Meet Thelma Lou. She's a stylish ole gal who was in her prime in
1957 but she has aged well and still attracts more attention than
some half her age.
The Chevrolet Nomad, introduced in 1955 was a short wheelbase
version of the second generation (Tri Five) Bel Air and with its
station wagon configuration has become an icon of the era. This
1957 Nomad benefits from an older but quality restoration. It is in
excellent driver condition with a few minor imperfections collected
over years of making the show car circuit in the high plains of the
Dakotas and some daily driver duty during the milder months of the
year.
The Colonial Cream yellow and white top finish presents very well.
The chrome shines and the stainless trim, though not perfectly
smooth in all places is all there. The glass is in good condition
and all of the moving side glasses work smoothly. The interior is
in very good condition, finished in gray vinyl and cloth. All of
the lighting and instrumentation is in working order although the
speedometer reads fast. The modern stereo is mounted under the dash
and connected to four speakers; sounds great. There is no AC and
the heater is disconnected.
It is not known whether the 283 cubic inch V8 is original. It
sounds to have a mild cam under its aluminum intake and 4-barrel
carburetor. It has stock style exhaust manifolds but the
performance exhaust gives the engine a nice muscular sound. Power
is delivered through a 700r4 overdrive transmission that shifts
well and makes keeping up with interstate traffic drama free. Power
steering has been added as well as a tilt steering column. Power
assisted front disc brakes (rear drums) are a welcome
upgrade.
This car starts easy and runs cool, it tracks straight down the
road under heavy acceleration and hard braking. The power assist
upgrades make it a one hand on the wheel joy to cruise in. Cooper
tires have plenty left rolling on Corvette style rally wheels. It
drips a little oil after a hard days work but nothing
major.
Thelma Lou has good bones and no rot anywhere on her full figured
body. Her paint has a few dings but no bubbles that would indicate
hidden rust. Could she benefit from some TLC? Sure, but what 60
something year old couldn't? She's not a trailer queen, what she is
is a no apologies ready to go driver that can still make them stare
at a local show.
This '57 Chevy Nomad is located in Rowlett, Texas and is offered as
is where is. Texas resident may be subject to tax and fees. If the
ad is up the car is for sale. Lowballers, scammers and sales
assistants need not apply. Call text or reply.
