Today, the 1955-57 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad is a coveted automobile. The sport wagon only lasted three years, and production numbers were somewhat low, so Chevy didn’t continue with it in 1958. However, let’s not forget that Pontiac had a badge-engineered version of the same wagon, the Safari, which sold in even smaller numbers and is scarcer now. Mechanically, this Pontiac was refreshed about five years ago, while the body, paint, and interior may be original. Located in Silvis, Illinois, this rarity is available here on craigslist for $35,000. Our pal T.J. has come through with another great tip!
Based on a 1954 Corvette concept car, the Nomad/Safari was developed for 1955 as part of the new GM A-body automobiles. Dubbed a Sport Wagon, these were 2-door wagons with a unique body from the cowl back and decked out in the highest level of trim available. While the Nomad used Bel Air sheet metal in the front, Pontiac went with the Chieftain. Why these wagons weren’t more successful is a mystery. Perhaps buyers felt that if they were going to buy the most expensive vehicles from the two automakers, they should have four doors. After 22,375 Nomads and 9.094 Safari’s, GM pulled the plug with the 1958 designs
We don’t know much about the history of the seller’s Safari. It may have just 44,000 miles, but the drivetrain was weak enough five years ago to warrant a rebuild with a few performance upgrades in the process. We suspect the wagon is only driven in nice weather as the seller says, “now is the time to buy it before into goes into winter storage,” which we assume is a routine practice. Out of 4,042 Safari’s assembled in 1956, we’re told that just 302 are still registered in the U.S.
Better photos would provide greater justice for this proud Pontiac. All the engine compartment pics are blurry, but the V8 should be the 316 cubic inch motor that was unique to the 1956 Pontiacs. It’s paired with an automatic transmission, power-assisted steering and brakes, and an FM-converted AM radio, we’re told this is an A/C car, but it’s not complete (i.e., hardware is missing). Besides work done to the powertrain, the fuel system was flushed, and aftermarket electronic ignition was added. The two-tone white over aqua paint may be fine, but the interior will need a bit of attention. Cracked covers are over the seats and the metal on the dashboard looks a bit rusty. But all that being said, we’re told this is a car you could drive anywhere and enter it into the parade of your choice.
Transmission cooler minted next to a hot exhaust system and no way for air to pass through it? That thing couldn’t cool itself much less any transmission fluid.
Mounted not minted.
The problems mounted not long after the vehicle was minted. ;)
Evidently, the wagons shared the same frame as the convertibles, as is evident by the X member in this wagon. Anyone else have any other info on that.
Rick, Your such a funny 🤣 guy
The price for $35K (on several of these cars) is aimed for people with a lot of $ but not much sense (cents)…. whatever lol
The Old Ranger nailed it!!!!!
I worked summers in a DX station, 55-56-57 and changed a lot of oil on a lot of cars but I never saw one with an oil cooler mounted on the frame or any other place at that time. I would guess it is aftermarket, do any of you know?
Homer, Yes after market.
As a life long wagon nut, I really appreciate seeing this. Although I cringe every time I see a 55-57 Chevy (I never liked them, even growing up in the sixties I thought they were ugly, but to each his own), it’s nice to see a horse of a different color from that era. The last new car my grandfather bought was a 1957 Pontiac, I think it was a Star Chief, or something like that. Gorgeous car, and I found out it was still around about 15 years ago (he died on Christmas Eve in 1965, grandma never drove, so she sold it). It was white over red with that beautiful body side chrome… Always liked the extra bright work on the Pontiacs back then. Cars had character and weren’t made with a cookie cutter. Thanks for sharing this long roof beauty!
It’s a little pedantic, but Chevy did make a Nomad in 1958 (and several other years after the three two-door classics):
https://www.oldcarsweekly.com/features/car-week-1958-chevrolet-nomad-station-wagon
Pontiac still made the Safari but it to was a 4 door like the Nomad.
I have to kind of disagree on these being just badge engineered nomads. Pontiac’s other wagons maybe, as they used Chevy bodies with Pontiac front ends and trim. But these had complete Pontiac rear quarters and IMO looked a 1000% better regular wagons that were pretty plain in comparison.
rare!