Update 9/6/22 – This unique creation has been relisted here on eBay with a thousand-dollar price drop. Is that enough to find the Bel Camino a new home? We sure hope so because this could be the perfect way to stand out amongst a sea of tri-fives!
From 4/18/22 – The Chevy Nomad was a limited production “sport wagon” built by GM for three model years (1955-57). It was part of the now-famous Tri-Five Chevies and saw just 22,375 copies assembled. This 1956 edition was customized some years ago to make a pick-up out of it along the same vein as the later El Camino. It no longer has an engine or transmission, and the colors seem to have been changed. Located with a dealer in Gray Court, South Carolina, this “Belamino” is available here on eBay for $10,000 (Buy it Now) but offers will be accepted, too. Thank go to Barn Finds readers T.J. for the tip!
Conceived from a 1954 show car based on the Chevy Corvette, the Nomad debuted in 1955 in Bel Air trim. From the cowl forward, it was the same as the rest of the line-up. But from the windshield back, the sheet metal was all its own (except when the Pontiac Safari comes into play, its corporate clone). Perhaps Chevy was expecting more buyer interest since nearly five million cars in all were built in these three years, so the Nomad volume was something of a drop in the bucket. When the autos were redesigned for 1958, the Nomad as it was disappeared but returned as a trim level on a regular 4-door station wagon.
We don’t know much about this potentially one-off on a ’56 Nomad. From the looks of things, we don’t know if this was a professionally done custom job, or one performed by two guys in their garage. Where these projects tend to fall short is how the roofline is dealt and – while there are ample photos – we can’t tell how it was addressed here. The seller suggests dropping in another drivetrain and tool around like it is, patina and all.
Whatever engine/transmission set up this Nomad once had eventually gave way to a 440 Chrysler engine and Torqueflite automatic. But that arrangement is gone now too. There is evidence of a floor boot where a manual shift once presided. If this Nomad had been left alone and restored properly it could have had the potential of being a six-figure car in today’s market. But if redone the way it sits today, it may not be worth as much but it sure would stand out in the crowd!
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