Original Survivor? 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad

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When Chevy’s line of cars was redesigned in 1955, they added two new editions: the upscale Bel Air model and the Bel Air Nomad, a 2-door sport wagon. The latter was based in part on a 1954 Corvette show car that had many of the styling cues that made it into the production Nomad. This first-year edition is said to be a barn find and it’s all cleaned up, but not much else is known about it. Located in Dallas, Texas, this ’55 Nomad is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $30,900, but the reserve is still waiting to be met.

There was a lot of buzz about the Nomad when it was released (along with Pontiac’s version called the Safari). From the cowl forward, the wagon was all Bel Air. But from the windshield back, it had its own body that shared no sheet metal with other Chevy station wagons. For whatever reason, the Nomad never took off in the sales department, accounting for just 22,375 units in three years. 1955 would be the wagon’s biggest year at 8,386 copies. Since the numbers didn’t justify continuing dedicated production, the Nomad was discontinued for 1958. The name would come back later as a more traditional wagon.

This Nomad looks to be finished in India Ivory over Gypsy Red, a stunning combination for the vehicle. This is a two-owner car that’s seen 75,000 miles and is said to be original. These wheels are highly sought after by collectors, so we’re surprised the seller doesn’t promote it better. Only four photos are provided, and none include the interior or engine compartment.

The listing says the Chevy has a V8 engine, which must be the 265 cubic inch version which was all-new for 1955. The exterior looks good from one end to the other, and we hope the rest of the vehicle is equally tidy. These wagons in prime condition are known to fetch six figures, so the handful of bidders involved so far seem to think it’s worth the chance.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Wow!

    Like 13
  2. Larry D

    It’s hard to beat the look of a ’55 Nomad.

    Like 11
  3. 370zpp 370zpp

    It’s now at $49,950. And with four photos . .

    Like 2
    • Fireman DK

      maybe somebody forgot to count their piggy bank and did a bid retraction…….

      Like 1
    • 370zpp 370zpp

      JB, did you even go to school? (See below)

      Like 1
  4. Vinnie G

    This 55 looks great but, it don’t look like a barn find. Looks more like out of the garage for sale kind. Would love to have it.

    Like 0
  5. PRA4SNW

    Reserve Not Met @ $47,100.

    Like 0
  6. Judy Kieff

    beautiful car best year for me

    Like 0

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Barn Finds