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An American Icon: 1957 Chevrolet Nomad

1957-chevy-bel-air-nomad

There are cars out there that are so iconic they transcend generational gaps and genres. The 1957 Chevy Nomad is one of those cars and is a true American Icon. I’d go as far as to say that there isn’t a gearhead out there that hasn’t at least heard of the Nomad! While values will always be fluctuation, I believe there will always be a demand for the Nomad. This example is a serious project that is going to take a dedicated enthusiast to save it, but I have no doubt there is someone out there that would love to have it. If that person might be you, check this project out here on eBay in Ballston Spa, New York with a BIN of $8k.

1957-chevrolet-nomad-engine

At one time, this rusty wagon would have gone quick at the seller’s asking, but these aren’t quite as hot now as they were a few years back. If it were a fuel injected model, I could see it fetching this kind of money today, but a 220 horsepower model isn’t worth nearly as much and this thing is in rough shape. Hopefully the seller has all the trim for it, otherwise this one could be very expensive.

1957-chevrolet-nomad-interior

I’m guessing this wagon has spent quite a few years parked outside, with the windows down and the tailgate open. Add finding a complete interior to the list of needed parts. Finding most of the interior should be relatively simple, but fixing all the rust and getting it running are probably high priorities at this point! One interesting thing to point out is that this car was ordered with the radio delete, an option very few buyers were interested in for their luxurious Bel Air!

1957-chevrolet-nomad

I know this Nomad is a huge project, but given how iconic these are, I really hope someone buys and restores it! Just think how much fun you’d have driving it to shows and events. It’s really the ultimate piece of Americana! So would you take on the task of restoring it? If so, what would you be willing to pay for it?

Comments

  1. Avatar PaulG

    Wow, what a shame…I grew up in Northern NY state, and left 40 plus years ago for the dry desert of AZ. Rust being reason #2, behind snow!
    This would be fun to get “drivable” and show up at a tri-5 show with.
    8 K is insane for what’s left of this.

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  2. Avatar Blindmarc

    Not a Chevy fan. Junk it.

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  3. Avatar piper62j

    IMHO, you need a shop, complete with a lift, teardown bay, paint booth and a crew of 100 to make this car worth bringing back..
    Nice find.. For the ambitious.

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  4. Avatar Yellowjax Member

    I can’t imagine the man hours it would take. Just a rough guess ….800? Hats off to the person who takes this on, and a thank you.

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    • Avatar Loco Mikado

      More like ????? man hours. 800 would be 1 person working 40 hrs a week for 4 1\2 months to tear down and restore this car completely, don’t see it even remotely in the realm of this time frame.

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  5. Avatar charlie Member

    Parts, parts, parts. Should be parted out. Will make the rest more valuable.

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  6. Avatar Prowler

    I see stacks of Ben Franklin’s. Changing hands on this one
    There are quite a few of these for sale at any given time
    Why try to crawl out of hole when the smoke clears on this one
    Buy one done and drive it the next day

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  7. Avatar ben

    ruff ruff ruff even for meand my crew it would take way to many hours and money u would would never regroupe find a better one and forget the headaces labor of love then some

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  8. Avatar Mr. Bond

    I like his first line: “You are bidding on a 57 Chevy Nomad … “. Glad he told me. There really isn’t much left!

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    • Avatar Russ

      Almost a “57 Chevy Nomore”. So very rough.

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  9. Avatar Mitch

    Don’t forget the ’57s were the least common of the Tri 5 Nomads. I hope someone can do something with it.

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  10. Avatar stillrunners

    Yep – they reproduce these bodies and a catalog to buy all the new parts ! Guess most of the commentators here also post their thoughts on the football boards as well on Mondays.

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  11. Avatar JW454

    The ’57 Nomads sometimes rival the ’57 convertibles for high selling prices. Due the the reproduction parts support system for this model I think it could be brought back to life. If you’re thinking of doing it for a big profit that would be difficult in my opinion.

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    • Avatar JW454

      Also, the Nomad was the most expensive model offered by Chevrolet in 1957. It’s odd this one was ordered radio delete.

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  12. Avatar Sidedraught

    Shame someone who actually wanted to restore it didn’t get to it before this flipper, at $8000, I think the seller is chasing a $7,900 profit.
    Even if you bought it for $1 it wouldn’t be an economically viable restoration project, at best a labour of love.

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  13. Avatar Carl Salatino

    The 56 saw the lowest production numbers. Buy one done and be money ahead. Not every car is for restoring.Some are just parts!

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  14. Avatar PatrickM

    I have never understood why anyone would let ANY car just grow into the ground. I love it when something is given new life, but this one will be in ICU for a long time

    Like 0

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