With the difficult, expensive engineering work complete, this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Nomad offers a tantalizing prospect for potential buyers. The deal doesn’t include the existing blown V8, but the bulletproof drivetrain lets buyers add the engine of their choice, knowing the rest of the car can handle the power. It has generated significant interest since the seller listed the Nomad here on eBay in Ridgeley, West Virginia. The bidding sits at $11,300, but that figure falls short of the reserve.
The Chevelle had cemented its place in the new car market by the time Chevrolet released the Second Generation for the 1968 model year. The company tweaked the styling in 1970 to keep it fresh, and I’ve always believed the Station Wagon variant was the most attractive in the range. Others will disagree, and that’s fair, since it’s a matter of personal preference. This Nomad rolled off the line that year, finished in Gobi Beige. The seller describes the Nomad’s body as a survivor, suggesting that apart from a repaint on one back door, the Chevelle has never been restored. So a few minor bumps and bruises are to be expected. However, there are no major shortcomings, so general preservation is a viable option. The images reveal a couple of minor rust spots in the lower front fenders, and typical spots near the rear side glass. These would be prime candidates for patches, since they aren’t severe enough to justify panel replacement. Potential buyers will welcome the news that although the motor isn’t included, the seller has the original hood and hinges that can be refitted for a more conventional look. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the enormous wheels give the Nomad an aggressive appearance.
Although the deal doesn’t include the supercharged V8, the remaining mechanical upgrades would let the buyer bolt a pretty potent replacement under the hood. The seller installed a four-speed TCI 700R4 automatic transmission rated to 1,000hp and a TCI triple-disc lockup billet converter. They added a Currie Enterprises 9” rear end, fitted with a 40-spline spool and Quick Performance axles. The rear end is located by adjustable radius rods and QA1 coil-overs. The front end features tubular UMI arms, Ridetech shocks, and a Hotchkiss kit for the power steering. A complete Wilwood four-wheel power disc kit provides stopping power, with an aluminum radiator, a 3½” Denny’s steel driveshaft, and 15″ Billet Specialties wheels rounding out the package. As you can see, the buyer could bolt almost anything under the hood, and this Nomad would rise to the challenge.
This Nomad’s Saddle vinyl interior looks extremely tidy and would pass muster for a driver-grade classic. The vinyl and dash are in good condition, as is the mat. The Grant wheel, column-mounted tachometer, and the shifter are additions installed during the build, but the factory radio and column shifter are intact. The seller raises an interesting idea that some readers might find irresistible. They rightly state that every change to the interior and drivetrain utilizes bolt-on components. So, those who prefer authenticity could return the Nomad to its factory form. If someone chose that path, selling the existing upgraded items would provide some welcome cash to cover at least part of the cost.
I have a particular enthusiast in mind for this 1970 Chevelle Nomad. The person I envisage already has a motor in their workshop, waiting for the perfect new home. Thanks to the seller’s robust engineering, this classic should handle the power of almost any V8 they bolt into the engine bay. Alternatively, a Crate Engine is a viable option, and some pretty potent versions are readily available and would do the job admirably. Imagination and budget would be the limiting factors, but with Nomad values climbing, the “right” V8 could make this an enjoyable long-term investment. That begs the question: what would you be willing to pay for this Wagon, and what would you choose as the new motor?
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