Janet Jackson needs no introduction. However, her vintage Chevy pickup truck, which just broke a pricey world record, might. Apparently, Janet Jackson had a crispy clean 1956 Chevy pickup. Amidst a massive 1,000-item auction, Jackson’s ‘56 Chevy went for a record-breaking sum. 

Why did Janet Jackson’s vintage Chevy pickup truck sell for so much? 

For starters, the 1956 Chevy pickup is clean. According to the auction house that ran the sale, Julien’s Auctions, Jackson’s 1956 Chevrolet 3100 Cameo 1/2-ton pickup has a 265ci V8 and 3-speed manual on the column. Clearly, this beautiful black Chevy has been completely restored to nearly perfect original condition.

The auction house notes that Chuck Jordon designed it as an upscale version of GM’s classic 3100 series. But, Jackson also deserves credit in the taste department. This vintage Chevy pickup truck has standard brakes and no power steering. It is typical to booger these trucks up with all manner of fancy modern doodads, and thankful Jackson steered clear of all that. 

1956 Chevrolet 3100 Cameo specs

The standard equipment on this up-list truck was the solid full hubcaps from the ‘55 Bel-Air, chrome taillights from a ’54 Bel Air, panoramic rear glass, deluxe interior including carpet, chrome, and radio. 

This vintage Chevy has all the bells and whistles. Along with all its chrome trim and fancy wheels, it comes equipped with the 265ci V8 making a modest 155 horsepower. The little V8 is paired with a 3-speed manual transmission, 2-barrel carburetor, electric wipers, heater, directional signals, external sun visor, front and rear bumper guards. 

Not only is this truck well-equipped and owned by a celebrity, but it is also quite rare. Only 1,452 of these trucks were ever made. Between those three things, a world record price isn’t so shocking.

How much is Janet Jackson’s 1956 Chevy pickup truck worth? 

The auction saw the final bid at an astounding $112,500. This is not only $70,000 higher than the estimated value, but according to Bloomberg, this is the most expensive one ever to sell. This sale price represents a whopping 43 percent premium over the market price for even the finest examples. 

While this might seem extreme for someone to spend so much more than these vintage Chevy pickup trucks are typically worth, the buyer is clearly a massive Jackson fan. Arlan Hamilton, the founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital. The firm’s mission is to invest in companies founded by women, people of color, and LGBTQI+ community members.

After purchasing the pickup, Hamilton took to Facebook live and, with tears in his eyes, said, “I did want to tell her that she has touched so many people’s lives, and she really is the reason I am standing here today.”

Does spending this much money for Janet Jackson’s vintage pickup truck make sense?

At the end of the day, the final bid was more than the market says these Chevy Cameos are worth. However, the rarity of the truck, along with the tasteful restoration and, most importantly, being owned by Janet Jackson, put this pickup into a completely different category than the rest of these trucks for Hamilton.