Vehicle Description
There was a time when this 1956 Chevy Nomad would have been
overlooked for its hardtop siblings, but that day is long gone.
Today the Nomad is near the top of every Chevy fan's wish list, and
this gorgeous wagon gets a lot of things right: great colors,
gorgeous interior, and a fully sorted drivetrain that offers more
power and more comfort than you could get from the factory in
1956.
The combination is pretty close to India Ivory over Nassau Blue,
giving this warmed-over Nomad a very period look. There's no
denying the handsome good looks of this 2-door wagon, and what it
lacked in practicality it more than made up for with pure style.
The restoration focused on getting the basics right, since nobody
in his right mind would think he could improve on the factory look,
and the high-quality bodywork looks fantastic. Good gaps, super
straight panels, and deep, glossy paint make this a jaw-dropper
when you roll into a show. It's got a few signs of use that are
quite minor, and for many enthusiasts, the simple '56 is the
best-looking of the Tri-Five Chevys. This one also carries upscale
Bel Air trim that includes that dramatic side spear and all the
chrome has been refinished to show standards, so it truly sparkles
in the sun. They just don't get much nicer than this.
The interior keeps things pretty stock, too, with factory seats
wearing reproduction upholstery that looks straight off the
showroom floor. The textured cloth inserts are a funky '50s look
that is very appealing and the sweeping two-tone door panels
emulate the exterior trim. Things like the steering wheel,
dashboard, and carpets are all pretty much the way they were in
1956, although expert eyes might see a few upgrades. For example,
the shift quadrant now manages four forward gears instead of two
and there are little vents tucked under the dash for the modern A/C
system which blows ice cold. There's also an AM/FM/iPod radio that
sounds pretty darned good and the gauges appear to have been
restored along with the rest of the car. The cargo bay is correctly
finished and offers a good deal of storage space, making this a
fantastic road trip candidate.
The engine is still a small block Chevy V8, now displacing 327
cubic inches and wearing a few upgraded pieces of hardware. A
polished Edelbrock intake manifold and 4-barrel carburetor sit
between a set of finned valve covers for a period look, while 202
heads and roller rockers help make the most of the air/fuel mix.
Lots of chrome, carefully finished inner fenders, and new
accessories make the engine bay look fantastic and it's an easy
cruiser thanks to a giant aluminum radiator, R134a refrigerant in
the A/C system, and both power steering and power brakes. A 700R4
4-speed automatic overdrive transmission is a big part of the
reason this car is such a pleasure to drive and the recent dual
exhaust system has a pleasant burble at idle and just enough of an
edge on the roll to let you know this isn't a stock Nomad. The
undercarriage is quite clean and includes a restored rear end and
new gas tank tucked in there just ahead of the spare tire well.
Traditional Torque Thrust wheels give it the right look and spin
215/60/15 front and 245/60/15 rear BFGoodrich radials.
Fully sorted and ready to enjoy, this car just works like it
should. With great looks, a wonderful color combination, and that
Nomad appeal, this car delivers in a big way. Call now!