Entry Level Project? 1956 Chevrolet Nomad
“HERE IS YOUR CHANGE TO GET AN ENTRY LEVEL 1956 CHEVROLET NOMAD” opines the seller of this 1956 Chevrolet Nomad project. I think I would be looking for a chance more than a change at this point but I guess the seller is looking for a change as he’s trying to move this Chevy station wagon to a new owner. That aside, what’s an “entry-level” Nomad anyway? As those that are familiar with Chevrolet’s two-door high-end station wagon, there was nothing entry level about it. It was at the top of the wagon heap and wore Bel Air badges but this example may be considered “entry-level” based on its condition and current bid of $7,200. Let’s see if we can figure this one out. This 1956 Chevrolet Nomad is located in Cleveland, Oklahoma and is available, here on eBay.
Entry-level would seem to mean being apart as in “I have the parts, you put it together”. The seller states, “Includes Hood, Fenders, Doors, Dash, tailgate; includes most hard to find parts“. It is stated that the bumpers are missing while there is a disc brake-equipped rolling chassis that is under the partially disassembled body. As for the body itself, it’s almost impossible to determine its condition, there are only a few images of it included, none are thorough, and it’s a mish-mash of textures, finishes, and sheet metal condition all colliding together. It’s hard to say why a seller would decide to skip out on a project at this point, there are endless reasons off course, but it will take a buyer with vision and fortitude (and tri-five Chevrolet knowledge) to grab this Chevy, as is, and try to move it forward.
This wagon is a roller as there is no engine where a 235 CI, in-line six, or a second-year Chevrolet small block V8 of 265 CI’s of displacement would have resided. Ditto the transmission as a Powerglide two-speed automatic or a three-speed manual would have originally been up to the task. The absent powertrain is not surprising as many tri-fives are sporting something other than what was originally intended to occupy the engine room. Put this one done as a blank canvas in the motivation department.
Forget about the interior as it’s gutted and full of “stuff” so there’s no revealing image though there is one of the headliner and it looks pretty nice with its horizontal stainless ribs. Of note is the steering column, it’s a later model GM “tilt” unit.
This project will not be for the faint of heart, there’s a huge amount of work that still needs to be done and the unknowns seem limitless – parts, parts, and more parts. I’m a Nomad fan but this example is more than I could chew, but how about you, any takers out there?
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Comments
The older I get the more easily I understand how someone can walk out into their garage and look at a vehicle in this state of disassembly and at some point rather than to feel enthusiastic, become very discouraged and just want their garage space back.
This Nomad is destined to roam until it finds its permanent home. Pack a lunch.
might be an early candidate for worst pics of 2022. Guess somebody must have seen something to make it worth 7200 where it is now. Looks like hard to get stuff is there, would be nice ro get a look at the underbelly. Good luck and happy motoring!
Cheers
GPC
Drop the 7 in the price & that would be more Realistic! Entry Level Parts Car would be a better description of this basket case!
No title, No sale.
Read the eBay ad, there is a title. No use only half reading something and then commenting.
The only saving grace of this package of parts is the simplicity of assembly. No bizarre sliding king pin suspension or rope drive shaft to contend with. That frame is not the one from the factory. I saw a finished one with a Corvette IRS somehow attached with the same for the front and the engine for $75,000. It seemed the apex project for this model as it drove like a new car. This one will approach that number to complete if all work is farmed out to professionals. I have never owned a Nomad, just the 210 two door wagon, as they have been appreciated by our crowd since the 1960’s.
Went for $9,050!
$9,050.00 bought it. I would really love to buy something like this, but not this one. The home made frame is scary. Maybe the builder knew what he was doing. But then again, probably not. So an aftermarket frame is an instant $15k on the price.
Another project that someone got over there head on we see it all the time its looks easy watching on TV
I just went into the Nerd Rods gallery and wow is the construction well thought out. Impressive stuff to underpin a project.
There is a BEAUTIFUL fully restored Nomad here in Sonoma. Jerry, the owner came to me to reproduce the “Eyebrows and Spears” that are originally made from Die-Cast Zinc- and often fall off or otherwise bubble the chrome and result in an early death. (Headlamp doors and front fender side molding) I found a craftsperson in the deep south that reproduces them in Stainless Steel. Not just a rumor. Jerry’s car wears them now! Wow- Beautiful! When contacting the maker/provider, I needed an interpreter to speak with him. His Deep South Accent was so strong!
gag