RARE 1/37 1989 Chevrolet S10 Cameo Syclone Typhoon SS Sonoma GT GMC Sport Truck

Price: - Item location: Long Beach, California, United States
Description:

1989 Chevrolet S-10 Cameo

You are looking at one of the rarest factory GM Sport Trucks, The Chevy S10 Cameo, only manufactured from 1989-1991, in extremely low numbers. This is the predecessor to the Sonoma GT, Syclone and Typoon. Being a 1989 Cameo (Full body kit unlike the lesser Cameo El) this is the rarest of Cameos with only 37 being produced for the year, with a total of 878 being produced over 3 years. This makes it more rare than a Typhoon, Syclone, S10 SS, and almost as rare as a Sonoma GT. Like the Sonoma GT or S10 SS, the Cameo did not receive a turbo or AWD, just a tuned suspension and good looking subtle body kit.
(PLEASE NOTE The last three pictures and the top of the first picture are for reference only, they are not of this truck, but of what a restored Cameo can look like with just a mild drop and nice set of wheels.)
The Cameo was produced in two different styles:
*The Cameo: Complete wrap-around ground effects package
*Cameo EL: Front and rear ground effects only.
The Cameo package included a sport suspension, complete ground effects kit, Cameo decals, rear roll pan, driving lights, high back bucket seats (Some models came with standard bench seat), and 15x7 rally wheels.
The RPO code of 5V4 shown on the glovebox sticker Identifies this as a real Cameo
"CAMEO" PACKAGE CAMEO PKG(5V4)
Chevrolet S-10 Cameo production numbers
Confirmed by Chevrolet
1989 Cameo 37 Produced
1989 Cameo EL 2,155 Produced
1990 Cameo 471 Produced
1990 Cameo EL 521 Produced
1991 Cameo 370 Produced
1991 Cameo EL 519 Produced
This is an original California truck with a clean title. It has the optional 4.3l V6 (which was not standard until 1990). While many other 89s will have a 4cyl motor. The truck runs, drives, and stops, and lights work. I drove it home an hour and half after purchasing it. That being said I believe the truck is due for a full mechanical and cosmetic overhaul and restoration. The main draw here is that the Cameo front bumper and ground effects are still present and in good shape. There is some minor damage (see photo) on the front bumper that can be easily repaired. All of the side ground effects are in perfect shape. Unfortunately the rear roll pan and small 1.5"x.5" or so tail gate molding is missing. I've been told the tailgate molding is commonly missing on these trucks, it is small and flat and can easily be recreated with basic metal or plastic fabrication skills. As far as the roll pan being missing, if you have to be missing one piece this is the one piece to be missing, as it also came on the Cameo Els, so there are over 4000 of them out there making it easier to find. Fortunately there are many aftermarket roll pans available for first gen s10s that will closely resemble the factory one. I do have a lead on a factory refurbished one for $400 that I will pass on to the winner of the auction. The 4 original wheels are still with the truck (one is not photographed as the tire is bad and the truck is currently on a spare, but it is included). The original high back bucket seats and center console are still present. I have a complete set of reproduction red/charcoal Chevrolet Cameo and bowtie graphics that will go with the vehicle. The body is mostly straight and this is a California truck and is not a rust bucket.
Known Issues.
  • The drivers window regulator is a bit wonky and the glass will not roll up straight unless you guide it.
  • I believe the heater controls are stuck on, I drove it home 90 minutes with outside temperatures over 80 degrees and I was cooking inside!
  • Hood and passenger fender are damaged but these are standard s10 items (replacements for 1st gen s10s are a dime a dozen, plus it's a good excuse for an aftermarket cowl hood) grille is also missing but is also a standard s10 grille. Hood is tricky to open in current state.
  • No radio
  • Previous owner told me engine was rebuilt, but he was not happy with it. Engine seems to run pretty well, but the check engine light will come on after driving it for a while. When the car is restarted it is off. Based on this, it will not pass CA smog until what ever is triggering the lite is addressed.
  • There are some small bolt holes on top of the bed rails (see photos) where either a camper shell or ladder racks were previously installed.

There are no doubt other issues that you will discover, this is a 28 year-old vehicle that needs a full mechanical and cosmetic overhaul/restoration. Despite these issues, this is a VERY rare vehicle and bound to be a collectors item, if you are looking for a first gen s10 to build or restore, this is one worth doing so!

Please review pictures to see the condition of the truck. I have tried to highlight the bad areas. I have included a couple pictures to show how good these trucks can look restored (The first and last two pictures are not of this truck, but of what a restored Cameo can look like with just a mild drop and nice set of wheels. Obviously the magazine articles are not of this specific truck either, nor are the magazines included)

I suggest having the truck towed/shipped because the suspension is tired and worn out, there is brake noise, and the registration is currently on CA Non-operational status. That being said if you live close to Long Beach, CA, you could very likely drive it home.

This is a no reserve auction, highest bidder will win, the starting bid is MORE than fair considering the rare body kit alone is worth AT LEAST that amount. Buyer arranges and pays for shipping. I will assist with pickup but vehicle must be picked up within two weeks of auctions close!

Please ask ALL questions PRIOR to bidding. You may call me at 714 425 5692 (PST 10am-10pm) with any questions. I can show the truck during the week as well if you wish to inspect in person. Please note I will not be with or near the truck during the last two days of the auction!

A $150 non refundable deposit is due within 24 hours of auctions close via paypal. Full payment is due within 72 hours of auctions end. If you will be having the vehicle shipped a cashiers check will be accepted, if you will be picking up the truck in person, payment shall be in cash.

Good luck and happy bidding!