The owner of this 1956 Chevrolet Nomad describes it as a super clean survivor. That is a pretty fair description of what is a very attractive vehicle. As it stands right now, it is certainly a car that would draw plenty of attention, and it could be yours to own. Located in Sarasota, Florida, it is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding is currently sitting at $30,250, and with the reserve having been met, it is a Nomad that is set to find itself headed to a new home.
The owner says that the Nomad has undergone an older repaint, and the combination of Matador Red and Adobe Beige look really good. The paint has a great shine to it, and the only real issues to speak of are what appears to be a small spot of rust appearing in the lower fender on the driver’s side, some chipping around and on the tailgate, and mismatched lower hinges in the same spot. While the wheels aren’t original, the owner does have the original hubcaps, and these will go with the car. Otherwise, everything looks to be pretty good.
Ah, the good old days. In 1956, Chevrolet offered a total of 50 interior color and trim combinations for the Nomad. This particular combination of red and taupe is particularly attractive, and it looks to be in excellent condition. The owner says that the fabric is soft to the touch, which I can quite easily believe. Apart from a couple of very small spots of wear on the wheel, it is pretty hard to fault the trim. The original radio is no longer fitted to the Nomad, but it will be included with the car. The lighter is also missing from its socket, but a new one should be able to be sourced. The owner also claims that the Nomad has covered a genuine 20,337 miles, and it seems that he holds documentary evidence to support the claim.
Under the hood is the original 265ci V8 engine, and Powerglide transmission. I’ve managed to get my hands on an options sheet for the Nomad, and the Powerglide would have set the new owner back $188.50, which was not small change back in 1956. The Nomad is also fitted with power brakes, and while this was also an available option in 1956, the master cylinder and booster fitted to the car look to be a later version. The Nomad is also fitted with air conditioning, and the owner believes that this was a dealer fitment, rather than the factory option. The owner says that the car runs and drives, but that it has only had the occasional spin around the block in recent years. It sounds like a full check-up might be in order before the new owner tackles any longer trips.
While I have a real soft spot for cars wearing the blue oval badge, I will always appreciate nice cars that have rolled off any production lines, especially if they have survived in really nice condition. This ’56 Nomad is just such a car, and I fully understand why bidding has been so strong on it. Does anyone want to guess how high it will eventually go?
Saw one like this though less options sell for $48,750 a few years ago just as Hot August Nights week in Reno started off..
Super clean survivor?
It’s been repainted…
Has a later brake system, electronic ignition, later model valve covers, air cleaner, replacement upholstery, carpet, missing trim tag, no wires to the voltage regulator. And that’s just what I can see from the photos. That, with a repaint and sixties rallye wheels, makes it no survivor, although it is a decent car. Would first have to check the title and VIN, and then find that trim tag before I was serious about buying.
THE VALVE COVERS LOOK LIKE SOMETHING LATER ALRIGHT BUT 265’S & EARLY 283″ MOTORS HAD VALVE COVERS SPECIF TO THOSE EARLY MOTORS WITH STAGGERED MOUNTING BOLTS , THE TOP BOLTS WERE NOT IN LINE WITH THE BOTTOM HOLES, SO NO TELLING WHAT they might be from, lots of different scenarios there, later motor, or just later heads, 1956 was a long time ago after all, the air cleaner does look pretty much 1956 from what I remember. Just too many discrepancies for the asking $$$$
It’s also aftermarket a/c system. possibly Mark 1V or similar that uses a GM compressor from the 60’s and 70’s, overall a good system. It may have been installed by a dealer but most likely by an independent garage that specialized in installing these systems because there were a lot of cars ordered back then without a/c. Ah the good old days lol
There are many Nomad lovers out there who would pay over $45k for this car. Anybody proficient with old cars could easily bring this back to original even if they had to give the work out. Low mileage speaks volumes. Billy Boots
For the cost of a new Toyota, you could cruise in this timeless classic! New cars just don’t look this good!
Seller seems to know less than he or she should about some of the non oem aspects of this particular iconic model. I wonder. In any event it would be a great place to start if it wasn’t already past the point of.shall we say…my economic feasability ;)
Beautiful Nomad. Love the color combo inside and out. I remember well the first time I saw one; I was 9 years old we were at a church picknic. There were two brand new cars there; a red n white Nomad and a blue n white Safari. The two owners were discussing the differences between the two cars. Great memories.
God bless America
I want.
I’m going to guess that this “survivor” recieved it’s “one repaint” during the early 90’s, when it was restored.