In 1954, Harley Earl, GM’s head stylist, envisioned a Nomad concept car as a successor to the successful Corvette sports car. The “Dream Car” featured a Corvette front end and a two-door wagon body. This design was very different from the traditional station wagons of the time as the windshield was laid back further than normal. When the design was approved for production, though, it was to be built on the normal Chevrolet A-body of the time. The most sought-after of the Nomads have always seemed to be the Tri-Five versions from 1955 through 1957. This 1957 example is available here on craigslist in Toronto, Ontario with an asking price of $65,500.
The distinctive large tailfins were new for 1957, and one design element was the hidden gas filler in the driver’s-side fin. This restoration was brought down to the bare metal. There is said to be no rust, and the body is very, very straight with high-end paint. The color is two-tone Gypsie Red and India Ivory. The interior is done in Black Leather with red stitching and looks to be in excellent shape. A floor shifter for the 4-speed trans sits in front of the front bench seat.
The engine is a 355 cubic-inch V8 with a 4-speed manual transmission. The original generator is said to be working well. All the trim is new, as are the front and rear bumpers. The car currently has 7-inch front and 8 ½ rear Torq Thrust wheels. The owner has a set of original rims with white wall tires already mounted, along with the original hubcaps.
You could leave this car as-is and have a beautiful, driver-ready Nomad, or, given the lack of modifications, you could easily turn it into an original-looking Nomad with the included wheels and hubcaps. Which would you prefer? I, myself, would drive it just the way it is. As of this writing, prices for 1957 Nomads run from the low 50s to the low 80s. With this one’s sale price sitting right in between, plus a fresh paint job and a running drivetrain, I would say it’s a decent deal. What are your thoughts? Would you want a slightly modified Nomad?
I would take care of the gap issue, actually an easy repair that should have been corrected prior to paint, for the asking price. I guess 40 + years of frame, collision and restoration craftsmanship, small things just jump out. Beautiful automobile though! The details matter…
I would take care of the gap issue, actually an easy repair that should have been corrected prior to paint, 40 + years of frame, collision and restoration craftsmanship, small things just jump out. Beautiful automobile though!