Vehicle Description
Is the Chevy Nomad the ultimate wagon? There surely aren't many
that are more handsome or desirable than this beautiful 1956 Nomad,
and despite those two stylish doors, it's still a practical hauler
when it needs to be. With a built 350, an overdrive transmission,
all the modern conveniences on this frame-off restoration, there's
no better way to haul your stuff home from the store than this.
Of the Tri-Five Chevys, the '56 best combines flash and
understatement, particularly with two-tone Bel Air trim. The inky
black paint works quite well with the light yellow contrast panel
to highlight that dramatic line that runs from nose to tail, giving
even the utilitarian Nomad a very sporting look. Befitting a car of
this caliber, the paint and bodywork are very nicely done, offering
great gaps and alignment, as well as a shiny final finish that's
the direct result of many hours of hand-rubbing and buffing.
Classic Nomad styling details like the ribbed top over the rear
cargo area, the chrome rub strips on the tailgate, and the
wrap-around rear side windows are all a big part of the Nomad's
appeal. All the chrome and trim has been freshened (and there's a
lot of it) making the car sparkle in the sunlight. Tinted windows
and a slightly lowered stance gives away the secret that this isn't
just a fully restored trailer queen, but that doesn't make it any
less appealing. In fact, the upgrades it does have only add to the
driving experience, making this the Nomad you buy to drive from car
show to car show.
Keeping the interior stock was obviously one of the builder's
objectives, so the factory bench seats remain in place, neatly
wrapped in period black and yellow upholstery that works perfectly
with the exterior color combination. The original dash was
color-matched to the bodywork and fresh gauges from Classic
Instruments are in place in a single sweeping pod ahead of the very
trick custom steering wheel that looks stock but carries a fatter
rim. You will, however, notice that the shifter indicator on the
column includes overdrive and it tilts to make it easy to get
comfortable behind the wheel. There's an AM/FM stereo head unit in
the center of the dash and a brand new Classic Auto Air A/C system
discreetly installed underneath, making this a fabulous long-range
cruiser. The cargo area is carpeted with the same lush black weave
as the rest of the car and it almost seems a shame to carry gear
back there and risk getting it dirty.
The engine is a built and beautiful 350 cubic inch V8. Bored .040
oversize and topped by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, it moves the
Nomad easily. Other upgrades include a polished high-rise intake
manifold, Mallory Unilite ignition system, long-tube headers, and
lots of polished aluminum and gloss black paint. That cool air
cleaner has a high-tech look and the custom aluminum radiator tucks
into the original slot up front. Power rack-and-pinion steering and
front disc brakes with a dual reservoir master cylinder improve
safety, and the aforementioned 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive
transmission makes for easy highway driving. Long-tube headers feed
a custom stainless dual exhaust system with a nice mellow tone, and
while there aren't any major mods underneath, it's incredibly clean
and well-detailed. Torque Thrust wheels are a perennial favorite
and look right on the vintage Nomad, even wearing modern
Continental rubber.
There's a very good argument to be made for the Nomad's position as
greatest wagon of all time, and this '56 certainly makes for a
compelling case study. Call today!