If you had a thick wallet or an understanding bank manager, you could walk into your nearest Chevrolet showroom in 1957 and drive away in a shiny Bel Air Nomad loaded with optional extras. One of the most desirable, and indeed most expensive, was to outfit its 283ci V8 with fuel injection. That option made the Nomad desirable when new, and that sentiment has grown enormously in the past sixty-five years. The presentation of this Nomad is stunning, and the Fuelie V8 is one of its defining features. It recently emerged from a nut-and-bolt restoration, ready to find a new home. It is listed here at Barrett-Jackson, where it will cross the auction blocks on Saturday, October 22nd, in Houston, Texas. If you aren’t already sorely tempted, the owner’s decision to offer the Nomad with No Reserve could prove irresistible. I must say a huge thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting a genuinely jaw-dropping classic.
I’ve sat in front of the supplied photos of this Nomad, trying to think of a word apart from “stunning” to describe it, and I’m struggling to find an answer. Chevrolet produced 6,103 examples of the Nomad in 1957, and regardless of the color combination, they were all undeniably attractive. The original owner’s decision to order their wagon in Onyx Black makes it a winner. Regular readers know Black isn’t my favorite paint shade, but classics like this could make me a convert. To describe it as flawless would not be an understatement, which is unsurprising considering the Nomad’s recent history. No aspect of the vehicle escaped the owner’s attention during the restoration, and the detail is admirable. It is easy to look at this beauty and believe you’ve entered some time warp that transported you back to 1957. The depth of shine is incredible, while the panels are laser straight. Beauty is more than skin-deep because placing this Chevy on a lift reveals the spotless black frame and the floors wearing the correct red oxide. Many mechanical components feature the correct markings from 1957, and there’s no evidence of rust or fluid leaks. The new exterior chrome and stainless trim shine richly, providing a striking contrast to the paint. The restoration included new tinted glass, and the whitewall tires add a perfect finishing touch to the exterior.
If a beautifully restored ’57 Nomad doesn’t instantly whet your appetite, perhaps lifting the hood on this classic will grab your attention. Buyers faced a wide selection of engines to power their new purchase in 1957, but the most desirable was the fuel-injected 283ci V8. It was the most expensive weapon in the Nomad’s arsenal, adding a staggering $550 to the vehicle’s sticker price of $2,857. Buyers could order more powerful motors, but this one delivered a healthy 250hp and 305 ft/lbs of torque. The original owner didn’t stop ticking boxes once they’d added the Fuelie because they also selected a bulletproof Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. If the driver pointed the wagon at a ¼-mile, the journey would be over in 18 seconds. I know that figure isn’t venturing into muscle car territory, but that was never the company’s design intent. The Nomad was practical family transport that seated six, and the figures are among the best you would find in a vehicle of this type in 1957. The seller indicates this car is mechanically original, and the overall presentation suggests its drivetrain may have received plenty of TLC during the restoration. They provide no information on how this Chevy runs or drives, but the visual indications are positive.
Given all we’ve seen so far, I’m sure you’re unsurprised to open this Nomad’s doors to find an interior in as-new condition. It features trim in Code 669 Black and Red cloth and vinyl. There is no evidence of wear or any faults and no aftermarket additions. As with the mechanical specifications, the original owner wasn’t scared to spend a few dollars adding extra comfort and convenience items. The Wonderbar radio will entertain the family on long journeys, while the power windows and power front seat would’ve added a cool $102.25 to the original purchase price.
It doesn’t matter whether you are passionate about General Motors models or your loyalties rest elsewhere, this 1957 Bel Air Nomad is undeniably a stunning vehicle. Its presentation seems flawless, and its original owner ticked some of the most desirable boxes on the Order Form. It would have cost them around $3,800 by the time they drove it off the showroom floor, which was hardly loose change in 1957. Now? I believe it is inevitable that bidding will enter six-digit territory before the hammer falls. I’m unsure whether it could eclipse the sales record of $379,500 set in 2005, but if two or more people are determined enough, it is impossible to rule out that scenario. It will be fascinating to gauge reader response and see what you think the price will be. Then we can watch the auction to see if anyone can hit the nail on the head.
drop dead Goregous!!!!
Chevrolet advertised the ’57 283 fuel injection put out 1hp per cubic inch that = 283hp.
Nelson, The 283 HP Fuel Injected motor was only available with a manual transmission.
Exceptional vehicle in pristine condition
A real winner in any case
Weren’t there two FI engines in 57 ? Solid lifter, big cam at 283 hp and the hyd. Lifter, mild cam 250 hp. No auto trans for hot rod motor as I recall.
you are right there where 2 Fi 283s a
283 hp and a 250 hp same with the 283 with dual 4 barrells one had solid lifters one hydraulic lifters
2-4 bbl. solid lifter- 270 hp,/ Hyd.lifter-245 hp as I recall.
right again friend in highschool had a 1959 Vette 245 hp 4 speed raced him won by fender length had a 1958 Impala 348 3 speed
Al, was your 348big block 250,280 or 315hp ?
it was only the 250 but was exceptionally fast sister at the time had a new 1963 Impala convertible 327 250 hp 4 speed we both ran g stock at the drags I would bet her by half a car length it was quick
My ‘57 white over yellow NOMAD sold for $750 back in ‘66. What fools these mortals be!
I could imagine having a fuelie nomad, convert,hardtop and vette,all in black and red, lined up in the garage.
As I recall the FI cranking signal valve would fail leaving you stranded. It was a common problem, many FI units were removed and replaced with carburetor for ease of tuning and reliability. I acquired a FI take off in about 1970 and put on my ‘56 Chevy wagon. Replaced the cranking signal valve with military surplus model made to work and never had a problem.
I drove a ’60 fuel-injected engined hot rod for close to 20 years, doing my own tuning and repairs. It always started and ran great. I was always told the weak point was the short drive cable for the high- pressure fuel pump, and always carried a spare which I never needed. I have no idea what a “cranking signal valve” even is. Did the GM mechanical injection have one?
I have no idea what the selling price on this Nomad might be. It is incredible and I assume a one and only. I can’t think of a car guy that would want it. I also can’t think of many that could afford it and buy it.
Is there such a things as “Too nice”? Cars are meant to be driven and I can’t imagine the ritual needed for entry. Changing into your driving shoes while standing on the vacuum mat as you are brushed down. Sit and CAREFULLY slide around in the seat. You can only drive it a few days a year. Those times where there are no bugs and the roads are dry. I mean LOOK at it! Museum? Nope..it would collect DUST!
Frankly I’d hate to own this thing. It wants to be driven, I want to drive it..but the moment you DO……16 hours of cleaning and detailing per mile…
Steve, you are so right! It is like chicken and egg or I love this car so much, I want it as my one and only true love. OK Great now what do I do?
It will match $379,500 if there is enough documentation about the original configuration.
PS: these were notoriously difficult to keep tuned.
Beautiful but I’d be afraid to drive it and couldn’t fix the fuel injection, if I had to. Has to be worth way north of 100k.
I had a metal shop teacher in high school,1964, and he use to rebuild these units on the side. Of course I would be in his hip pocket watching and asking questions. The one I remember was out of a Pontiac and it had the badging for the Poncho. This was a rare piece even then. I believe it was identical to the Chevrolet. Really not that hard to work on.
You got me on this. Never have heard of a Poncho, and I was kind of surprised by what it is. Very cool!
That was what they referred to as a Pontiac, a Poncho. Very rare piece.
The PW must’ve been added during restoration. While the master on the door panel is in the correct position, the pass door’s switch is located where the manual crank would go, not at the top of the door where these were originally (like driver’s side).
Wish BF would feature affordable classics like this ’57
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165723940824?_trksid=p2471758.m4704
Rather than unattainable BJ listings.
I don’t want to be “that guy,” but all these high-end auction features…. isn’t that a little lazy? It’s not really a barn find if it’s a flawlessly restored car featured in one of the big name auctions. Bring-a-Trailer fell down this rabbit hole. Please don’t follow them.