Task Force

Chevy had a new idea in 1955: Take the concept of a passenger car, with all of its comfort, and combine it with the ruggedness of an open-back utility vehicle. The result was the Cameo pickup truck. Complete with a new 12-volt electrical system, the Cameo offered full function for family use or farm duty from 1955 until 1959.

Franklin Mint did a ‘55 Cameo a while back, and this release is certainly based on the older model. Chevy Task Force fans will appreciate the changes made to bring this one out, for sure. Painted Omaha Orange with Ivory colored trim, this 3100 series pickup is visually stunning… really a pretty model, well worthy of display. The paint is what you’d expect from a high end diecast manufacturer; perfectly laid on without a drip or thin spot to be found. The chrome trim work looks new-truck good, from the egg-crate grille to the optional bumper guards installed at both ends. 

The bed is separated from the cab by the deluxe chrome trim that fills the gap; moving rearward, the slick fenders are dead on, and terminate in taillight pods with patterned lenses - they’ve even put in the trim between the red lens and the backup lights.  The tailgate opens effortlessly, and has two neat (and correct) wire stays installed. The bed has ivory sides, and it’s been lined with a chrome-stripped wood plank floor. I can’t imagine throwing dirt back here - but this was, after all, a truck.

First glance leads you to believe that this Cameo sits a bit high… not so. The well-sprung Ute did sit high in life; Franklin’s just passed the visual along. Wheels are no-name bias belted white-walls with a design that allows the orange from the steel rim to peek out. Cab work is very well done, with a sun visor above the windshield. Both the wraparound windshield and backlight are perfectly laid in, with weather stripped surrounds and photoetched wipers. The doors open on dog leg hinges, and they reveal a nicely executed interior with a single, tilt-back bench seat. The dashboard in front of it all is well done, too, using a combination of painted controls and individually molded knobs to replicate the panel.

Under the hood sits a nicely done 265 cubic inch / 145-horsepower V8 engine; FM’s deco’d the valve covers with “Chevrolet” scripts and a few well done, well-placed tampos. A clear blue washer bottle and a big old modern Delco battery hang tough on the firewall. Neat.

I guess I’m a sucker for these; it’s a gorgeous model that really does the job.  - CRM

Franklin Mint 1956 Chevy Cameo, edition of 2500, item B11F678, $135.00. The Franklin Mint, 800-THE-MINT / www.franklinmint.com.

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