1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad
The Nomad is the best-known Chevy wagon from the 50's, but it was part of "the Hottest Half Dozen" " six variations of wagons that included the two-door "One-Fifty Handyman" all the way up to the nine-passenger, four-door Bel Air Beauville. Today, they are all classic and desirable, but the two-door, six-passenger Nomad, is still the grandest of them all and was described as "glamourous" in the 1956 dealer brochure.
For consignment, a Chevy Nomad that was one of 7,886 produced in 1956...and who knows how many are still around. This would be the first year of the teardrop shaped rear wheel arch, adding yet more distinction to an historic piece of automotive manufacturing. Ours has the original engine in place while the car has been professionally restored with very little putty applied to the no aftermarket sheet metal body. If you're in the market for a Nomad, act fast...they typically don't last long at the mall.
Exterior
Bathed in near flawless yellow paint, we first notice that this car lacks the side molding. This creates big, flat body panels covered in yellow for a very clean, (and easier to clean!), look. A look we've seen before on Nomads. The chrome trim, from the bumpers to the headlight bezels, and the bird hood ornament is all very reflective. The 15-inch Chevrolet Rally wheels continue the bling in chrome and the trim around the taillights is spectacular. When it comes time to wax this car, get out the orbital...because this is a ton of real estate to clean. Luckily, you don't have to worry about that for a while...this shine will surely last!
Interior
Black and white is the chosen palette here and it starts on the doors with a swooping black pattern tapering towards the hinge and housing the window crank. Another crank is higher up for the vent window and the door actuator is placed strategically above the armrest. More angular patterns meet the seats with black-patterned cloth inserts that form a white vinyl "V" at the top, with the rest of the seat lined in white. The back seats tastefully repeat the pattern. White tuck-and-roll pattern lines the top of the sidewalls in back blending with the pattern on the doors. The black steering wheel and dash are in excellent condition with chrome bezels shining bright. The fan controller and dash plate look original, and the dash cover is a black padded work of art with arched brows on each side, over the speedometer and over the analog clock. A Hurst shifter is floor mounted on the hump where a low pile black carpet fits like a glove in the footwells. The headline is highlighted by chrome cross beams which accent the chrome window frames on the inside, wow! The aluminum framed black carpet in the cargo area is super clean and the inner wheel tubs are covered in a black stitched vinyl. Even the inside of the tailgate is finished in black carpet.
Drivetrain
The consignor stated original 265ci V8 is here in all its Chevy orange glory topped with a period correct air cleaner that feeds air and fossils to the 2-barrel carburetor underneath. A 3-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels where it meets 3.36 gears. Drums handle the stopping task and are power assisted.
Undercarriage
We're impressed with the underside which is clean and virtually free of surface rust, however, we note some on the A arms. The dual exhaust comes off stock manifolds, extend down the length of the car, meet two glasspack-style mufflers, then over the rear axle and dump inconspicuously before the rear bumper. We note a bit of "moisture" at the transmission pan and rear axle but frankly, none of it looks like fresh oil. Typical coil spring/leaf spring configuration found front and rear respectively.
Drive-Ability
The big bench seat allows for freedom of movement and the car itself is cavernous. A little prime to the carb and a turn of the key and she cranked into action. Into first gear and the pleasant sound of dual exhaust resonated in the interior. The 265 cubes carries the car well providing plenty of torque to get this ship out of the port. A long wheelbase and 235/75/15's provide for a smooth ride and rear hops over imperfections may be accentuated by the length of the wagon. The brakes are up to the task and squeeze this big lemon to a stop with a push of the pedal. Some things we note as not working; the wipers, the heater, the radio, the speedometer, and the odometer.
This is an absolute head-turning version of a desirable classic. The restoration is very well done from the sea of yellow paint on a straight body to the tuxedo-colored interior. Here's a car you'll be proud to own and show and is a "fan favorite" as one of the most iconic station wagons ever produced. In fact, we'd be hard pressed to think of a more desirable station wagon on the American landscape. Stop at the mall soon or get in touch.
VC56F167365
V-V8
C-2400 Series Bel Air
56-1956
F-Flint, MI Assy Plant
167365-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 56 1064DF-1956 Bel Air Nomad Station Wagon
BODY NO CL6806-Cleveland Body #
TRIM NO 632-Charcoal, Yellow, & Cream Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 756-Calypso Cream & Grecian Gold
ACC CP-Padded Dash
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