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1957 Chevrolet Cameo Is an Open-Checkbook Piece of Rolling Sunset

1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange 12 photos
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange1957 Chevrolet Cameo Sunset Orange
Shortly after Chevrolet stopped making the Advance Design series of pickup trucks that were the backbone of its workhorse fleet in the late 1940s, the American carmaker introduced the Task Force series. Just like its predecessor, the new family had everything it needed to satisfy the needs of Americans in need of hauling stuff. But it had something else too, a certain appeal that still makes it a topic for conversation and subject to impressive sales even today, 65 years after production ceased.
The Task Force is, like many other trucks of old, a favorite of the custom industry, especially those versions of it that in reworked form constantly surface on auction blocks across America.

We came across such a truck this week too, and it's an example so exciting it'll make you forget all about modern-day pickup trucks. Born in 1957, it was taken care of by a number of specialized garages (including Stanford Design and Gabe's Street Rod) to such a degree that it became an instant award winner.

The truck was put together with no care for expenses (or an open checkbook, as its present-day owner says), and what resulted is a clear effect of that approach.

The truck's original chassis was modified with Total Cost Involved (TCI) components, including a stainless 4-link system with adjustable coilover shocks and sway bars on both ends. Braking hardware of the power disc variety has been fitted on all four wheels.

Over that chassis sits the usual body of a Cameo, only modernized to make it a real eye-catcher. The bumpers have been shaved, just like the trim and door handles (the latter replaced by power door releases).

The color chosen for the bodywork comes from House of Kolor and it's called Sunset Orange. The delightful hue is offset by airbrushed side trim meant to replicate the one Chevy installed on Bel Airs from the same model year.

Smoked glass has been installed all around (including an impressive one-piece rear one), shielding from curious eyes an interior in two-tone gray leather on the seats and door panels. The truck was modernized with the fitting of a custom stereo system and aftermarket gauges.

The Cameo moves on Intro 17-inch wheels courtesy of an LS6 engine that is 454ci in capacity. The powerplant is no longer stock, as it has been modified to deliver 500 horsepower through an automatic transmission with overdrive and a Currie 9-inch rear. A Flowmaster exhaust system handles the truck's breathing needs.

We found the truck waiting to be sold on the lot of vehicles auction house Barrett-Jackson will be sending under the hammer at the end of the week. We're told the Sunset Orange wonder is selling as a multi-award-winner restomod, and holder of the Best in Show title at the Oakland Roadster Show.

The Cameo is listed as going to sell with no reserve and no mention of financial expectations is made.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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