A list of Chevrolet’s sales disappointments of the 1950s would have to include the Nomad. It was a 2-door “Sport Wagon” based on the Chevy Bel Air and derived from a 1954 Corvette concept car. Fewer than 23,000 were built and sold between 1955 and 1957, while Pontiac only moved 9,000 of the comparable Star Chief Safari. Given that Chevy built nearly five million vehicles during that period, you have to wonder why the Nomad never took off.
The seller offers a 1956 Nomad in what we’re told is “original” condition. It may be drivable but is not used regularly. Rust is present, but it doesn’t appear to be major as the car has been living in the dry climate of the U.S. Southwest. Some of the chrome trim is missing, such as on the tailgate. The front seat covers have been redone in rather basic vinyl black, and the carpeting is out, showing clean floors in the photos.
No mention of numbers matching hardware is made, so we assume the engine under the hood is a 265 cubic inch V8. That motor would be in its second year after Chevy rolled out its first V8 powerplant in 37 years (1918 to be precise). Though the listing says the transmission is a manual, the shift pattern on the column alludes to a 2-speed Powerglide automatic. Likely a swap was done as a manual shifter appears to be coming out of the tunnel.
The VIN provided by the seller decodes as a 210 model instead of the Bel Air, yet the styling of the roof pillars is clearly Nomad. So, we’re not sure what’s going on there. A nice original or restored Nomad will fetch considerably more change than a more pedestrian 210 Handyman wagon. Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, this Chevy is available here on eBay where $15,900 is below the seller’s reserve.
Just a guess but I’d bet the engine isn’t the original if someone took the time to swap out the Powerglide for a manual trans. The body looks pretty good and probably a good start for someone looking for a Nomad project but the hidden VIN (on top of the left frame rail IIRC) should be checked closely.
Curious what it’ll sell for with the market seemingly slowing on stuff that we “older”gearheads still appreciate.
The market is slowing, but I think it’s effecting the more generic/common cars. Nomads and many of the more desirable cars so far haven’t and may never take a hit, their popularity is multigenerational. However, I think overtime, it will become a buyers market for most cars that don’t possess a strong dedicated following such as 4 doors and orphan makes and models.
The 56 Nomad, sitting on a trailer, featured on this site a few weeks ago sold for $35,300. This car will likely go higher than it’s current $15,900 high bid, a 4spd conversion will likely helps its value, same the alternator and power brake with a dual reservoir master cylinder upgrade, won’t hurt it either.
The seller also has listed his 57 Nomad.
Steve R
this nomad still is an automatic 2-speed power glide. the floor shift is for an automatic. you can also tell it is not a standard transmission, as the clutch pedal is non-functioning in it’s position. a diamond in the rough !!!👍
The ribbed roof is the only remnant of the retracting roof envisioned by Harley Earl.
The current bid is about all I would pay for it. I am fully aware of the relative scarceness of Nomads, as well as the popularity of them, particularly the ’56. I can foresee a major problem with the VIN. It does not make any sense. I also admit that at 74, I have major heartburn about 15 or 20 thousand for a car that would have sold for maybe $1000 when I was building street sweepers. As Bob Dylan said, “the times they are a changin’ “.
Yep….has to be a reason a Tri-5 guy would get rid of this……or maybe he owes taxes ?
this beautiful ’56 nomad is worth $45,000 as is ! rust free straight body and floors saves thousands in panel replacements, etc ! have you seen what they are going for at auctions? this car is gold ,!!!!!!
You cannot be serious!
Nomads are the toughest to redo of all the tri-5 Chevys. Soft parts like weatherstripping and interior trim are a challenge for all of them, but right now almost all the nomad-specific soft parts are just non-existent. Then there’s the pot metal liftgate issues …
A BAD VIN IS A BAD VIN
back in the day, we would reattach a vin with a 12 volt battery; its just spot welded on
HEY, the 56-57 corvettes vin was held on with screws
YEA
its a parts car without a good vin or good title
Go there, make an appointment with a VIN verifier and buy if it’s clean.
I really don’t see the need to pay someone to verify the VIN, since it’s already been verified as being from a different vehicle. À 210 is definitely not a Belair Nomad. I wouldn’t touch this thing with a 10 foot pole,
Yup! Charles is right! Could be a stolen body on a legal chassis with an illegal VIN tag on th pillar! Geez! That is a terrible thought!