Article and photo by Bill Vance In the early days of trucking, pickup trucks were mostly spinoffs of passenger cars. Manufacturers simply cut off a car body behind the front doors, closed in the rear of the cab and attached a utility box to the frame. This was largely the form of these no-nonsense working vehicles during the 1920s and ’30s. Then during the 1940s, particularly after the Second World War, light half-ton trucks began to take on their own persona.

They evolved into larger, sturdier, purpose-built commercial cargo haulers, rather than extensions of the automobile line. But while they were rugged and utilitarian, little thought was given to luxury or style. They were still primarily basic transportation tools for farms, trades and businesses. That image began to change in the 1950s and if one vehicle could be called the originator of this movement it was the 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier.

There was also a companion GMC model called the Suburban which differed in trim and engine options. For 1955 Chevrolet brought out all new cars and trucks. The car got a wraparound windshield, egg-crate grille, “eyebrow” headlamps and high taillights. It projected a luxury aura and exhibited strong Cadillac influences. To go with this stunning style buyers could opt for the division’s outstanding new 4.3-litre (265 cu in.) short-stroke, 162-horsepower overhead valve V8 engine.

With the 180 horsepower Power Pack option available it was a dramatic departure from Chevy’s staid old “Stovebolt Six” image. When the year’s second series of Chevrolet trucks (the first series were carryover ’54s) appeared in March, 1955 it was apparent they had been influenced by the cars. Following the Chevrolet car’s styling theme they received wraparound windshields, egg-crate grilles, more substantial bumper and eyebrow headlamps.