Part 2: GMC Development
Since the GMC is based on the same architecture as the Chevrolet, all GMC design proposals are limited to variations in grill, light, trim, paint and other aesthetic treatments. Interestingly, there were nearly twice as many GMC photos that I could find compared to the Chevrolets, several of which included some interesting design proposals.
-Early 1955
By the start of 1955, the overall design of the Task Force/Blue Chip trucks was complete, and GM was finalizing grill/trim treatments for the GMC. Shown here are the pre-production '55 grills and tailgates for the GMC.
GM also tested a proposed 100 Series Deluxe version of the GMC. In the photos below, you will notice this is the same truck from the color photo above, but with some custom touches.
-Late 1955
The '56 model year pickups showed little change from the '55 pickups, as seen here in these pre-production '56 GMCs. The biggest change for '56 was the introduction of GMCs version of the Cameo Carrier.
An interesting oddity among the photos I found was this truck. The caption stated that it had fleet trim, Chevrolet hood, and fleet grill, but no other information.
-Mid 1956
As with the Chevrolet, the GMC also received a revised grill for the '57 model year as seen here. GMC also built a concept version of the Cameo called the Palomino pickup.
-Mid 1957
In parallel with the Chevrolet, the GMC also received an extensive redesign of the front sheetmetal and styling treatments. These first few photos show the fleet grill/headlight option that GMC offered.
The standard pickups received the quad headlight setup that was also found on the Chevrolets.
Of course, GMC also had their version of the full width bed that they introduced in '58 as the wideside
-Mid 1958
By this time, GM design was focused on the 60-66 model, so the final year of the Blue Chip Series saw little development.
The development of the GMC line of trucks can be continued
here with the design of the 60-66 trucks. The next update to this thread will include promotional photography taken by GM throughout the production years for the Task Force and Blue Chip Series.