Rust-Free Roller: 1956 Chevrolet Nomad Project
When assessing the relative worth of every vehicle from Chevrolet’s legendary Tri-Five range, the Nomad sits close to the top of the heap. They were expensive when new, meaning sales volumes were extremely low. This 1956 Nomad has seen better days, but demonstrates why we should never judge a book by its cover. It is a rock-solid project candidate that its new owner could personalize to create a genuinely unique classic.
The history of this Nomad is unclear, although the photos suggest many years have passed since it saw action on our roads. The paint is baked, and there is visible surface corrosion on some exterior surfaces. However, what this Wagon lacks is penetrating rust. The seller confirms that new front floors were installed, but the remaining steel is original and rock-solid. The panels are pretty straight, with only a few repairable bumps and bruises. The Nomad looks incomplete at first glance, although it appears the seller has the missing trim and glass that will help the new owner on their path of returning this classic to its former glory.
The Nomad’s interior requires as much TLC as its exterior and is missing items like the door trims. However, crucial components like the seat frames and dash assembly are intact. Therefore, it is a prime candidate for a retrim using one of the many excellent kits that currently flood the market. The buyer could throw caution to the wind with a custom approach, with the Wagon’s current mechanical configuration making that quite tempting. The reason for this is that this classic is a roller that doesn’t feature an engine and transmission. Determining its original specifications for a faithful refurbishment shouldn’t be difficult, and parts for that approach will be easy to find. Alternatively, the new owner could follow the custom or restomod path to improve every aspect of the vehicle’s performance. The attraction is that most speed shops hold components on their shelves to make that process straightforward, with the limiting factors being the buyer’s imagination and budget. Most readers will acknowledge that slotting a small-block under the hood would be the most cost-effective option, and this wouldn’t be the first Nomad from this era to receive that treatment.
Chevrolet only produced 7,886 examples of the Nomad in 1956, making these the rarest vehicles within that year’s Bel Air model range. The seller listed this one here on Craigslist in Santa Clarita, California. Their price of $21,000 isn’t chicken feed for a car with no engine or transmission. However, the inherent desirability of the Nomad means the price is justified in the current market. The new owner could attempt a faithful refurbishment, or throw caution to the wind with a custom build. Either option is viable, but which would you choose?
Comments
I don’t think the missing engine or transmission are a bid deal. Often on a project of this magnitude they need to be rebuilt, unless what’s there is exactly what you were planning on using once the car is finished they don’t bring much to the table. A good crate engine/transmission though not inexpensive will cost far less than paint and body work as well as the cost involved in rounding up and refinishing the stainless and chrome bright work on this Nomad.
I think this seller has been featured several times on this site, if I’m correct, all were “projects” and expensive.
Steve R
I think there is a difference between a
Project and in need of full on build.
While the Tri fives are wanted it will take a load of cash to finish even if u do alot of the work urself. Drive train, wiring,sorting out all the fuel/brake lines upgrade suspension. Interior work and Finally body work is a killer unless u can do urself. Most of guys are good at mechanical or electrical or body work. Few of us possess all the skills and room to take on a basket case of this magnitude. Just saying. Hope someone does it justice
For what it is price is steep.
Good luck to buyer and seller
Great Caesars ghost, is that a GMC Astro behind it? Tis’, I say, and an old 2 story Greyhound behind it.. By gar, it’s been a while. No interest in the car, but the Astro, and no, not that snowmobile concoction, and sibling the Chevy Titan was about the nicest cabover, as if, and were very popular for a spell. Lot of junk otherwise, coast to coast, apparently. No wonder these “pickers” have a field day, like fishing in a barrel.
“Shooting” fish in a barrel, Howard.
No problemo.
Hey Howard you correct thats a GMC Astro for sure. Those cab overs were fantastic rigs. If they had the Detroit v 12 were incredible pulling machines. Cab noise was insane on those older rigs but way cool. Miss seeing the cabovers on the Highways today.
Hi Harry, yes sir, that sure dates us. I remember UPS used Astros for years, that took the place of the Diamond Reo cabovers, that some drivers refused to give up.. They were some of the only UPS trucks that didn’t have the names removed. DRs were nice trucks too, but Astros just drove different than most cabovers, but,,it was still a cabover. I knew guys that would quit their jobs if they had to drive a cabover, others loved them. I don’t remember too many ” buzzin’ dozen” Detroits, most all were 318, V8s of limited appeal. Most GMC trucks I drove had Detroits for obvious reasons, and the few that didn’t, had Cummins motors, but never or rarely a Cat.
Check out the Daisey Jones and the 6 tour bus.
That was just a very recent movie. Seller must have bought it from the film company or lent it to them.
I wonder what the ratio was between Nomads and regular wagons. It seems like there are more Nomads.
”which would you choose?” For $21,000, I’d choose a completed vintage Chevy wagon.
I believe there’s a 30s-40s Divco Helms bakery truck in the background in 2 of the pictures on the ad, a beloved bread and pastries vendor of many SoCal neighborhoods including mine (we had Chevy panel trucks in the 60s)
https://lyonairmuseum.org/exhibits/automobiles/1940s-divco-helms-bakery-truck/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/114560384241051771/
Nomads are very cool looking, but the 4 door wagons are much more useful, and affordable. I must be getting old.
Rust free??? Seller must have missed the full penetration around the guttering above the tailgate window.
I can’t believe that somebody will ask 21,000 bucks for a car that needs 50,000 in repairs and will only bring 75,000 back.do all yourselves a favor and stop paying these exube
rant price for mostly junk.buy one all ready and save yourselves all the headaches.