Every time I see a Tri-Five Chevrolet Nomad, my thoughts instantly turn to the 1955 version accidentally destroyed by Tim Allen’s accident-prone character in the 1990s TV Sitcom “Home Improvement.” Thankfully, this 1956 example has avoided that fate but has sat in storage since 2005. It features custom touches but is a rock-solid classic begging for revival. Therefore, the seller has listed this gem here on eBay in La Habra, California. They set their BIN at $32,500, although they will consider offers.
Chevrolet introduced the Nomad to its model range in 1955, positioning it as the “halo” vehicle amongst its Station Wagon offerings. That status brought a premium price, helping explain the relatively low production totals. This Nomad has sat since 2005 and features a range of custom touches that won’t appeal to some potential buyers. However, the cosmetic deterioration could allow someone to treat it as a blank canvas for their build. The two-tone Blue paint isn’t original, with the Tag confirming the first owner ordered this beauty in a combination of India Ivory and Nassau Blue. The existing paint features severe checking and other imperfections, making stripping the exterior to bare metal necessary. That provides the chance to reinstate the original shades if the new owner pursues a more faithful appearance. They won’t face extensive rust repairs because the floors and frame are rock-solid. The seller acknowledges issues near the rear window and roof area, but that appears to be the extent of the problems. Some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but the overall impression is that this could be a straightforward project build.
The Nomad’s interior features a range of modifications that would be considered typical for a custom build from this era. The factory radio has made way for a radio/cassette player, a graphic equalizer hangs below the dash, the shifter has migrated from the column to a B&M unit on the floor, and the driver grips a chunky sports wheel. Reversing these changes is possible, and many potential buyers will seriously consider that option. The interior retains its essential hardware, but a retrim is on the cards. Although rare, the increasing popularity of Tri-Five Nomads means that trim kits in the correct materials and colors are readily available. If the new owner follows the “faithful” path, the Code 591 combination of Blue cloth and vinyl will look stunning. However, with virtually every upholstered item requiring replacement, it also allows the opportunity for a custom approach.
Some readers will grit their teeth when I quote the seller’s statement that this Nomad ran when parked. Eighteen years have passed since that day, but the bulletproof reputation of Chevrolet mechanical components means revival might be possible. The engine bay houses a 350ci V8, although its specifications are unknown. Shifting duties fall to an unspecified automatic transmission, while power steering lightens the driver’s load. Extracting 300hp from this small-block should be effortless, which is considerably more than the 225 provided by the range-topping 265ci V8 available in 1956. Sourcing the correct drivetrain components for a faithful refurbishment should be possible, but most enthusiasts would accept the existing changes with few questions.
The 1956 Chevrolet Nomad was a niche vehicle, and many potential buyers struggled to justify the additional cost of these compared to other Station Wagons. That makes these classics relatively rare, with only 7,886 Nomads finding a home during that model year. They remain extraordinarily popular, with spotless examples consistently changing hands for over $60,000. A high-end restoration or refurbishment can push that figure higher, and that factor, combined with the complete and solid nature of this Wagon, probably justifies the seller’s price. This isn’t a cheap project, but is it one you might consider tackling?
As a card carrying car nut, I noticed that the car they destroyed on Home Improvement was a Handyman rather than a Nomad, back when a regular two door wagon had little value. So I give the producers credit for that
You’re correct,but crunching any 55 sux
Worked with the guy whose real Nomad was used for Jill’s “restored” car in a later episode.
It appears that when the later model 350 was installed a later model water pump was used with it. Unfortunately, later model pumps protrude further from the engine than earlier ones. In this case the radiator core support was hacksawed out to move the radiator forward. It should be reconfigured. This is crude.
Seems like too high of an asking price when you consider the condition and the expense of righting the wrongs committed against this iconic wagon
Too high is way to gentile of a statement. Insane
is a better word!
And the myth persists.Go back to the “Home Improvement” episode, and you’ll see that it was an old 4-door that they painted to match his Nomad for the split second shot when the beam dropped. Tim Allen got a lot of grief from that episode, and spoke about it publicly. I’ve got it recorded on an old VHS tape somewhere. In slo-mo/step frame, it obviously was not a Nomad. Not much of an interior, or any Nomad trim.
Thanks for the info about tool time there was always different stories about that
Better look at that tape again. It was a 2-door. Look at the length of the door and window. Still sad no matter what ’55 they used.
I know of a 1956 265 engine with power pack heads and dual 4 carbs for sale.
Send it in so we can feature it!
Boy, can you say 1980s? B&M shifter, 350 engine, radio and EQ and those awful wheels. Even the colors don’t look exactly 1956. Well, maybe ’57 Harbor blue. Overall it looks like a good place to start based on seeing it’s good side. There seems to be a lot more to know.
I’m still hoping to find my red/ivory ’56 Nomad from high school. Damn, the Vietnam draft back then.
I’d have to see the vin tag to believe it matches the title vin. This looks like a converted 6 cylinder car at initial glance.
The VIN beginning with VC indicates a 265 V8 car. The hood ornamentation is correct for a V8 model. Underhood, a V8 car would have had the radiator located to the rear of the radiator tie bar. An original 6 cyl. car would have had the radiator located ahead of the tie bar. On this Nomad the tie bar has been crudely hacksawed out in order to move the V8 radiator forward. A 6 cyl. radiator would have been a much neater installation. Since it has a later model 350 engine it’s probably irrelevant whether it was originally a 6 cyl. or a V8 engine.
In 1969 I worked at a Sunoco gas station. A guy came in and wanted to sell his Nomad for $375. Being only 17 no bank or my parents would loan me the money. Oh well. Wonder if the car is still around.
Seller miss states production numbers and I don’t think he knows what exactly he has. He’s obviously a dreamer and picked it up on speculation.
It would no doubt take ever bit of $100k to build this to concourse and probably $60k to make it local show worthy. That being said $32k plus the rebuild cost puts it costing more than buying a good one already done.
Love the 56 and I’m building mine now.
The seller is asking WHAT!…….and he stepped in WHAT !
No mention of the horrendous gap in the top tailgate at the top passenger side when closed. As for the price it reminds me of the movie “The castle “, when the favourite saying when talking about optimistic prices asked by sellers, was “tell him he’s dreaming.”
Actually not a bad starting price for a mostly orginal early sought after car. He said make an offer……maybe with your keyboard youse guys ?