Vehicle Description
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Wagon
Outside of the Corvette, the Nomad was the most expensive Chevy
model offered in 1955. Only 22,375 Nomads were produced between
1955 and 1957 and just 8,386 in 1955. According to the Chevy Nomad
Club, special features on the '55 included headlight eyebrows,
fender and door spears, large wheel wells, as well as some interior
features.
For consignment, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad wagon in a
fantastic shade of tricolor pearl paint, Torque Thrust wheels, and
enough chrome to set off metal detectors on Jupiter.
Exterior
The most striking view of the car comes in profile, where the rear
windows almost seem seamless as they wrap around the back, leaving
the Pearl White roof looking more like an awning over the body. The
Pearl Butternut Yellow paint is fantastic, and its pearlescent
finish exposes different shades and richness at different angles
and light. The chrome features on the car are unique and special
with the eyebrows trailing the sides to create a spear that ends on
the midline of the door, a wonderful wheel opening accent that also
trails back to form a glistening rocker panel, the massive bumpers
that wrap around the corners of the car, along with the window
trim, door handles, and tailgate trim all contribute to a well
designed car that is a showstopper in every way. Polished rims of
the argent gray American Racing Torque Thrust wheels provide an
attractive but not distracting set of shoes, and the full wheel
openings at both ends are a subtle design cue that gives the car a
solid stance. Imperfections? We couldn't find any on this yellow
and white cruiser's exterior.
Interior
Just as the attention to design is evident on the outside, the door
panels show some thoughtful construction as white ultraleather is
combined with metal trim pieces to create an artful display of
textures in very good condition. The robust split bench seats show
some minor creasing and discoloration but are in otherwise great
condition and occupants can share some armrest space on the console
that sits in the middle of the bench. Less tufted but wearing the
same white ultraleather is the rear bench which resides in an open
greenhouse trimmed in polished metal. The vintage white steering
wheel on a tilt column fronts an equally stock appearing dashboard
with matching fan shaped features on each side, one housing the
speedometer and the other, a clock and scripted Bel Air emblem.
Vintage Air has been added to the car along with a trio of gauges
under the dash to monitor engine systems. Black loop carpet covers
the floor and makes everything white around it pop, while the
perforated white headliner is augmented by polished braces that
span the roofline. The cargo area is clean, covered in more black
loop carpet, and lined with stitched white ultraleather.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we find a very clean 327ci V8 with a Holley 4-barrel
carburetor. A polished A/C unit and alternator enhance the bay
where finned valve covers and an aluminum radiator add even more
brightness. The transmission is a 700R4 4-speed automatic that
sends power to the rear wheels and 3.36 gears. Power brakes are
supplied with discs in front and drums in the back.
Undercarriage
Super clean underneath with minimal surface rust, a drop of oil on
the flywheel cover, and some oil sling by the front U-joint. It
appears some surface rust has been painted or encapsulated on the
frame rails which are otherwise solid. The dual exhaust wears a
pair of FlowMaster mufflers and then heads to the back where they
end discretely before the rear bumper. Coil spring suspension up
front and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
We take this big family cruiser onto the test loop where sun
streams in from all angles creating a bright interior as the 327
thrusts the car into action. There's plenty of power on tap here,
great visibility of course, and good tracking, braking, and
handling. We noticed the reverse lights are not working, the radio
is not functioning, and the gas gauge is inaccurate. All other
functions work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents
that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
No cell phones. No game boys. No backseat screen. Kids in the back
enjoyed the views out the windows which sparked imagination and
created memories as the scenery went by. Oh sure, the occasional
"are we there yet" was expressed when the ride got long, but this
was the ultimate ride for Sunday drives and picnics in the park.
Now, a spectacular classic. You've looked at the photos. You've
read the description. We have but one question. Are you there
yet?
VC550080374
V-V8
C-2400 Series
55-1955
0-Oakland, CA Assy Plant
080374-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 55 1064DF-1955 Bel Air Nomad
BODY CL6376-Cleveland Body #
TRIM 542-Beige Vinyl & Blue Waffle Vinyl
PAINT 614-Shoreline Beige, Glacier Blue
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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