1956 Chevrolet NomadIf you've ever had the pleasure of driving a Tri-Five (55-57) Chevy, you know how great the view is from behind the wheel. The wide curved glass windshield...
1956 Chevrolet Nomad
If you've ever had the pleasure of driving a Tri-Five (55-57) Chevy, you know how great the view is from behind the wheel. The wide curved glass windshield and the high seating position make the outside world into a panorama, like a widescreen TV that you can drive right through. A Bel Air or 250 is almost the world's best road trip car. Almost? Enter the Chevy Nomad. It's got all the style and chrome of the famous Bel Air, but that station wagon rear makes you want to throw a surfboard on the roof, a friend or five in the back, and spend an entire summer, or maybe a lifetime just traveling the country watching the world over that chrome jet on the hood.
1956 when men were men and cars were…well big steel and chrome sculpted into iconic designs, that's what! For consignment from 1956 the Chevrolet Nomad and this low number production “milestone car” made in a mere 7,886 examples for '56. Perhaps it was the desire to own a sporty two door, or the practicality of a wagon, or maybe both? Either way, a hens tooth in beautiful mid 50's color and design from the Tri Five bow tie era.
Exterior
Two tone twilight turquoise covers the rust-free steel panels of this 2-door wagon. Making the change to white is done with the help pf a large chromed swoop spear which starts at the B pillar and moves gracefully downward over top of the rear wheel well, and eventually landing next to the rear bumper. This white covers the rear chrome ribbed tailgate as well and offers up a nice contrast to the remaining turquoise. Minimal faults are noted within this paint, mostly near the door gaps likely to have been covered chipping. Chrome, badging, and trimmings are fabulous and showroom condition, and gaps are fairly well minded throughout. The front is showing that you have arrived, and the back with its tailgate and rocket nose styled taillights that you intend to stay for a while. The rear window and lower metal gate do a clamshell motion and magically separate for full access to the cargo area of this wagon. Standard Chevrolet bowtie badged chromed dog dish wheel works with solid little used rubber surrounding the wheels. Noted is slight chipping of the paint on the top of the tailgate.
Interior
Summon up Bill Haley and the Comets as truly 1956 colors are all in the inside. Turquoise tuck and roll for the tops of the door panels, and smooth white clean vinyl below. The seats keep this same format with the tuck and roll front split backed bench in total turquoise and hard plastic white tubs for the seats to sit in. Noted the seat is power. A somewhat comfortable but utilitarian looking simple fold down rear bench in more turquoise tuck and roll sits firmly next to the wheel well surrounds in white vinyl. Way back is a cargo area draped in turquoise loop pile carpeting. Up front the twin fan styled metal dash, 1 for the speedo and the other for the radio speaker and Bel Air gold badge in your grandmothers handwriting fronts the seats. This dash has some newer aftermarket gauges neatly inserted in place, and a column mounted tachometer. An original steering wheel is fronting this dash. Up above is a beautiful white tight headliner with panels delineated by chromed ribs which run the length of the long roof. On the floor is turquoise carpet showing a few smudges and light stains.
Drivetrain
A newer minted Chevy Vortech V8 350ci now replaces the original engine. It is topped with an Edelbrock intake manifold, and a Weber 4-barrel carburetor. Polished valve covers which are Chevrolet badged and an oval polished air cleaner cover also add some bling. A 700R4 automatic transmission is on back. Posi-traction rear is way back for the rear axle. All looking good with no corrosion and rebuilt/refinished parts under this hood.
Undercarriage
Most of the undercarriage has been gone over and painted black. It appears solid with no repairs noted to any structural parts. Nice black IFS with coil overs and disc brakes are on the front. On back are leaf springs and coil overs, and drum brakes. A like new H pipe dual exhaust is seen snaking its way rearward from the drip free engine bottom.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter for the newer 350, and the test track proved no match for this car. Straight panic stopping, smooth acceleration and shifting, and 1956 Nomad handling. All good on this test drive.
A partial restoration as the consigner states, although from what I see and drive, it is fairly well buttoned up. Yes, there are a few faults but overall, it's a nice driver and could be shown. Either way it's a one car parade when you drive down main street snapping necks along the way to ogle a look at some 1956 tri five eye candy.