Rare 1958 Chevrolet Cameo Apache: Two-tone Perfection
Styling wasn’t much of a concern in the early days of trucks. But Chevrolet changed the game with its Cameo pickups.
In the early days of the pickup truck, styling took a backseat to utility. Which is no surprise, really. Back then, people didn’t buy trucks for any other reason than that. Thus, trucks were essentially identical to their automotive counterparts, with the exception of a bed. But things began to change in the ’40s and ’50s, as truck builders like Chevrolet began to further differentiate the two. By 1958, trucks like this stunning Chevrolet Cameo Apache pickup represented the peak of that styling push.
The Cameo trim was actually one of the first “appearance packages” ever offered on a truck. Today, many consider them to be the most beautiful pickups ever built. And yet, few rolled off the assembly line any model year they were offered. This ’58, which is up for grabs at Mecum’s Las Vegas auction on November 15-17, is one of only 1,405 produced that particular year. And you’d certainly be hard-pressed to find one more perfect than this.
Even today, the unique styling of the Cameo is quite stunning to behold. Smooth, fiberglass bedsides were an industry first at the time, and they added a ton of visual appeal here. Any and every styling add-on of the era is present as well. That includes a sun visor, wide whitewall tires, and loads of chrome. And it’s all masterfully capped off with a gorgeous white and red two-tone paint job.
Of course, the wooden rails adorning the bed sides aren’t original. But they are a nice touch, sporting hand-painted graphics commemorating the 1958 Detroit Auto Show. Throw in an absolutely stunning interior, and you’ve got a truck that looks as good as it works. And arguably, represents an era of styling for Chevrolet (and everyone else) that might never be topped.
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