Vehicle Description
Here at RK Motors Charlotte, we sell the most exclusive collector
cars in the world seven days a week. But every now and then we
still get classics that 1) we rarely offer and 2) are just a ton of
fun to own. In fact, when we first saw this awesome 1957 Nomad pull
in to our showroom, all we wanted to do was jump behind the wheel
and head for the closest beach. And since this Chevy has been fully
restored, equipped with a hot small block and fitted with a flashy
interior that's bigger than some people's bedrooms, it was more
than willing to make the trip. Both rare and highly desirable, this
timeless, all-American rig is one of the coolest people movers on
the planet! And whether you're a diehard Chevy fan, a wagon
enthusiast or just someone who wants to drive something nobody's
ever seen, it'll have you dreaming of good times and great
friends!
THE HOT WAGON
The second-generation Bel Air represented a massive departure from
its predecessors. A low, sleek profile replaced the first gen's
carried-over, 1940s lines, officially marking the arrival of the
"Hot One". This Nomad retains much of its factory charm thanks to
what appears to be a largely rust-free life that was devoid of
catastrophic events. When the time came for restoration, the car's
solid panels were massaged flat in preparation for correct India
Ivory and Matador Red two-stage. And not only does that highly
polished pigment present well from all angles, it provides a
rolling testament to top notch metalwork and years of stellar
care.
According to a previous owner, this Chevy scored 98 out of 100
points at the 2012 Nomad Nationals. That's not hard to believe once
you start noticing detailing that walks a fine aesthetic line
between factory correct and romanticized retro. At the front of the
car, a heavy, body-width bumper props a gold Bel Air grille behind
a pristine Chevrolet crest and two clear parking lamps. Above that
crest, Bel Air-exclusive header ornamentation rides between hooded
T3 headlights and '57 Chevy-exclusive 'spear bullet and spoons'. At
the sides of those lights, deluxe 'speed spears' float gold "Bel
Air" scripts between small mirrors, traditional door handles,
factory rocker guards and gold, Bel Air-exclusive fender louvers.
At the top of those scripts, curvy chrome trim splits the
difference between polished wipers, a GE spotlight, a factory
antenna and like-new glass. And at the back of the car, a second
body-width bumper balances stylish brake lights at the sides of a
wide tailgate that's finished with polished trim spears and
Nomad-exclusive ornamentation.
THE TURBO FIRE V8
In 1957, Chevrolet's 283 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8 was the most
common choice for factory GM performance. It made solid power,
created plenty of torque and provided excellent reliability for
everyday errands. Follow this Bel Air's bright Matador shine into
its muted engine bay and you'll find a correct, "F" branded small
block that's endured mere weekend miles since its last major
overhaul. At the top of that reliable mill, an old school oil bath
air cleaner feeds an efficient 2-barrel carburetor that's sequenced
to a Carter bowl, stainless lines and a mechanical pump. At the
base of that carb, a vintage intake feeds cast iron heads, which
wear snazzy, silver-detailed valve covers. Factory internals spin a
traditional points distributor, which shoots spark through pliable
Radio GM plug wires. Once the fires have been lit, a correct
radiator circulates coolant through "GM" branded hoses and vintage
squeeze clamps. Once combustion is created, tough V-belts spin a
rebuilt Delco-Remy generator opposite a fresh Old Air Products
compressor. And once combustion is extinguished, stock exhaust
manifolds whisk spent gases in to true-dual pipes.
THE POWERGLIDE DRIVE
Under this classy wagon, a straight and solid chassis is finished
in subdued Satin Black paint, lending instant credibility to the
car's fastidious preservation and detailed restoration. Above that
skeleton, over-sprayed floors are spiced with a pinch of stainless
hardware. Behind the engine, a tough Powerglide 2-speed hangs a
correct 3708134 casting number and April (D) 1st (1), 1957 (7)
casting date in front of a familiar GM axle. Cushy turning
characteristics are provided by factory power steering. Confident
stops come courtesy of power-assisted drums. There's a 2.5-inch,
single-pipe exhaust system that funnels spent gases through a
baritone turbo muffler. And power meets the pavement thanks to
Matador Red steelies, which spin 7.50-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown
whitewalls around stylish spinner hubcaps.
RED, BLACK AND AIR
The spectacular cockpits in second generation Bel Airs need no
introduction, but here goes. Depress the button on this Nomad's
bright chrome door handle and you'll find a gorgeous Black and Red
interior that stays very true to the car's original scheme. Rebuilt
front and rear bench seats are all-day comfortable, featuring
supple, silver-piped hides that fit well and feel great. Beneath
those seats, fresh black carpet floats rugged Bel Air floor mats
next to clean kick panels and bright Fisher sills. At the edges of
that rug, red-tinged door panels anchor small armrests and
stainless handles beneath color-keyed toppers. Above those panels,
traditional chrome bows highlight a tight red headliner. A
curvaceous dash props a Guide traffic light viewer above a
requisite Wonder Bar radio and components for the aforementioned
Old Air Products air conditioning. And the driver spins a red
steering wheel around a full chrome horn ring and classic Bel Air
centerpiece.
Restored and ready to hit the road, this awesome Chevy is the
perfect place to "See the U.S.A.". In recent years, Nomads have
become extremely popular as more and more tri-five enthusiasts look
for new ways to ante up and stand out. If you're looking for a cool
collector car that's as functional as it is handsome, you're
looking at your hot ticket!
HIGHLIGHTS
Traditional, best-year Nomad that's benefitted from a detailed,
ground-up restoration.
283 cubic inch Chevrolet Turbo Fire V8
Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission
Modern air conditioning
Factory power steering
Factory power drum brakes
Correct India Ivory and Matador Red paint
Correct Black and Red vinyl interior
Wonder Bar radio
15-inch steel wheels
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world
