Simply Stunning: 1957 Chevrolet Nomad
This 1957 Chevrolet Nomad represents a long-term project for its owner, and no aspect of the vehicle has escaped their attention in the quest for perfection. They didn’t tackle it as a faithful restoration but created a wagon with modern upgrades that could conceivably serve as a comfortable and accomplished daily driver. Having poured their heart and soul into this classic, they have decided that the time is right for it to head to a new home. Located in Diamond Bar, California, you will find the Nomad listed for sale here on eBay. The cost of admission is not cheap, with the seller setting a BIN of $102,500.
I may be in the minority, but I’m not usually drawn to classics wearing black paint. However, there are a few notable exceptions, and this Nomad is one of them. I’m unsure if the shade comes from Chevrolet’s 1957 color palette, but if so, it is Onyx Black. The seller purchased the wagon ten years ago and spent six years creating the classic of their dreams. Its presentation is superb, with the paint wearing a depth of shine and color that you could almost walk into. The steel beneath that paint is laser straight, while the gaps are as tight and consistent as you might expect from any project build tackled with an eye for detail. The Chevy is a rust-free vehicle, with the exterior and underside showing no evidence of problems. If it has spent the past decade in its current location, that will have helped protect it from the ravages of tin worm. The chrome and stainless trim offer a striking contrast, preventing the Nomad from looking somber. The larger steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps are in keeping with the wagon’s character, and I’m glad the creator didn’t elect to fit alloys instead. The tinted glass appears flawless, and there’s no doubt that this Nomad is a genuine head-turner.
If the Nomad’s exterior is impressive, its interior serves up more of the same. The owner trimmed it in a combination of Mocha Brown vinyl and reproduction ’57 Chevrolet cloth. There is no evidence of wear or other issues and no signs of abuse. The back seat looks like it has never been used, and the rear cargo area has avoided the scuffs and marks that can afflict this damage-prone area. The condition of the dash and wheel make this Nomad look like it recently rolled off the showroom floor, while the seller has added enough comfort features to make any journey a pleasant experience. The next owner receives retro-look air conditioning, power windows, and an AM radio.
When we delve below this Nomad’s skin, we gain an understanding of where this seller has spent plenty of time and money. The drivetrain includes a 327ci small-block V8 backed by a four-speed 200R4 automatic transmission. The V8’s specifications aren’t clear, but it promises spirited performance. However, that is the tip of the mechanical iceberg with this classic. The seller added a big brake package that Chevrolet offered on the C3 Corvette, while the suspension features a vast selection of beautifully polished components at both ends of the vehicle. These items should combine to make the Nomad a competent handler inspiring confidence. It isn’t merely about appearances because the seller indicates that the Nomad runs and drives well, with the enormous brakes allowing it to stop on a dime. That is one of the most attractive aspects of this build. I’ve seen owners create custom classics with enormous horsepower, but they’ve failed to consider handling and braking upgrades. The result can be a car where throwing it into a corner is like juggling open boxes of confetti. At the same time, any emergency situation means that the driver will find themselves about a half-mile into the accident before they wipe off any speed. This seller has thought long and hard about every aspect of this classic, and the buyer will reap the benefits of that attention to detail.
When a classic appears on our desks at Barn Finds with a six-figure price, it can’t be classed as a cheap vehicle. Such is the case with this 1957 Nomad. However, it has generated sufficient interest for seventy-three people to watch its listing. Placing a value on a wagon like this is challenging due to the enormous list of upgrades. If it were a faithful restoration, that task would be a piece of cake. When an owner pursues the custom path, that vehicle becomes worth what someone is willing to pay. This isn’t the first time the seller has listed the Nomad because I found a previous auction where the Chevy failed to sell after bidding hit $52,500. Whether they achieve their BIN price is an open question, but if someone elects to hand the seller the cash, they will drive away in a wagon that will draw a crowd wherever it goes.
Comments
Like the author, I’m not a fan of black. My ’69 Torino GT convertible was black and was a pain to keep clean. While I like what’s been done to this Nomad, the decision to paint it black might not be to everyone’s taste. I’m just surprised that after the seller put so much time, money and effort into the Nomad, he’s made the decision to let it go.
No matter what color was on this car one Deak or another would complain about. Deaks complain and other Deaks click like and comment in agreement.
No matter what comment is made on a car, one Deak or another would complain about it.
No matter what type of comment is made the Uber-Deak will show up to comment on the Deakyness of the Mini-Deak’s comments. What a deak!
Not a real black fan either but it works on this car. Beautiful machine.
At the asking price, the new owner had better really love this car as they will own it forever.
If he would have left the panels in on the rear fenders, it wouldn’t look quite so black.
only thing better would be a double nichol(55) nomad. whats wrong with black? y’all prejudice?
This is a very interesting build for a “RESTOMOD NOMAD”. Most are built with a ton of bling, this is very much understated. I like it ,but I am not sure about the price, I have also seen bigger numbers than that on modified Nomads. I would have expected a better presentation under the hood, it is some what of a let down for this quality of a build. Would like to see the undercarriage. The builder really took a chance on the style of this car. I think over all it is a great look, but I think he missed a couple of things to make it truely outstanding and reach a 100 K plus.
I do like the black. I’ve had many black cars over the years. At the present time I own a Black C5 Corvette. I love this ’57 with 2 exceptions…..the wheels need to be some kind of Chrome and the chrome rear fender inserts need to be there to break up the Black a little. Just my option!
“How much more black could it be? The answer is ‘none more black.'”
-Nigel Tufnel
Sold my ‘57 Nomad in ‘67, for a measly $750. White over yellow, 265 2 bbl, auto, with factory air!
Black is beautiful!
So many comments on this car I went back and looked at the e-bay listing. That showed some things , I hadn’t seen, the underside is very clean and way more than just driver quality, but not over the top. I looked close again and under the hood is not as good as the rest of the car. A off the shelf kinky upper radiator hose ,is just a travesty on this nice of a build. I am being critical, but it is because I think I know what the builder was experiencing. I have done it myself several times. You start the build and you want it to be the best it can be. As time goes on you have ups and downs of where the project is going to end up. You get stressed by time and money and if you are doing the smart thing. You question yourself and if it will come out as good as it is in your mind. Where do you stop and whats the point, how much nicer can it be and is it really worth it. I have done it about 3 times, you would think I Nomad is a great build, but when you play at this level it is very easy to get criticized, myself included
So many comments on this car I went back and looked at the e-bay listing. That showed some things , I hadn’t seen, the underside is very clean and way more than just driver quality, but not over the top. I looked close again and under the hood is not as good as the rest of the car. A off the shelf kinky upper radiator hose ,is just a travesty on this nice of a build. I am being critical, but it is because I think I know what the builder was experiencing. I have done it myself several times. You start the build and you want it to be the best it can be. As time goes on you have ups and downs of where the project is going to end up. You get stressed by time and money and if you are doing the smart thing. You question yourself and if it will come out as good as it is in your mind. Where do you stop and whats the point, how much nicer can it be and is it really worth it. I have done it about 3 times, you would think I would know better. This Nomad is a great build, but when you play at this level, it is very easy to get criticized, myself included.
I would have liked an engine compartment that “looked” a little more OEM. All the upgrades are fine but they can be disguised a little. I agree the aluminum side panels may have helped break up all that black . I’m on the fence as to a “murdered-out” Tri-Five is the way to go. Beautiful car none the less.
P.S. I sold a ’56 Nomad in 1969 for $500. And to compound the shame, the quarters for it were cut off a ’56 convertible! If we only knew…
Beautiful. Love the interior. Looks like everything was done first class. Too rich for me but we can always dream.
Stunning…yes it is.
Beautiful build. I like it a lot. I’m not able to pay the price of admission for this but I tip my hat to the owner who should be very proud of this vehicle. Someone will be getting a head turner for sure.
This is way more than a big brake car, look at that beautifully done independent rear suspension! The ebay ad is pretty vague regarding the description of the car, but everything appears to be very well done. I doubt this could be re-created for the asking price. I see a ton of work that went into this, the more I look, the more I see. I would be tempted to change a few things, but at $102k, I couldn’t afford to!
Definitely needs the BelAir stainless steel inserts and the correct full wheel trims.
Buy and do as you please Deak.
I’m not familiar with the term “Deak”. Could anyone enlighten me? As for the Nomad, I think it’s pretty cool, but well out of my price range!
I’m not familiar with the term either, but RJ has been all over the place just recently with dumb-*ss comments. I believe he knows what a deak looks like when he looks in a mirror.
Ha ha, thanks, I even checked urban dictionary but nothing made any sense relating to the usage here…
I think the word “Deak” is used by Dorks to show they are Dinks. Dinks can achieve the higher rank of “Dingleberry” by using a word that is made up and has absolutely no meaning to anybody except a dorky Dink.
I think some Dink came up with the term, and by flooding the site is attempting to ” make it a thing”.