Vehicle Description
1956 Chevrolet Nomad
If you've ever had the pleasure of driving a Tri-Five (55-57)
Chevy, you know how great the view is from behind the wheel. The
wide curved glass windshield and the high seating position make the
outside world into a panorama, like a widescreen TV that you can
drive right through. A Bel Air or 250 is almost the world's best
road trip car. Almost? Enter the Chevy Nomad. It's got all the
style and chrome of the famous Bel Air, but that station wagon rear
makes you want to throw a surfboard on the roof, a friend or five
in the back, and spend an entire summer, or maybe a lifetime just
traveling the country watching the world over that chrome jet on
the hood.
1956 when men were men and cars were...well big steel and chrome
sculpted into iconic designs, that's what! For consignment from
1956 the Chevrolet Nomad and this low number production "milestone
car" made in a mere 7,886 examples for '56. Perhaps it was the
desire to own a sporty two door, or the practicality of a wagon, or
maybe both? Either way, a hens tooth in beautiful mid 50's color
and design from the Tri Five bow tie era.
Exterior
Two tone twilight turquoise covers the rust-free steel panels of
this 2-door wagon. Making the change to white is done with the help
pf a large chromed swoop spear which starts at the B pillar and
moves gracefully downward over top of the rear wheel well, and
eventually landing next to the rear bumper. This white covers the
rear chrome ribbed tailgate as well and offers up a nice contrast
to the remaining turquoise. Minimal faults are noted within this
paint, mostly near the door gaps likely to have been covered
chipping. Chrome, badging, and trimmings are fabulous and showroom
condition, and gaps are fairly well minded throughout. The front is
showing that you have arrived, and the back with its tailgate and
rocket nose styled taillights that you intend 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.
Standard Chevrolet bowtie badged chromed dog dish wheel works with
solid little used rubber surrounding the wheels. Noted is slight
chipping of the paint on the top of the tailgate.
Interior
Summon up Bill Haley and the Comets as truly 1956 colors are all in
the inside. Turquoise tuck and roll for the tops of the door
panels, and smooth white clean vinyl below. The seats keep this
same format with the tuck and roll front split backed bench in
total turquoise and hard plastic white tubs for the seats to sit
in. Noted the seat is power. A somewhat comfortable but utilitarian
looking simple fold down rear bench in more turquoise tuck and roll
sits firmly next to the wheel well surrounds in white vinyl. Way
back is a cargo area draped in turquoise loop pile carpeting. Up
front the twin fan styled metal dash, 1 for the speedo and the
other for the radio speaker and Bel Air gold badge in your
grandmothers handwriting fronts the seats. This dash has some newer
aftermarket gauges neatly inserted in place, and a column mounted
tachometer. An original 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 a few smudges and light stains.
Drivetrain
A newer minted Chevy Vortech V8 350ci now replaces the original
engine. It is topped with an Edelbrock intake manifold, and a Weber
4-barrel carburetor. Polished valve covers which are Chevrolet
badged and an oval polished air cleaner cover also add some bling.
A 700R4 automatic transmission is on back. Posi-traction rear is
way back for the rear axle. All looking good with no corrosion and
rebuilt/refinished parts under this hood.
Undercarriage
Most of the undercarriage has been gone over and painted black. It
appears solid with no repairs noted to any structural parts. Nice
black IFS with coil overs and disc brakes are on the front. On back
are leaf springs and coil overs, and drum brakes. A like new H pipe
dual exhaust 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 1956 Nomad handling. All good on this test
drive.
A partial restoration as the consigner states, although from what I
see and drive, it is fairly well buttoned up. Yes, there are a few
faults but overall, it's a nice driver and could be shown. Either
way it's a one car parade when you drive down main street snapping
necks along the way to ogle a look at some 1956 tri five eye
candy.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
