic choke tube due to the Hydra-Matic.
Kevin can be contacted at: Cameogold@gmail.com
