Franklin Mint 1956 Chevrolet Cameo Pick-up

The Mint has previously issued five Chevy Cameo pickup trucks. All 1955 versions, they morphed into various configurations from the initial 1997 release date. This diecast is their first 1956 model year Cameo. Believe it or not, each formerly issued ’55 was either red or has red involved in the paint scheme. This latest iteration is a glorious Omaha Orange featuring contrasting Ivory white paint. Adding to the beautiful paint job is an orange and white interior, white inner bed sides and tailgate and period-scale white wall tires.

The detail level of the model, especially from a 1997 base, is excellent. The interior is done exceptionally well; the dash has much fine detailing and the seats are textured in orange and white. The seat folds forward and the inner door detail is terrific. The bed floor is genuine wood veneer but is overshadowed by the cool way TFM engineered the opening tail gate and spare tire door. Both are tethered by twin metal cables, scaled in size and both work flawlessly when opened and then closed. The spare is also removable.

The metal antenna is scaled well and the engine compartment is done very nicely for an older tooling. Wires and cabling are crafted well and the sticker applications are remarkably well fashioned. The chassis is done with equal passion; working suspension and a view that shows off a simulated wooden bed bottom, and leaf and coil spring components. Like some of the earlier releases, there are no vent windows within their frames but it’s easily overlooked given the vintage of the model. Overall, this is a very pleasing diecast whether you are a truck fan or not. It is a limited production run of 1500.

-Tony F Perrone