BROOKLIN AND THE 1955 CHEVROLET CAMEO PICK-UP

The 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pick-up (BRK 53) was first introduced in February 1995 and deleted in August 1999. The standard version is done in Bombay ivory with commercial red accents, red / white interior and red bed. Tyres are whitewall.

BLUEGRASS FARMS

In December 1995 Brooklin Models released a beautiful Pick-up and Horse Trailer set, based on vehicles that were commonly seen in the mid-50's on Kentucky stud farms. The set consists of a 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pick-up and the same Horse Trailer that was included in the 1994 C.T.C.S. Royal Mounted Police set (BRK62). Done in dark green and aluminium silver, this truck / trailer set displays authentic decals for Bluegrass Farms, located in Shelbyville, Kentucky, even the telephone number is indicated. A bale of hay and two pitch forks included in the Cameo's bed add a realistic touch to the model. Offered as a standard model, these Bluegrass Farm models were available only as a set.

CANADIAN TOY COLLECTORS SOCIETY

For 1995 the C.T.C.S. chose to continue their Canadian heritage theme with the issue of a 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pick-up in authentic Hudson Bay Company livery, celebrating the 325th Anniversary of the oldest company in North America. The Hudson Bay Company was established on May 2, 1670, and continues in business today. This Cameo Pick-up features a dark green body, apple green window surround, interior in tan and an arched simulated canvas top over the bed. Body decals include the Hudson Bay logo on the doors and the company name in white Old English script on a light green background. Immediately to the rear of the door, on the lower edge of the truck bed “Winnipeg, Manitoba” is printed. The red license plate reads “MANITOBA C.T.C.S. 95” and the base is engraved with “1 of 325”, since only 325 pieces were produced.

C.T.C.S. - GULF OIL

In 1997 Brooklin produced 25 Chevrolet Cameo tow trucks with Gulf Oil livery to be given to members of the C.T.C.S., the B.C.C. and the S.F.B.B.C. whose names were drawn at the 25th Annual "Greatest Collectors Toy Show" dinner in Toronto. These factory specials have bodies finished in yellow orange, with tow boom in matching color and brace in navy blue. GULF is found in violet on the doors, a red emergency dome adorns the brace, tyres are whitewall and "C.T.C.S. 1997" is found on the baseplate. Each model was accompanied by a numbered certificate signed by John and Jenny Hall.

FACTORY SPECIAL

The latest version of the 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pick-up was produced as a factory special in a limited quantity of 750. The model features a tonneau cover over the bed that is rolled back one-quarter of the way to reveal some of the cargo area. The Cameo is finished in a dark blue to match the American Speedboat (BRK71). It makes a fine tow vehicle for the boat and trailer. The words “The Last Cameo” are cast in base.

MOMACO

Sponsored by Momaco in 1997 this is the third in the Michelin series, a 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pick-up, beautifully converted into a wrecker truck. With the body and hoist boom finished in the familiar pale yellow, the complementing color is dark blue, used for the interior of the cab, the lining of the bed, the support frame for the boom and the rims of the wheels. Doors sport the Michelin name in the same dark blue, as well as the trademark picture of the balloon-bodied Michelin man rolling a tire, done in a lighter shade of blue. A cast figure of "Bibendum", the Michelin man, is included with the Cameo, strategically placed atop the support frame where he can survey and direct the towing procedures. Finishing details include a plated hook for attachment to the boom and a tow hitch. Just 500 were commissioned, produced and solely distributed by Momaco.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY BROOKLIN CLUB

The 1996 S.F.B.B.C. special was the Fisherman's Wharf 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Refrigerated Delivery. The body is done in ocean green, a color later seen on the '56 Cameo, with window surround in medium brown. The interior, seats and dash are done in a two-tone medium and rusty brown, with steering wheel in a very dark brown. The cargo box is done in metallic silver and is complete with compressor unit, running lights and double rear door. The seven-color logo, depicting the Franciscan Restaurant's monk with fishing pole and fish, is the creation of Roger Cairns. The Franciscan Restaurant has been a San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf landmark for forty years. Finishing touches include the restaurant's address in medium brown on the doors and license plates in blue. Just 200 pieces were produced.

SOHIO OIL

Brooklin Models released another factory special in April 1998, the 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pick-up as a Sohio Oil wrecker truck, finished in white, with boom in red and blue and topped by a red warning light. Interior is also finished in red and blue, red Sohio decals are on the doors and whitewall tyres are found on red wheels. On the rear side a decal reads ” Sohio Boron Supreme”. 1000 pick-ups were produced.

WESSEX MODEL AND TOY COLLECTORS

The W.M.T.C. 1995 selection was a 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pick-Up re-done as a 1956 model in one of the eight actual color combinations available that year, golden yellow / jet black. The secondary color was used only on the rear cab pillars and around the back window just as in the actual truck. License plates are black, the cargo bed is black and the interior is finished in black and yellow. Only a black sun shield across the top of the windshield lettered “W.M.T.C. 1995” proclaims this to be a Wessex (no key to be seen). This was the second W.M.T.C. Brooklin special not to be done in maroon. The model comes in a unique maroon box with a gold John Roberts drawing of the Cameo and the club logo on it. The 1956 varies from the 1955 with a different hood emblem and front fender name plates moved above the main body feature line. The W.M.T.C. Cameo comes with a separate plaque saying “BRK53X 1956 Chevrolet Cameo”. Only 200 models were produced.

Author: Gianluigi Cappi

You may find more pictures and information on this model plus many other Brooklin stories in the Brooklin Models Collectors Guide.