Finished in bright red with a contrasting white roof, this 1957 Chevrolet Nomad blends iconic Tri-Five styling with a variety of upgrades aimed at improving performance, comfort, and long-distance drivability. The wagon has been fitted with a Chevrolet 400 cubic inch V8, Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection, a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and air conditioning.
The Nomad's distinctive ribbed tailgate trim, slanted B-pillars, sweeping fins, and expansive side glass set it apart from every other Chevrolet wagon of the era. Gold Bel Air script, gold fender louvers, hood rockets, and a gold-accented grille complement the car's extensive jet-age chrome, while polished bumpers provide a bright finish at both ends of the body. Modern 17" Boyd Coddington wheels wrapped in Falken Ziex ZE912 tires add a subtle contemporary touch. At the rear, dual exhaust exits through polished Bowtie-shaped tips, and a 2" receiver hitch enhances the wagon's versatility for touring and road-trip duty.
Power comes from a Chevrolet 400ci V8 equipped with an Edelbrock intake manifold, Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection, tubular headers, and a billet accessory drive system. The engine bay features an aluminum radiator, a polished A/C compressor, and a Wilwood master cylinder, while power is routed through a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Beneath the car, tubular front control arms and QA1 coilovers complement rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes, resulting in a driving experience that is considerably more refined than a stock Tri-Five Chevrolet.
Inside, a custom tan interior complements the wagon's bright exterior with bucket seats, matching rear accommodations, coordinated door panels, and plush carpeting that extends throughout the spacious cargo compartment. A painted dash retains classic Chevrolet styling while incorporating Dakota Digital instrumentation, a custom steering wheel, a period-style tissue dispenser, and air conditioning. Power window switches are integrated into the door panels, while a JL Audio Bluetooth adapter and amplifier hidden beneath the rear bench seat work with Clarion speakers to provide modern audio capability. The spacious cargo area is trimmed to match the rest of the cabin.
Few American wagons are as recognizable as Chevrolet's Nomad. Combining distinctive styling with a level of practicality few classic cars can match, this upgraded example stays true to that formula while blending classic Chevrolet character with contemporary road manners. The Nomad remains one of Chevrolet's most iconic designs, and one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Tri-Five era.
Key Highlights
Restored and updated Chevrolet Nomad Restomod
400ci Chevrolet V8
Holley Sniper EFI
700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission
Upgraded front tubular control arms and QA1 adjustable coilovers
Custom dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers
Modern air conditioning
Upgraded power rack-and-pinion steering
Four-wheel power disc brakes
17-inch Boyd Coddington wheels
Falken Ziex ZE912 tires
Custom leather interior
Power windows
Upgraded gauges
Bluetooth audio
Modern Clarion speakers
