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No Reserve Survivor! 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad

A classic car will appear on our desks here at Barn Finds every now and then, and mere words don’t seem enough to describe what the eyes are seeing. That is the case with this 1957 Chevrolet Nomad. Everywhere you look, this is a classic wagon that seems to tell nothing but a positive story. From the sparkling paint to the spotless interior, there’s a lot to like about this wagon. The seller is advertising it for a friend to settle an estate, and if I owned the Nomad, it’s also the only way that I would part with it! Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, you will find it listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $50,100, and the best news of all is that it is being offered for sale with No Reserve. That’s right; this is a winner-take-all proposition for those of you who like this wagon as much as I do.

The seller admits that the Nomad has received a repaint in the past in its original combination of India Ivory and Tropical Turquoise. The deceased owner had the work completed around 10-years-ago, but it still looks pretty stunning today. The paint shines beautifully, with no visible flaws or problems. The panels are equally as impressive, with no dings or dents to report. The inevitably leads us to the question of rust, and it is one that potential buyers don’t need to worry about. The wagon has always been garage-kept, and this has left the vehicle completely rust-free. That’s a significant bonus because rust could be a problem with these old classics if they weren’t adequately protected from long-term exposure to the elements. The chrome and trim are as flawless as the rest of the exterior, while the same is true of the glass. Chevrolet offered buyers fifteen different two-tone paint combinations in 1957, and this one rates as my favorite. It is one of those things that is impossible to define adequately, but it seems to suit the styling of the ’57 Chevrolet perfectly.

The Nomad is a numbers-matching wagon that comes equipped with a 283ci V8, a 2-speed Powerglide transmission, and power steering. With 185hp on tap, the Nomad should be capable of covering the ¼ mile in around 18.9 seconds. That might not sound that impressive today, but for a six-seat family wagon produced in 1957, that was a figure that commanded respect. The seller says that the wagon’s odometer shows 30,580 miles and that these are genuine. He doesn’t mention whether he holds verifying evidence, but I wouldn’t rule it out. The engine bay presents in as-new condition, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The Nomad runs and drives well and is ready for whatever cross-country journey the buyer has in mind for it.

If the Nomad’s exterior was impressive, the interior has the “wow” factor by the ton! It is trimmed in a combination of Turquoise and Black, and the seller indicates that this is original. If this claim is true, then the condition of the trim is spectacular. You will struggle to find a fault or flaw anywhere. The upholstered surfaces have no wear or fading, while the paint is spotless and devoid of any chips or imperfections. The headliner and carpet are perfect, while the damage-prone rear cargo area looks factory-fresh. There have been no aftermarket additions, with the factory clock and AM radio still occupying their rightful places in the dash. This interior would seem to need nothing, and the buyer could rightfully drive this classic with their head held high as it attracts attention wherever it goes.

The seller quotes potential NADA values for this 1957 Nomad, and they would suggest the potential for a six-figure value for this vehicle. That is possible, but it might also be slightly optimistic. Values have ridden a rollercoaster over the past three years, but they are stable at present. I wouldn’t be surprised if the bidding hit $70,000, although I think that a higher figure is possible when you consider this Chevy’s overall condition and mileage. I believe that someone is mere days away from owning one of the nicest ’57 Nomads that you are likely to find on the market today, and I will envy them for that. Have you ever aspired to own one, and could it be this one?

Comments

  1. Avatar Royal_Duke

    I have one very similar to this one. The biggest difference – mine has a 3 spd. OD transmission. Otherwise, a twin. Having done a body off, full nut and bolt restoration over 3 1/2 years, someone is going to get a great deal even at $70k. Nothing for these come cheap. Good luck to the new owner! Duke

    Like 1
  2. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Even the steering wheel is original with no cracks?! If not, i would have gotten a smaller same style wheel so i could slide in easier.
    The only wagon kewler than this is the ’54 corvette motorama nomad concept wagon.

    Like 9
  3. Avatar Jay E. Member

    Just when I think I finally owned the perfect forever 57, another one comes along to make me wonder. This car is perfection on wheels! Low mileage, details abound. A respray that looks well done and even power steering! I am going to watch this a, along with 235 (!) others, but it is already out of my price.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Rich Gareis

      I would like to bid on the 57 Nomad. Tell me how to do so.

      Like 0
      • Avatar moosie

        CLICK on where it says “Here on ebay” and the ebay listing comes on and bid from there, Good Luck. let us know how you make out please.

        Like 0
  4. Avatar moosie

    wow

    Like 0
  5. Avatar RussT

    Cincinnati, eh? I’ve been alive here as long as this Chevy, and I can’t recall ever seeing this one.
    It must only come out at night.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Al

    My bros 1st car he bought for $300 in 1967. Same color too! Sold it a year later for $500 & bought a ’66 GTO.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Gary Rhodes

    Beautiful car but not a true survivor as it’s been repainted. I would love to own it.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Rick Vaccaro

    Yeah, I wonder sometimes about these low mileage classics why its been repainted, when everything else looks flawless

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Wayne from Oz

    Why is the “V” on the bonnet not gold, as per BelAir trim? Those blue floor mats, especially the drivers not showing any wear?

    Like 0
  10. Avatar David Ulrey

    Adam, I like your writing and you come across as a nice guy. That being said, PLEASE stop posting quarter mile times for EVERY car you write about. Some cars were never, ever, designed for the quarter mile. This is one of those cars.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Ed Smith

    Wow I sure would love to own this one over anything built new today . Plenty of room for cruising with the grandkids in style.I can’t believe there are still cars like this out there that have been babied there whole life unreal

    Like 0

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