I know you didn’t ask, but in my opinion, the ’55-’57 Chevy Nomad Wagons are the best-looking station wagons ever produced. With a slanted B-Pillar that makes them appear to be moving forward, a ribbed top, seven vertical chrome bars on the tailgate, and an upscale, attractive Bel Air interior, what’s not to like? Over the years, many of the ’56 Nomads featured on Barn Finds have been project cars. You don’t see many that claim to be highly original survivors like this one. This nomadic one currently calls Eagle River, Wisconsin, home and is listed here on craigslist for $79,900. Barn Finds thanks Randy J for spotting this rare wagon and sending it our way.
The seller asks interested buyers to call for additional info and details because it’s not shared where this Nomad has been hiding the past 70 years to be in this kind of original condition. The wagon’s exterior is impressive and painted in an attractive Matador Red and Pure White. For 1956, two-tone paint and trim were added to the sides, rear, and tailgate area of the Nomad. I like how the stylists made the trim and paint accentuate the slanted B-Pillar. Visually, the wagon looks like it’s moving forward even when standing still. The seller describes it as “the original paint still shines great with no checking or crow’s feet. There are a few thin spots but very few.” Looking at the photos, it is rust-free and the glass, chrome, and trim all look outstanding. The seller says the Nomad was undercoated when new and “retains perfect oxide primer underneath.” The seller also advertises it as “all original,” but those are not the original wheel covers. It’s not mentioned whether the seller has the factory originals or not.
If the Nomad’s interior is original as claimed, it’s one of the best preserved 70-year-old interiors we’ve seen on Barn Finds. Maybe the seats of “pattern cloth with leather-grain vinyl trim” were covered in clear plastic for protection and not exposed to the sun’s fading rays. Even the red carpet in the rear cargo area looks good. I always liked the bow molding brightwork on the headliner in the Nomad. Another reminder that you’re not riding in just an ordinary bread-and-butter station wagon.
The Nomad’s power plant is a 265-cubic-inch Super Turbo Fire V8 with 60,000 original miles on the clock. The seller says, “the motor has never been touched and runs perfect.” The 265 is paired with a 3-speed Synchro-Mesh three-on-the-tree manual transmission. In retrospect, the Nomad’s high price tag, two-doors, and a fancy-shmancy interior limited its popularity with the more practical, value-conscious 4-door station wagon customer with kids and a dog. As a result, only 7,886 Nomads were produced for the 1956 model year. Hagerty values a ’56 Nomad at $60,300 in #3 Good Condition and $96,000 – $100,000 in #2 Excellent Condition, so this Nomad seems to be priced fairly. As with any rare, pricey vintage car, an in-person inspection should be done, especially cars being advertised as “original.” What do you think of this cool, classic grocery getter?
I’ve always liked Nomads. To my eyes, the Corvette-based Motorama car was best, but the Tri-five passenger-car versions got my attention when new, and still do.
Yes, a pretty complete inspection would be vital before writing the check. The wheel rims look chrome, which I don’t believe was ever on the Nomad options list. Also — and correct me if I’m wrong — the valve covers should be painted, not bare metal.
But who cares? If this runs as well as it presents visually, it’s very tempting, to put it mildly.
I think the original valve covers would have been painted, but not the Corvette valve covers.
It looks like it’s been lowered, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s hard to tell how much it’s been lowered from the angle of the pictures.
Steve R
Great find and write up Randy J and Ron. I agree that the Nomads are the prettiest wagons ever produced. Not many like this original left.
“No crow’s feet”. Wish I could say the same! These Nomads are beautiful, and though they are 3-door, with all that space they were still practical yet attractive at the same time. Chevy really outdid themselves with styling at the time, both Nomads and the Cameo pickup. If this car is completely original then it’s probably worth the scratch, though personally I don’t care for the red. Almost any other color would float my boat, though in my mind I’m picturing turquoise, a lighter blue, or even black to go with the white!
I agree. I have a 1958 Cameo and fell in love with them and got mine in 1977. I still have it. Nomads are so nice and sleek!
Very nice Ron and Randy. This car is stunning and to be as original as it is…remarkable!
I’m with you Steve, it looks lowered. Terrry LOL, I’m all crows feet!
I had a ‘57, but I think the ‘56’s were the best.
Me as well. I like the 56 the best out of the all three.
Beautiful Nomad. My all-time favorite station wagon is a 53-54 Studebaker Conestoga Wagon. Much rarer and just like the Chevy will likely never be in my driveway. Check it out.
This is the car I had in high school. Unfortunately, my father sold the car while I was in the Navy. (said I’d have no need for this while serving) Was a contentious point for years after.
That was a crappy thing to do
Original 69 year old paint that looks that good – is that even possible?
Very nice sound example, I’m more partial to the 58. But best looking wagon ever? I respectfully disagree and must insist that the Aston Martin DB5 Shooting Brake and the XJS based Lynx Eventer are the best
Santa Approved
You may be right, Richard. But likely less than 1 in a thousand of us have any idea what you’re talking about. Go Nomad, and go Chevy!
LOL. I have always been partial to the esoteric and eclectic. Not that it ever really got me anywhere.
I didn’t but after looking them up the Shooting Brake is awesome, albiet $1.76 million worth of awesome at a Sotheby’s auction in Monterey in 2019. The Lynx Eventer is ok imo, but the picture of the rear reminds me of an old Volvo for some reason. Not my cup of tea for sure.. I’d take a Nomad any day of the week and for similar money. Anyhoo, thanks for turning me on to two more cars I’d never heard about Richard.. much appreciated.
The 58 “Nomad”was in name only. 4 doors and all.
Beautiful!
Of the tri fives, 55 was too lumpy, 57 was too feminine, 56 was the best, most cohesive design. Great car!
I think the Buick, believe pegged as a Cabilerro wagon of same vintage was equally as beautiful as the Chevy counterparts
What a find this is. I’ve loved Nomads since the first time I saw one, especially the ’56 model, and this is fine example.
56 Power pack was either 225 or 205 HP. Since this is the single 4 bbl it is the 205, the 225 had dual 4 bbl. Someone mentioned the cargo carpet, the pictures I saw were poor but appeared to be th.e original and only cargo area cover in the tri five nomads, LINOLEUM. I have the mate to this car in Nassau Blue India Ivory. Have had it for the last 47 years, pretty cool cars especially when all stock.