COE-Converted 1955 Chevy Cameo Truck Demanded a Custom Chassis and 409 Muscle
The 1955 Chevrolet Cameo is a remarkable factory light-duty truck that stands out even in today’s world of specialized pickup trucks. However, one particular Cameo takes uniqueness to another level with its cab-over-engine (COE) conversion.
At first glance, this ’55 Chevy Cameo may deceive you into thinking that your eyes are playing tricks, thanks to its unusually short nose. But as you approach the pickup, its cabover transformation becomes more apparent.
Recently, this vehicle made an appearance at a car event in Puyallup, Washington, where an enthusiast named Dezzy, also known as dezzysspeedshop, captured the reinvented truck on camera. Before delving into the specifics of this particular unit, let’s take a moment to understand what makes the Cameo special in general.
What sets the 1955-1958 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier truck apart? The revolution of Chevy pickup trucks began with the post-war Advance Design series, which introduced car-like features such as automatic transmission to the workhorse genre. However, Chevrolet completely overhauled its lineup for the 1955 model year. While the Tri-Five cars represented a revolution in the passenger car segment, Chevrolet’s Task Force pickup trucks dominated the utility segment. 
The Tri-Five trucks brought numerous enhancements, including a wider range of V8 engines, wraparound windshields, 12-volt electrical systems, two-tone color schemes, and an abundance of chrome trim. However, those seeking a truly standout truck were offered the Cameo package.
Sold under the name “Cameo Carrier,” this package was primarily focused on aesthetics but pushed boundaries to impress. It began with fitting the standard step-side bed with fiberglass panels from the same company that produced the first Corvette bodies—Moulded Fiberglass, based in Ohio. However, this particular ’55 Chevy Cameo, with its COE conversion, does not retain the original factory design.
The bed was visually distinguished from the cab by a chrome ring, while other features included contrasting body accents and bold wheel covers. Optional extras consisted of power steering, a concealed spare tire carrier behind the bumper, and an automatic transmission.
During its debut year in 1955, Cameos were only available in white with red accents, reminiscent of the early Corvettes. However, the color palette expanded to eight options in 1956, growing with each subsequent year. 1958 marked the end of the line for these trucks.
Although these high-end trucks were not widely appreciated at the time, resulting in only 10,320 units produced over the four-year span, they have become highly sought-after collectibles in present times. A well-preserved example can easily command a price of around $70,000, with certain models even surpassing the $100,000 mark in recent years.
Now, let’s talk about this particular ’55 Chevy Cameo, which is truly something extraordinary. Its value likely exceeds six figures due to the COE conversion, a layout that was never offered from the factory and necessitated a custom chassis. And don’t be fooled by the conventionally-positioned door handles; these are suicide doors.
We also catch a glimpse of the interior, which showcases the distinctive COE layout—a rare sight in today’s automotive landscape. The classic cabin retains a minimalist design, featuring brown leather and chrome accents.
The presence of a two-pedal setup suggests an automatic transmission. The oversized rear wheels, wrapped in street-legal Mickey Thompson rubber, are driven by a 409 cubic inch (6.7L) engine. While the specific details of the engine are not provided by the enthusiast who spotted the truck, a commenter on the Instagram post mentioned the presence of a V8 powerplant.
This 1955 COE Chevy truck is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail, as evidenced by the enthusiast’s comment about the “mile-deep” paint on the vehicle. It is clear that preserving the custom work was of utmost importance.
In conclusion, the COE-converted 1955 Chevy Cameo truck stands out as a rare and exceptional vehicle. Its cabover transformation, coupled with the unique custom chassis and powerful 409 engine, elevates it to a level of desirability and value that surpasses the already coveted stock Cameo trucks. This remarkable piece of automotive history demonstrates the enduring allure of classic trucks and the creativity of automotive enthusiasts.
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