Highly Optioned: 1955 Chevrolet Nomad
Upon its release, the 1955 Chevrolet Nomad was one of the most expensive passenger vehicles in the marque’s model range. Therefore, the fact that only 8,386 buyers took one home is unsurprising. These classics were far from cheap in their most basic form, but our feature Nomad raises the bar, courtesy of its long list of factory options. It has a couple of minor needs, but can still provide enjoyable motoring during the remaining summer months. It has generated significant interest since hitting the market, and with the Reserve now met, you could be the enthusiast who gives it a new home.
The Nomad turned heads in 1955 because its styling was stunning. Many enthusiasts believe these are the best looking of the Tri-Five range, although I would happily have any Nomad from that era parked in my garage. This classic’s history is unclear, although the minor defects visible in its Gypsy Red and Shoreline Beige prevent it from achieving perfect presentation. The winning bidder will probably address the problems before they deteriorate and potentially let rust sink its teeth into the steel. Otherwise, it holds an excellent depth of color and shine that will easily turn heads. The underside shots confirm the floors and frame are rock-solid, and with the panels as straight as an arrow, the cosmetic needs are relatively minor. The trim looks excellent for its age, and I can’t spot any glass issues.
Lifting this Nomad’s hood reveals a 265ci V8, bolted to a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The Powerglide is the first of a list of options, with this Nomad scoring the desirable Plus-Power setup, power steering, and power brakes. The Plus-Power option pushes power and torque from 162hp and 257 ft/lbs to 180hp and 260 ft/lbs. That doesn’t represent a dramatic increase, but the factory’s performance figures confirm the driver will feel the change under their right foot. The seller is honest in their appraisal of its classic, admitting the power booster requires attention. Otherwise, it appears to be a turnkey proposition ready to provide immediate classic motoring pleasure.
If this Nomad’s exterior makes a positive impact, its interior lifts that impression to a higher level. From the stunning Beige and Red trim with its distinctive “waffle” pattern to the spotless dash and carpet, any journey in this classic will feel like a special occasion. The rear cargo area could be the most impressive feature because there are none of the accumulated scuffs and imperfections often seen on older family Station Wagons. The exterior may launch a debate about whether this Nomad is a genuine survivor, but its interior carries the hallmarks of a meticulous restoration. It isn’t highly optioned by modern standards, but the power windows and factory radio made this classic pretty special in 1955.
The seller listed this 1955 Chevrolet Nomad here on eBay in Sunman, Indiana. Thirteen bids have pushed the price to $50,300, and with the reserve met, it is days away from finding a new home. The vehicle’s overall condition and list of factory options should see it hit $60,000 before the hammer falls, although the combination of its inherent desirability and climbing market values could push the final figure higher. What would you pay for this Bow Tie classic? More importantly, are you willing to join the bidding war?
Comments
Was anyone here a Home Improvement fan?
I was. And I remember. And even if they didnt crush an actual Nomad. Ive read they used a frame of a 4 door wagon and it was a hollow mock up, but they still received hate mail.
I remember a Trans Am being destroyed on ‘CHIPs’. Still angers me to this day.
I recently watched an episode of Chips while on vacation – the “ramp car” – the one with ramps welded to the back so another car could jump and crash , was a 68 GTO !
Greenhorn, you need to see the movie Cannonball(1976) with David Carradine.
Or at least watch what happens at the end of the youtube video …
’70 Trans Am in Cannonball
Then there was the “fake” Ferrari that was destroyed on “Miami Vice.”
I can’t believe that after all this time people think they crushed a Nomad. It is a long story ,but I know for a fact they didn’t. Stop the hate mail.
VIN indicates this one was born a 6-cylinder car.
What’s with the wrinkly radiator tank ?
Patina?
The original side moldings for these cars were made from Die-Cast Zinc alloy. The typical corrosion under the chrome dis-allowed even the body clips from retaining them to the fenders as corrosion set in. Often flattened on the highway after falling off- these parts are RARE as well as nearly impossible to restore. Eventually we discovered that they were called by the sage and savvy owners–“Eyebrows and Spears”, we discovered a craftsman in Lousanna who fabricated replacements in Stainless Steel! His accent was so thick, I had to speak to his son to communicate. Now, my local Sonoma collector has a pair on his Nomad. Better than new!
I own a ’55, assembled in Oakland in Jan 55.
The bodies were made at the Cleveland Ohio plant and my body was the 110th produced.
Also highly optioned, with power steering, windows and seats, same color and interior which are both original as is the drive train.
All in all a great example but still drives like a 50’s station wagon, can’t imagine driving it across country but gets a lot of attention at the local cars and coffee.
I think I am missing something. My parents owned a 55 Nomad, there is something I guess I am missing but it really doesn’t seem to be a true 55. I would have to pass on this one.
Everything I see, from every angle, says this car is a ‘55. It’s a beauty, but l’d want a manual transmission.
This nomad is way underpriced, I owned one that was coral and grey. Shipped it from NY to California.. then freighter to Queensland Australia. Recently found that it was defined as the best nomad on the continent and sold for 90k… wish I still had it but I offered to pay my son’s tuition at TUFTS University. Tufts is tough
Jerry Rodriguez, you’re a good father.
Looks like it was at the Mecum sale in May but must not have sold.
Nice car and I almost like it better than with the side trim two tone we so often see with these.
Love the look of this one. However, if I owned this one, I’d keep it basically as close to stock as I could. But, I think I’d add a small roller cam, a set of exhaust headers & a 4 barrel carb just to give this lovely a little more zip if ya know what I mean.
Beautiful car however I am more enamored with the 1957 Chevy Nomad.
Jerry Rodriguez, you’re a good father.
For $52,200 I would do something about that beat up radiator. Also the floor at the bottom of the tailgate looks like a poor homemade Bondo repair. If you blow that pic up it’s Very rough. It looks beautiful in the pictures other than those two things but they make me wonder about the rest of the car. Good luck to all parties involved in the sale.