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?
I don’t think this is a Nomad, but I’ve been wrong before. Still cool though.
I don’t think it’s a nomad either. How far away is the grocery store, a quarter mile?
You’re correct, almost. Chevrolet stopped building the iconic two-door Chevrolet Nomad from 1955-1957, but continued using the Nomad name on various four-door station wagons until 1972. In the mind of most car-guys, the two door Nomad of 1955-57 were “the only” Nomads Chevrolet ever manufactured!
This time you’re right. It appears to be a Nomad.
The Nomad was the base level wagon, followed by the Greenbrier, Malibu Concours, and the Malibu Concurs Estate models. The Nomad name carried on past the 55-57 models. Crazy to think the Nomad name was even a Vega model as well. The Greenbrier was originally the Corvair window van body from 1961-1964.
That’s not a Nomad, Nomads only have two doors.
Designed to draw attention, it was likely fast, but not built to run at sanctioned race tracks,
Steve R
Just the car you want on a hot sunny day and a carton of ice cream in your grocery bag…
this was the cheap Chevelle wagon and they were known as a nomad. very nice body. i find it a shame that it was modified to this extent. this would be so nice is a as factory build form. to each his own. i bet the reserve is not going to be cheap.
If you are planning on driving this much on the street I would recommend removing the spool.
Dragging wagon Looks real cool!!!!
Seems to me 11K is more than this is worth. I just don’t see anything to get excited about because after spending 10 to 15K on a motor you still have an old 4 door station wagon and 30K and more out the door.
Just me.
I used to supply these
cars to my mother to drive. The very first one was a 1968 NOMAD wagon with 307 and factory 4 speed. My stepfather wrecked it and I parted it out and bought her another. All the rest were automatics after that one. The last ones were in the 80’s and we sold her last one and it was turned into a drag racer.
Well okay, let’s talk about engines. I see this one running a
twin turbo 3800 V-6 mated to that
700R4 auto tranny and HD rear end you get with the sale. In stock form, my late MILs LeSabre
sedan pumped out 205 HP out of the factory and that wasn’t all that bad for an ’01 Buick. But rebuild the engine with HD innards from a like era Impala 9C1 police package, screw on a pair of turbos running 15 pounds of boost each, and let the fun begin! And if it’s done right, you could see 5, maybe 600HP and
at least 500 foot pounds of twist
before you dial it all in. If you use
a V-6, you save weight up front and that should keep the car from
swapping ends when you romp on the go pedal. And it’s all a matter of taste, I’d use that tricked out 3800 just to be different. And yes Steve R, you could run this car in the street class at your local dragstrip. Just
check the rule book before you
show up there. And yes kiddies,
it’s a lot of fun to go fast!
This car does not have safety equipment to run quicker than 11.50, that’s based only what’s visible. There may be other issues, not shown which will prevent it from making a pass altogether.
Steve R
Nightmarish design – hacked together GM garbage wagon just needs the faux wood side panels & Garish avocado green paint job & Chevy Chase driving
The VIN would confirm whether or not it’s a Nomad (131 for 6 cyl or 132 for V8) but I’m inclined to think it is because the Nomad was the lowest trim level for a ‘70 Chevelle wagon.
Cool wagon and a great platform to build it as you like. The Nomad name was used by Chevrolet off and on for years beyond the Tri-Fives that everyone knows. They used it on 59-61 Impala wagons and then again on the 68-72 Malibu wagons, along with Greenbrier, Townsman and assorted other names. So this is in fact a Nomad.
Always was under the impression that Nomads were 2 doors. Nice looking car though
Well darn it, I like it! Love a 70 and love a wagon! Winning combination to me. The engine in was cool. Similar would be great! I know my son well. A 6.0 LS would be the first thing on his mind. I freely admit I like old school sbc aka Mouse and bb Chevy. Aka Rat but a 6.0 probably would make a nice power plant in this sweetheart.