The now iconic Chevy Nomad had a three-year run in the mid-1950s. The 2-door Nomad differed from other station wagons of the day by having styling that was more reminiscent of a hardtop sedan than that of a regular station wagon. For marketing and cost savings reasons, Chevrolet shared this body with the new Pontiac Safari. Its design was inspired by a show car that was based on the early Corvette. This low-production edition from 1957 has been stored in a warehouse since the mid-1980s and is in drivable condition. It’s available in Stuart, Florida and here on craigslist for $42,500.
The original Nomad wagons were produced between 1955-57 and would appear on and off for years in the sales literature. When Chevrolet redesigned their cars for 1955, the Nomad went from concept car to production vehicle and was attached to the popular Bel Air models as a sporty, more upscale wagon. The 2-door body style included a fold-down rear bench seat to accommodate a maximum amount of cargo. And it had a 2-piece tailgate with a glass upper portion that swung up and a tailgate that folded down.
Due to its lengthy storage and likely good maintenance prior, the seller’s 1957 Nomad is said to have no rust. The body looks good, while the dark green/gray paint is looking more than a bit tired. This car is equipped with rare factory air conditioning which is accompanied by the enormous hardware needed to support it under the hood. The engine should be a 283 cubic V8 (245 hp) paired with a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. Power steering and power brakes are also there, so this Nomad was extremely well-equipped.
We’re told the Nomad is drivable, but there is no mention what was required to get it going again after being off the road for 35 years. Nor is there any mention of further work that should be done besides a new paint job and redoing the seats and door panels in the interior. To many, the ’57 Nomad is the best looking of the original three, and yet it sold in the smallest numbers. Production over its first generation was: 1955 – 8,386; 1956 – 7,886; and 1957 – 6,103 for a grand total of just 22,375 copies. Of all the Chevy Bel Airs and their derivatives built in 1955-57, the Nomad usually commands the highest resale value and it’s not uncommon to see nice ones selling for nearly six figures.
For more information on the 1955-57 Chevy Nomad, check out these resources: GM Heritage Center, Classic Car History.
$42,500? Perhaps if the exterior looked as nice as the interior it might be worth it.
I wonder how many ’57 Nomads were produced, compared to the ’55 and ’56. You sure don’t see many of these!
1955 – 8,386; 1956 – 7,886; and 1957 – 6,103
A total of 6,103 Nomads were produced in the final year of the original Nomads.The lowest total of the Tri-Five Nomads.
Y do I hear that tri-5? Were all Bel-airs only 3 yrs? Which/what is a try-5 by Y/M/M? All I know is “mid 50s chevy”
Thnx !
Yes the paint looks a little tired – but – it’s been a long time since it’s seen a wax job. Still looks like it can be brought back with the new products that are around.
It’s a loaded nice Nomad and I agree the price is about right.
And it’s gone !!!!
Factory AC in a 57 Nomad is incredibly rare and adds significant value to restored versions. Most were modified over their lifetime, if this is as good as it looks the price may be justified.
Steve R
AC cost equivalent of $4,000 in today’s money. AC was made by Harrison
Well the price will be justified if someone pays it. I’m agnostic on that in this case as too many questions are raised. The factory a/c is very desirable and the overall condition is a hella lot better than most unused and stored cars. Florida is such a weird place. Like a vortex of sinkholes, odd thinking and vintage tin that surfaces regularly like The Blob. I sure couldnt let it sit for thirty five years! I’d be driving the heck outof it. Be interesting to know what it actually sells for.
AC is rare indeed for a 57. That looks like the same, or early A6 compressor that GM still used on 60s and even 70 models. Guy knows what hes got at that price point. Little steep without paint though.
For 45000 I think I would buy a 25000 dollar car with ac under dash. I would think there would be a better restored car for this kind of cash.
James Martin ~ Not a 57 Nomad ~ even without A/C they cost more than you seem to think.
Factory AC is so rare that I’ve never seen it, and I’ve been noticing Nomads since I was a teenager in the 70’s. That has got to be the largest compressor ever put into an automobile. I’ll bet you could hang meat in the car when the air is working properly.
When I was in high school a couple of centuries ago a friend had an older brother totally into 57 Nomads and a enabling grandmother to provide funds. He had two, one was a driver he let his brother drive often. Very nice with a 327 and three on the tree. I only saw the other once, it was a PERFCT restoration with all options including AC and bunch of silly dealer add ons. I got no clue what to either one. This was about 50 years ago and both brothers are now gone.
Just maybe they took the cars with them.
Agreed …. probably had to shut it off going over the Rockies….
I look at this car in profile and damn I wish they’d have done the El Camino in ’57.
I really do like the lines of this car. To Rex Kahrs, I am sure that your comment may have inspired someone with a plasma cutter and a mig welder to start dreaming. I died a thousand times yesterday when I saw a split window Vette mounted on a sky-high 4X4 chassis.
I was thinking the same thing.
Thats an older A-6 compressor if Im not mistaken. You dont usually see them in 50s cars. I have a 64 Impala that has one and was a beast to get all working again.
It’s nice that the ad clarifies that it’s a hard top.
I’ve worked on a lot of late ’50s Chevys,
and I can tell you that this is the first time I’ve ever seen one in person. Dad
used to tell me stories about how hard
it was to access the plugs and fuel pump with one of these monsters sitting topside on the engine and I don’t
think they changed the compressor
location until at least the eighties. As I
look down the side of the car, I notice
that their are no rear fender air scoops
or plastic tubing that was used on GM
cars of this era that were ordered with
factory air. My uncle Bill had a ’56 Buick
sedan with the setup I just mentioned
and I recall that the tubes were clear
so as not to block the driver’s vision out
the rear window. Looks like a very good
survivor car no matter what you might
think about the price. It’s for sure that
you won’t see another one like it.
The rear fender air scoops and the clear plastic tubes were only in cars that had the A/C evaporator in the trunk. In this car the evaporator is cowl mounted under the hood, just like cars today, so there’s no need for the scoops/tubes. Chevy never offered the trunk-mounted system.
If this is as rare as you guys say it is, and it’s beautiful, the price doesn’t seem out of line. Not like that white ‘67 Mustang… I think he should of sold it two years ago though.
Beautiful lines. It’s no wonder why this design is so iconic. The $42k asking price isn’t obnoxious IMO, based on how this car is optioned. Again it’s a starting point. To find a ’57 Nomad that is this complete that’s already a driver is rare by itself. I’m a fan!
If this car looks as good under it as the rest with these options id say he is getting asking. In the right auction maybe more. He will just get lowballed on craigslist. This complete , this condition and all original with ac . You wont find another
Please no Resto-Mod dropped to the ground, with clown car wheels.
I hate lowered cars, and even worse when it,s done to a truck. It ruins the vehicle to me.
I hear ya, these guys with lowered cars never tore their exhaust off driving down a gravel road
THANK YOU for saying that. There are so few classics of any type left around that are preserved to factory specification.
Glad I’m not the only one who feels this way!
I hate to see vehicles lowered, and hate to see them lifted, either.
The will to resto-mod is strong with this one, PUUULEASE leave it stock( falling on deaf ears these days) To see a ’57 Nomad not transformed like this, is truly unusual. The fact it remained like this for all these years, well, to be honest, it looks so out of place, as I can’t remember the last absolutely stock Nomad I saw. This car was top of the line, and someone spared no expense in optioning it out. Power brakes, power steering, electric wipers, Powerglide, you just don’t see these like this, as popular as they once were.
And what, I didn’t mention price? Not so fast. The price, like all these, is totally out of line. Oh sure, it’s rare, but $50g’s rare? A few posts back, someone mentioned there are 11 MILLION millionaires in this country. 11 Million. Think about that a sec. That number blew me away, and puts this whole 5 figure foolishness into perspective some. Okay, they buy this for $40g’s, and it’s condition is simply not acceptable, and they’ll pixx another hefty chunk just to make it pristine, yes, with some rocket motor, clown wheels and a modern interior, who is that for? Us retired Joes that might enjoy a plain car like this? Nope, another millionaire is their best customer, and around it goes. In my world, albeit outdated, a car like this shouldn’t go for more than FIVE G’s, couple grand to spruce it up and drive the dang thing. I suppose that mentality died with the 90’s.
You are wrong.
Most of the “millionaires” don’t have liquid assets. It’s often tied up in their houses or businesses. Many bought property when it was a fraction of the price and has since appreciated. They are technically millionaires, but on paper only.
You should stop using this platform to complain about money, it’s getting old, you keep pushing an agenda that is often ill informed. This is a car forum, not a forum to complain about people that are better off financially than you.
Steve R
Steve R: Who appointed you the arbiter of what others think and say? It appears to be your gig. How about giving it a rest…….
Mountainwoodie, I guess you think that statement doesn’t apply to you either? Maybe I missed the vote that appointed Howard. Just because you agree with him doesn’t mean his is the only opinion that should be heard. I’d be more than happy to never go down this road, but it’s not a one way street.
Steve R
Steve R.. Your comment to Howard A and Montainwoodie is perfect. It is getting “VERY OLD” on here reading that crap about money on here. Your knowledge and information is always spot on. Seems i always learn something new from you. Keep it up.
I agree with both of you to a degree. I’m also sick of the, “what are these people thinking bidding this car this high?! I can buy these all day long for 5 grand!”, type comments and not just from one commenter either. This isn’t 1990 anymore and yes, the classic car market has gotten crazy, no thanks to people in it to make money. It is what it is, unfortunately. Everything sells for what someone is willing to pay. Having said that, I agree with this particular comment in that this car needs to stay original and there unfortunately would be a large portion of those that would want to restomod it and try selling it for some eye watering amount.
I hear you, but at the same time he’s not hurting anyone voicing his opinion on a car site. I just wish Howard some peace in his life actually.
Steve,,,look, I pay to be here and it’s an open forum, for the most part. I enjoy the site, and am not going anywhere, so we’ll just have to get along. The trouble today, is nobody wants to admit they’re wrong. I’ll admit it, but not this time.( I realize the irony of that statement) There are clearly others that agree with me, and yes, I’ll be the last person standing on this issue, if need be, this 5 figure foolishness has taken a big chunk out of many of our lives, it’s tough to readjust, but I’m ready. You have a lot of good facts, but rarely about the cars themselves, I at least have that, ( whispering, even though, a lot is looked up). I’m sorry it’s getting old, but not as old as these greedy “millionaires on paper”, as you say, a silly statement, something someone would say trying to hide their assets, that have one thing on their mind,,,more money. It, like most “fads” throughout history, will fade as interest dries up completely, but in the meantime, there’s people to be bilked, and I consider these 5 figure examples of really ordinary cars, the king of bilk.
@ Mountainwoodie: funny you say the “arbiter”, as my last name has a similar pronunciation, fact is, in old country, I think my grandfathers name WAS “Arbiter”, but was changed at Ellis Island( thank goodness) I’m no “arbiter”, and history has shown, I don’t think we’ll ever get along. Peace all.
Howard. I couldn’t care less when it comes to your opinion about prices, in general I agree, most cars are overpriced. It’s your needless and repetitive editorializing and social commentary you include that bothers me. That’s the part that doesn’t need to be injected into the conversation.
Steve R
Howard A ~ actually that price you named died with the 60s. This car will sell for over $35K & someone will drop another $40K+ to bring it up to par. For your $7,000 you’ll get a rusted out pile of junk. But I too hope someone doesn’t turn this thing into a rolling joke with Conestoga wagon wheels & an LS motor.
I always enjoy B/F comments and I often put in my two cents. It seems no matter what the vehicle is ,one comment is it is too much money, like this Nomad. I have made the comment many times. I think when we make that comment, it should come with the understanding, that it is too much for the person making the comment. It is not necessarily too much for the car. The proof of that is how many times those cars sell. If that happens , I guess the nay-sayer was wrong. I know, I have been wrong allot.
Power pack 220 hp.
I had a ’56 Chevy Nomad Wagon-a beauty , Sherwood green and India Ivory. I bought it new in “56 for just over $2000 ! LOVED that wagon. It also had Overdrive transmission. I still have the original owner’s manual.
The price is whatever the market will bear. If a millionaire buys it, it’s up to him what happens to it. Cryin’ about it won’t get you the car.
My Father-in-law is what I call a Tri-Chevy expert. He has two 57 BelAir Convertibles, one turquoise with turquoise and white interior and a white top and one black with red interior and a black top. Both of them are stunning. Never been to a car show that someone hasn’t approached him with their checkbook, one of which just told him to fill in the blank. He says the owner will get the 42 figure and probably more. For the reader who wished for a 57 El Camino? We are currently searching for a donor car so that my Father-in-law can begin building it! He already has all the new and reconditioned parts.
A hardtop sedan huh? Lol
Probably less than a dozen left with that configuration. I have been a fan of the tri5s forever and NEVER saw a Nomad with factory air. Power steering and brakes are actually fairly rare.
Steve R. I understand the stale conversation about the haves and have nots. Sadly, that is an element of the car world. The passion for old cars runs deep, especially for those of us that grew up seeing ’65 Corvettes sell for $2,300 (my Dad’s). I have been without a car to enjoy for 30/35 years and trying to enjoy an old car again before the Grim Reaper shows up is a powerful emotion. Some blame baby boomers who’ve done well for the rise in prices, others blame Barret Jackson and other auction houses for the price escalation. My hat’s off to the folks who kept their hot rod and refused to sell it and to those that have done well enough to pay the current prices. Unfortunately some of us spent every dime for their kids education and other priorities but still have the fever. In the end, we are all car lovers. I’ll continue to try and find a way to have a little fun. I have decided to build within my means. Then hopefully, I’ll give a guy in the same situation as me an opportunity after I’m gone. Enjoy your cars guys. Drive ’em !!
Can’t we all just get along?
Thank you, Mr. Clinton, my thoughts exactly. I’ve been on this site as a member for awhile now and like it a lot. I learn volumes from all sorts of car folks. I do not agree with everyones attitude but I keep it to myself and don’t engage. I would not and have never criticized anyone from speaking their mind on a forum. Some folks still refuse to wise up and hit the delete option. Now, back to what I really enjoy, cars and beer…….I’m retired and earned them IMHO.
Yes, the whining about how cars like this one is overpriced is getting old and tiresome. The seller knows what he has and youre not gonna get it at 1990 prices. Nomads or 2 door Chevy triple 5 wagons werent really cheap the either. Im still amazed at condition of this one and the fact it has a AC option for that year. Whomever buys it is getting a great classic.
Hi Steve. I’m fine with everyone, maybe disappointed in my own decisions but that’s on me. Like I said, if you’ve got one, enjoy it. For those car lovers in my shoes, this YouTube video is inspirational. https://youtu.be/6HArYyt8Hxs I hope you enjoy it the way I do. Take care and stay well everyone. I hope to see you on the road !
Yes factory air is desirable. I have 3 complete factory air units for 57 chevy,and many entra parts. For Sale.
Please contact me about some a/c parts or one of your complete units my email is ventllc@aol.com My home number is 727-533-5354 Very interested please Cell number is 727-423-9169
Regardless of the price, regardless of the previous posts;
This is simply a nice car that hopefully will not be molested and instead simply enjoyed by some lucky person as the true surviving classic that it is.
I do marvel at the prices of old cars sometimes, but it is what it is, and I can’t change it. I know I’ll never own a vintage 356 or a ’68 Charger, and that’s OK. I paid 6K for my Riviera, and $1250 for my Newport. After much wrenching in the garage and more than a few beers, I’m as happy as a clam.
Any guy who loves old classics can still enjoy working and building a Mustang coupe, C10, Galaxie or Impala at a reasonable price. Triple 5 Nomads or early Thunderbirds and Corvettes command a certain price. And arent within everyones means. Is what it is.
WOW! I like it. This car is clean! When was the last time your saw a Nomad time capsule such as this? Back in the day, I had a model of a 57 Nomad that was pretty detailed. I remember the cylinder heads had to be glued to the small block (it had pistons in the bores as well). I guess you could have built it as if it were under repair. I forget if it was Revel, MPC or AMT who sold it, but that model was one of my favorite cars until I shot the snot out of it with my pellet gun. This car will sell for the asking price if its as clean as it appears with some documentation. I would just spruce it up and cruise!
The ad has been removed from CL so someone either paid the price or the seller decided to see if it would bring more at auction. No one mentioned this, but another thing that made it very desirable to me, other than the way it is equipped is the color combination. I don’t remember ever seeing another Nomad in that color combination.
Looks like a great basis for easy restoration. Heck, as mentoned, great possibility with all the new paint restoration products out there paint could be brought back to life. The engine compartment could easily be cleaned up and refreshed. Great potential for this one. By the way, with the single Carb the engine is rated at 220Hp not 245. The 2×4 Carb setup was 245.
I like that we can range all over the place, stick to cars 90 – 95% of the time. Just don’t like it when 1 guy gets a hair, personal comments flair from the other side, personal attacks back’n forth. They don’t all ways die down here too quick tho.
I see the link, a rat rod. ‘Not my cupa’, oem almost-all-the-way right dwn to the mechanical breaks & cloth covered wires (if of that era). Daily drivers can have stealth performance changes (pep, ‘slo dwn’, handling) esp if turned into SCCA style canyon carvers, esp if a “sleeper’. Each of us know when ‘it hits that spot’ for us individually…\
Glad we’re all different, makes it interesting
https://youtu.be/kL-8xaJnbMA
Paid 62,500 for this one
This 57 nomad I bought has been restored to run on the street safely and handle as a new car it has over 100,000 in its restoration Thease cars cost money to bring it to high standers,