 Thom Taylors illustration...  Thom Taylors illustration provides an at-a-glance guide to 1955 through 1959 pickukps. |
 The &821755 Chevy pickup...  The &821755 Chevy pickup was a real head-turner when it made its debut. The styling was radically different compared to the postwar stylings that preceded it. |
 Not much changed for the 1956...  Not much changed for the 1956 model, but some subtleties helped identify it. For example, the fender emblem moved above the crease. |
 The grille gained a new "wide...  The grille gained a new "wide mouth" design on the 1957 model. |
 Dual headlights characterize...  Dual headlights characterize the 1958 and 1959 models. This 1959 model&8217s chrome grille helps show the different styling. |
 As this 1958 clearly shows,...  As this 1958 clearly shows, Chevrolet maintained its commitment to change with every new model year. |
This spotter's guide is the first in a series we plan to run in Custom Classic Trucks to help our readers better identify the unique characteristics of different brands and model years of American trucks.
We commissioned famed automotive illustrator, artist, truck builder (Center Line's F-100) and all-around industry insider Thom Taylor to research and illustrate some significant generations of trucks.
This spotter's guide focuses on '55-'59 Chevrolet trucks. The Task Force trucks, which were the first pickups available with V8 engines, were significant in kicking off the sporty image of trucks. Body styling became an important issue, and these trucks introduced options for truck owners to customize their haulers.
Release of the first '55 truck was delayed enough that, until the new models were ready, Chevy had to continue selling the previous model as a '55. These leftover trucks were dubbed First Series, while the radically modern new trucks were called Second Series. This led to confusion that remains to this day.
Not only did Chevrolet decide to update the styling with the '55 model, in an effort to bring attention to the commercial line, the company also decided to make changes each year throughout the life span of the model.
The five-year span of the Task Force trucks brought about the Cameo, the Fleetside, the El Camino and the longbed. Pickups traditionally had not been treated to creature comforts, but Chevy changed all that with the availability of hooded headlights, wraparound windshields, stylized grilles, big rear windows, chrome bumpers, two-tone paint, metal sunvisors (outside), dial foglights and even an AC/DC shaver.
The Thriftmaster 235ci inline-six was the standard engine for all five years. But during that time there was widespread excitement about the availability of the Trademaster V8. During the '55-'57 model years, the 265 was available. For the '58-'59 model years, manufacturers offered the 283. Five transmission options were available: a three-speed, a heavy-duty three-speed, an overdrive, a four-speed manual and a four-speed Hydramatic. The rear axles available included the 3.90:1 or 4.11:1 with overdrive for 1/2-tons and the 4.57:1 for 3/4-ton trucks.
One of the most significant developments at Chevrolet was the Cameo truck. This fiberglass-fendered styling exercise was so dazzling when it debuted that people instantly realized the importance it carried with it. Chevrolet built 10,000 Cameos during the four years it produced them. Each Cameo sported flush bed sides, a jazzy tailgate assembly and a new rear bumper (which incorporated a tire carrier).
During the '58 model year, Chevrolet introduced the first Fleetside body style. The bed featured double walls, and the tailgate used chains to hold it in a horizontal position while owners loaded cargo into the truck. By the '59 season, the Fleetside had outshone the Cameo, but then the exciting new El Camino made its debut. And that, as we say, is a whole other story....