I'll bet the lines and carb are original. The engine paint seems to be highly oxidized from age and cheap factory paint. The originals I have seen which have been protected by a heavy layer of oil and dirt have a much more lustrous, shiny appearance once cleaned up.
Even though it is absolutely "original", I would not use the engine in the 1.5 mile truck as a pattern for painting a 55 engine.
Carl

Last edited by 52Carl; 08/26/2015 2:22 AM.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission