1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad
For consignment, from 1955, the Chevrolet Nomad and this low number production "milestone car" made in a mere 8,530 examples is now gracing our main showroom. With a frame off restoration performed in 2019, the frame was powder coated, a 1 piece floor was installed from the toe board back along with new inner and outer rockers, a powerful Ram Jet 350 crate engine was installed along with a 700R4 automatic as well as a new interior, glass, rack and pinion steering, and updated brakes. Photos of the build are included, as are all the receipts and manuals for parts used and now all in gleaming in the perfect 50's mix of turquoise and white, this Nomad is ready, willing, and able to become your dream come true.
Exterior
A miles deep application of Regal Turquoise is showing over straight and rust-free steel panels of this 2-door wagon. Rakish is the only way to describe the Nomad, with its hardtop door-glass framing and sloping rear quarters that parallels the angle of the wide B-pillars. Styling touches include a fluted roof, wraparound rear side glass, and rear-wheel cutouts. From the cowl back, Nomads share little sheet metal with other Chevrolets, except for the basic floor pan. The doors differ because Nomads lack a beltline dip, and quarter panels are unique due to the wheel cutouts. Near perfect trimmings start just below the eyebrow shrouded fenders and race rearward before dying off toward the rear of each front door. The front is showing that you have arrived with its chrome egg crate grille and imposing chrome bumper with guards. A Chevrolet Clossiene badge leads the way on the front of the hood that dies off at the base of the crystal clear glass and shiny trimmings of the wraparound front windshield. Up high is the India Ivory long fluted roof and panoramic glass, again crystal clear with flawless trim giving you and your passengers a view of the world as you streak by. At the back, with its tailgate and rocket nose styled tail lights, both invite you to stay for a while. The rear window and lower metal gate do a clamshell motion and magically separate for full access to the cargo area of this wagon. Spit shined and polished Ansen Sprint aluminum slot wheels wear deeply treaded BF Goodrich rubber in staggered blackwall 15-inch format. Just an amazing presentation here with a few minor inclusions in the finish and a missing Nomad script badge with exposed holes on the passenger's rear quarter panel. These holes have been filled on the driver's quarter.
Interior
Turquoise dimple finish vinyl flows downward to meet up with chrome delineation strips for the tops of the door panels, and smooth white clean vinyl below. This all crescendos with a square stamped stainless panel to fill out the door lowers. The seats take on a life of their own with near flawless white tuck and roll bolsters with dimple finish turquoise inserts making up the entirety of the front split and rear full bench seats. The rear seat mimics the front but without the pristine white mounting tub, but is foldable to expand the rear cargo area. A dual "fan style" front dash houses the speedometer and supporting white face gauges by Classic Instruments and knobs on the driver's side appear for the lights and wipers. An AM/FM stereo, looking much like the original AM unit is mounted within the factory radio location in a panel in the center, covered in a multiple stamped bowtie pattern in the aluminum strip. On the passenger's side is the second "fan" mesh metal houses a speaker and below a circular working clock. A Vintage Air controller for the heater and AC mimics the factory unit and a 3 spoke rally style steering wheel is fronting this dash. Up above is a beautiful white tight headliner with panels delineated by chromed ribs which run the length of the long roof. On the floor is turquoise carpet showing nary a smudge or stain. Rounding out our tour is the clamshell rear gate accessible cargo area with more clean turquoise carpeting and brighter turquoise side panels.
Drivetrain
A newer genre Chevrolet Ram Jet 350ci V8 crate engine now replaces the original engine within the clean engine bay. This mill is fed by EFI and traditional ribbed Corvette style valve covers also add some bling. A 700R4 automatic transmission is on the back for those long highway cruises and a 10 bolt 3.73 geared Posi rear axle is way back to turn the tires. All is looking good with no corrosion under the hood, and we can't forget the Vintage Air Front Runner serpentine pulley system to turn the accessories.
Undercarriage
The original frame was cleaned and powder coated gloss black and mated to the new 1 piece front floor pans and body. Clean black floors, rockers and crossmembers remain rust free and like new. Speaking of rust...there is NONE to be seen within a mile of this car. Nice black independent front suspension with coil springs and tubular control arms and power disc brakes work with Chevelle 4 link and coil spring suspension and power drum brakes in the rear to provide the ride and stopping power. A like new X pipe dual exhaust with Sanderson headers and Magnaflow mufflers is seen snaking its way rearward from the drip free engine bottom.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter for the newer 350, and the test track proved no match for this car. Straight panic stopping, smooth acceleration and shifting, and better than the factory ever could provide 1955 Nomad handling. All good on this test drive with the exception the reverse light not illuminating.
A frame off restoration by a consignor who is beyond passionate about Nomads and the details required to construct one. Yes, there are a few faults, but overall this car is a proven show winner and is a looker as well as a cooker.
