Vehicle Description
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad
The Nomad is the best-known Chevy wagon from the 50's, but it was
part of "the Hottest Half Dozen" - six variations of wagons that
included the two-door "One-Fifty Handyman" all the way up to the
nine-passenger, four-door Bel Air Beauville. Today, they are all
classic and desirable, but the two-door, six-passenger Nomad, is
still the grandest of them all and was described as "glamourous" in
the 1956 dealer brochure.
For consignment, a Chevy Nomad that was one of 7,886 produced in
1956...and who knows how many are still around. This would be the
first year of the teardrop shaped rear wheel arch, adding yet more
distinction to an historic piece of automotive manufacturing. Ours
has the original engine in place while the car has been
professionally restored with very little putty applied to the no
aftermarket sheet metal body. If you're in the market for a Nomad,
act fast...they typically don't last long at the mall.
Exterior
Bathed in near flawless yellow paint, we first notice that this car
lacks the side molding. This creates big, flat body panels covered
in yellow for a very clean, (and easier to clean!), look. A look
we've seen before on Nomads. The chrome trim, from the bumpers to
the headlight bezels, and the bird hood ornament is all very
reflective. The 15-inch ChevroletRally wheels continue the bling in
chrome and the trim around the taillights is spectacular. When it
comes time to wax this car, get out the orbital...because this is a
ton of real estate to clean. Luckily, you don't have to worry about
that for a while...this shine will surely last!
Interior
Black and white is the chosen palette here and it starts on the
doors with a swooping black pattern tapering towards the hinge and
housing the window crank. Another crank is higher up for the vent
window and the door actuator is placed strategically above the
armrest. More angular patterns meet the seats with black-patterned
cloth inserts that form a white vinyl "V" at the top, with the rest
of the seat lined in white. The back seats tastefully repeat the
pattern. White tuck-and-roll pattern lines the top of the sidewalls
in back blending with the pattern on the doors. The black steering
wheel and dash are in excellent condition with chrome bezels
shining bright. The fan controller and dash plate look original,
and the dash cover is a black padded work of art with arched brows
on each side, over the speedometer and over the analog clock. A
Hurst shifter is floor mounted on the hump where a low pile black
carpet fits like a glove in the footwells. The headline is
highlighted by chrome cross beams which accent the chrome window
frames on the inside, wow! The aluminum framed black carpet in the
cargo area is super clean and the inner wheel tubs are covered in a
black stitched vinyl. Even the inside of the tailgate is finished
in black carpet.
Drivetrain
The consignor stated original 265ci V8 is here in all its Chevy
orange glory topped with a period correct air cleaner that feeds
air and fossils to the 2-barrel carburetor underneath. A 3-speed
manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels where it meets
3.36 gears. Drums handle the stopping task and are power
assisted.
Undercarriage
We're impressed with the underside which is clean and virtually
free of surface rust, however, we note some on the A arms. The dual
exhaust comes off stock manifolds, extend down the length of the
car, meet two glasspack-style mufflers, then over the rear axle and
dump inconspicuously before the rear bumper. We note a bit of
"moisture" at the transmission pan and rear axle but frankly, none
of it looks like fresh oil. Typical coil spring/leaf spring
configuration found front and rear respectively.
Drive-Ability
The big bench seat allows for freedom of movement and the car
itself is cavernous. A little prime to the carb and a turn of the
key and she cranked into action. Into first gear and the pleasant
sound of dual exhaust resonated in the interior. The 265 cubes
carries the car well providing plenty of torque to get this ship
out of the port. A long wheelbase and 235/75/15's provide for a
smooth ride and rear hops over imperfections may be accentuated by
the length of the wagon. The brakes are up to the task and squeeze
this big lemon to a stop with a push of the pedal. Some things we
note as not working; the wipers, the heater, the radio, the
speedometer, and the odometer.
This is an absolute head-turning version of a desirable classic.
The restoration is very well done from the sea of yellow paint on a
straight body to the tuxedo-colored interior. Here's a car you'll
be proud to own and show and is a "fan favorite" as one of the most
iconic station wagons ever produced. In fact, we'd be hard pressed
to think of a more desirable station wagon on the American
landscape. Stop at the mall soon or get in touch.
VC56F167365
V-V8
C-2400 Series Bel Air
56-1956
F-Flint, MI Assy Plant
167365-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 56 1064DF-1956 Bel Air Nomad Station Wagon
BODY NO CL6806-Cleveland Body #
TRIM NO 632-Charcoal, Yellow, & Cream Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 756-Calypso Cream & Grecian Gold
ACC CP-Padded Dash
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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