Do you prize originality above all else when assessing a classic’s worth? If so, you may not be drawn to this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad. However, if a custom build featuring a potent big-block under the hood is your cup of tea, then perhaps you’d best read on. The seller is candid about its cosmetic shortcomings, but it is a turnkey proposition with no immediate needs. Therefore, hitting the road for a summer vacation is a viable option, allowing the buyer to enjoy the Nomad in its current form. They could then spend the following winter tinkering in their workshop, bringing out the best in this beauty. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Nomad listed here on Craigslist in Valleyford, Washington. The seller set their price at $45,000, indicating that they won’t consider trades or low-ball offers.
The Nomad badge first appeared on a production model in 1955, with Chevrolet basing the upper-body styling and two-door Wagon concept on one of Harley Earl’s vehicles unveiled at the 1954 General Motors Motorama. It struck a chord with the buying public, but with the Nomad falling within the Bel Air range, the sticker price was far higher than most people could justify. Therefore, it remained among the lowest-selling variants of the company’s Tri-Five range before its more conventional four-door replacement arrived in 1958. This Wagon left the line in 1957, and its history is slightly unclear. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the existing White paint is the factory shade or if the Nomad received a color change during the custom build. They are candid about the overall condition, because while the panels are straight and there is no rust, adjustment issues have caused the doors and hood to catch, resulting in corresponding paint chips. They essentially indicate that cosmetic TLC will be the order of the day, which could happen at the buyer’s leisure. The exterior trim is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and the tinted glass is clear. The American Racing Torq Thrust wheels are the most visible sign that this Chevy is anything but ordinary.
The builder used the original seat frames and other components during the build, but retrimmed the interior using a kit from Ciadella Interiors in Tempe, Arizona. The combination of Gray cloth and Black vinyl is a winner, giving the inside of this Nomad an undeniably classy air. The upholstered surfaces are free from wear, and the carpet will present well if the buyer performs a deep clean. The dash and bright trim look excellent, but I’m not sold on the wheel. I don’t think that it suits the car’s character, but I respect that your view may differ from mine. Apart from the wheel, other aftermarket additions include a power front seat, a B&M shifter, a column-mounted tachometer, and a tilt wheel. The seller states that the speedometer is inoperative, but uses the tachometer as their guide. They don’t mention any other functional issues or shortcomings.
Lifting the hood reveals where this Nomad becomes a serious weapon. The most potent motor Chevrolet offered in 1957 was the 283ci “Fuelie,” which produced 283hp. That is no longer relevant, because this Wagon received a potent engine transplant. Working on the theory that there is no substitute for cubic inches, the engine bay now houses a 402ci big-block. Featuring Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads and a lumpy camshaft from the same company, the motor inhales deeply via a 1406 carburetor atop an Air Gap intake. The spent gases exit via headers and a 3″ exhaust, and if I were to place a potential output on the big-block, I would estimate it to be somewhere in the vicinity of “a lot.” Power feeds to a 3.55 Ford 9″ rear end via a three-speed Turbo 400 transmission. Potential buyers can consider the Nomad a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. The seller states that the engine sounds radical, a claim that I find easy to believe.
The Tri-Five Nomad is a staple of the classic scene, with good examples commanding impressive prices. That situation is unlikely to change, making a reasonably-priced example a potentially rock-solid long-term investment. Modified classics write their own rules when it comes to asking price, because vehicles of that type are worth what someone is willing to pay. This Nomad isn’t cheap, but the seller’s price looks realistic. It has only been on the market for a few days, but how quickly do you think this wonderful Wagon will find a new home?
Nice one! Probably the best looking “wagon”ever built. Impressing drive train, bet it’s fun getting the groceries. As for the steering wheel it’s great for driving compared to the large, thin original but you could always put it on for shows.
It would be fun one day, if all of the vehicles featured, were submitted by Curvette!!!
These motor along just fine with the 265 2bbl carb. version.
Mine is the 283/4bl – it’s fine but definitely doesn’t respond to the right foot like a hopped up big block would.
Along your line though- I am a guy that removed a big block and replaced with a 327 in one of my Chevelles—
Mine was white over yellow, and I also had a 356A Carrera . Wish I had them back!
After seeing the prices of 356 Carreras I bet you really do miss yours Jack. I really miss my ’57 Cabriolet with roller bearing crankshaft.
The ask seems reasonable, considering the market on Nomads. But with $4.50 gas prices extended road trips with that big block may pinch your budget.
If you can’t afford the gas, you can’t buy the car.
You gotta love the litany of “you’ll need to over look this issue and that issue here”.
The one main thing about street machines…the next guy had better like what you like.
So the seller here knows what he’s got. A car that he personalized and paid a lot of money for hot rod parts.
Who’s in the market for an expensive white Nomad hot rod with various issues that you are supposed to overlook?
The seller listed what problems there with the car nowhere is he asking anyone to overlook the problems. He is also not asking top dollar for the car knowing it is not a stock Nomad and it does have existing problems he points out.
Yes, it’s not bad, but the lack of pictures is not helping their cause. To be honest, I’d rather have a modified car in most cases than a car restored exactly like it left the factory. They make for a better driving experience. Modifications may hurt the value of some cars, but many owners don’t care, they often drive their cars more than pure restorations.
Steve R
The good thing about hot rodding a vehicle is you get to build it your way. The bad thing about hot rodding is selling it afterward (in many cases). How rare is it to get your money back on a hot rod?
Only if there is some kind of significant provenance involved. A famous name might prop up the re-sale price.
Otherwise, street-machines are things that the builder needs to personally enjoy regardless of the cost, because the market punishes almost everything about it, as far as cost vs. return. It’s no longer stock, it’s highly customized, and it’s a pile of used performance parts.
All good, except when you need to unload it.
I agree, but that is the beauty of sites like this. It is more likely to find a person that also follows your vision. There may not he a person within 1,000 miles that appreciates what you have built. But there is more likely a person within the country that does. And hopefully more than one person so that they can bid against each other. Personally I’m burned out on all Tri-5s. But the other day, a rather stock ’56 2 door sedan caught my eye. I started thinking of ways to make it suit me. When you are a gearhead, you always want to make something (in your opinion) better to fit your desires. Sometimes your desires are to make it original as possible. And other times as outlandish as you could possibly dream up. Somewhere out there someone else will appreciate what you created.
We’ll, the seller has deleted the listing. Sounds like they might have gotten what they asked for….
GONE.