Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a professional, $134K restoration
6.0 liter GM V8 / 400 horsepower
GM 4L60 4-speed automatic transmission
$9K custom leather interior / Vintage Air conditioning / Modern
audio
Modern chassis / Air Ride Technologies air ride
17 and 18-inch Billet Specialties Mag wheels
Power steering
4-wheel disc brakes
10-bolt rear axle / Posi-traction differential / 3.73 gears
Sale includes build receipts
Whether it's a '58 Edsel or a '63 Corvette, all collector cars have
dedicated fans and admirers. But not many of those vintage machines
can claim to be both rare and highly desirable from the day they
left the showroom. Modeled after a famous GM Motorama concept, and
sold as a high-price, low-production 'halo car', the first
generation Nomad is a true all-time all-star. So, how do you make a
car that's already as hot as this shooting-brake Chevy even more
desirable? You completely refinish its body, bolt up some fresh
suspension components, throw in a smooth small block and line it
with a nice combination of classic style and modern convenience. If
you like your tri-five to be fun to show off AND fun to drive, this
super cool Nomad is your next cruiser!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Despite the exceptional sales of Chevrolet's youthful Bel Air, the
brand's higher priced Nomad proved less popular and, thanks to
attrition, has now become even scarcer. Fortunately, this slick
resto-mod has always been a solid, complete car that benefitted
from decades of owners who were smart enough to know what they had.
And recently, when it fell in to the hands of a diehard enthusiast
in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a lot of effort was sunk in to a
professional, $134K restoration. Once the car's tired enamel was
removed, its rust-free Arizona profile was dusted in $16,500 worth
of red and white 2-stage. And today, buffed and wet-sanded to a
fantastic shine, this cool Chevy is both handsome and
exquisite.
One thing about classic car guys is they're uncanny ability to
methodically plot, plan and execute even the minutest details. And
the guy who built this spectacular cruiser probably spent weeks
doing just that. At the front of the car, a 1-piece California
Bumper reflects a straight stainless grille, clear parking lamps,
subtle hood ornamentation and chrome-trimmed headlights. Behind
that grille, fresh frames, a simple mirror and electric RainGear
windshield wipers highlight new glass. At the base of that glass,
monochromatic fender spears perfectly complement shaved doors and
monochromatic Bel Air badging. And at the back of the car, polished
tailgate trim floats a gold "Nomad" emblem between correct
taillights and a second California Bumper that's cut around
polished exhaust tips.
ENGINE
This sweet looking Chevy is powered by six liters of GM small block
that mix solid motivation with proven reliability. Straight from
the factory, the rowdy mill utilizes 364 cubic inches to twist buff
10.9 to 1 compression into an even 400 horsepower and 400 lb./ft.
of Oak-shaking torque. And despite consistently delivering
track-blistering, low-end performance, it can rev to 6,500 RPM and
drives like a commuter car! At the front of the lightweight block,
a factory serpentine drive spins a fresh alternator and direct-fit
power steering beneath a custom air tube. Once air enters that
tube, it flows through a factory throttle body to a factory intake
that's bolted down over completely stock internals. High-octane
fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Spent gases
swirl through ceramic-coated Sanderson headers. And cooling comes
courtesy of a polished PRC radiator that's fitted with a polished
expansion tank and chrome-capped SPAL puller fans. On the visual
end of the spectrum, a custom engine cover melts in to a glossy,
body-matched engine bay. And niceties such as a chrome dipstick,
chrome hood supports and a polished core support add a flash of
detail.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Throw the car on a lift and you'll find solid, body-matched floors
that, along with a powder-coated frame, sport a restoration-fresh
appearance. At the center of those floors, a proven 4L60 4-speed
spins torque to an S10-sourced axle that's fitted with a
posi-traction differential and big, 3.73 gears. At the ends of that
drivetrain, a modern suspension makes good use of tubular control
arms, a 500 Series steering box and adjustable Air Ride
Technologies shocks. At the corners of that suspension, vented disc
brakes turn stress-inducing traffic into a relaxing exercise in
sightseeing. Between those discs, large-diameter exhaust pipes
employ great-sounding Borla mufflers. And all that mechanical
goodness rolls on polished Billet Specialties Mags, which spin two
225/50R17 Bridgestone Potenzas in front of two 255/45R18
Bridgestone Potenzas. Naturally, this impressive wagon's
undercarriage is clean and fully sorted. However, as mentioned
before, this Nomad was built to drive, and it'll be right at home
inspiring stares on sunny weekend getaways.
INTERIOR
Climb inside this razor-sharp tri-five and you'll find $9,084 worth
of custom upholstery that's dramatically styled without being
totally overwrought. Covered in plush leather, the car's four
bucket seats are all-day comfortable. Beneath those seats,
traditional carpet centers color-keyed floor mats under billet foot
pedals. Opposite that carpet, chrome bows highlight a tight
headliner. At the sides of the car, 2-tone door panels look great
hovering behind polished handles, sculpted armrests and
body-matched window frames. In front of those panels, a
stainless-trimmed dash hangs Classic Instruments telemetry above
pushbutton start. A full-length console hides controls for the
car's A.R.T. bags behind metal cupholders, billet window switches,
Vintage Air climate control and modern Pioneer audio. In front of
the driver, a bowtie-branded steering wheel shades modern cruise
control, a billet shifter and a tilting column. And behind the
passengers, a carpeted cargo hold is primed for lawn chairs and
picnic supplies.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
Build receipts
Component literature
A photo of car prior to its restoration
It's no wonder the Chevrolet Nomad enjoys such huge popularity,
because it just doesn't get much better than this slick '56
resto-mod. With a plush interior, head turning body and modern car
streetability, this wagon is the perfect combination of form and
function. In fact, this Nomad is the best of all worlds!