Small Block Stroker: 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Street Machine – NOW $75,000

May 20, 2023 Update – After just five days of trying to ask $80,000 for their custom Nomad, the seller lowered their asking price to $75,000.

May 15, 2023 Update – Connecticut Plates, Denver, noted as the location in the title, yet we found it only posted in the Charlotte area Craiglist. Regardless of where this ’55 Nomad currently resides, we’ve been tracking its sale of it since October 2021. We can’t tell from the seller’s description nor from the mix of old and new pictures whether this ad is from a different seller.  The current seller wants $80,000, which is five large less than the original ask in 2021, so we believe it may be the same person selling.

September 28, 2022, Update – While this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history, we suspect may not be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” unless we come across a new listing.

August 18, 2022 Update – Ten months after we assumed their last expired listing meant the car sold, we came across a new Craigslist ad for this stroked small block equipped 1955 Chevrolet Nomad street machine.  Based on the new description, the car now features an updated front and rear suspension.  The seller continues to ask $85,000 for the car. That’s a signal that the seller enjoyed the car all this summer and is testing the waters again.

October 26, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” unless we come across a new listing for the car.

The “Tri-Five” Chevrolets (1955-1957) remain an iconic generation of cars preferred by many enthusiasts spanning multiple generations. Among the Tri-Five design, the stylish two-door Bel Air Nomad station wagon was the rarest and most desirable of all Chevy’s offerings in those three years. Once a very desirable option among hot rodders, modern-day restomod enthusiasts are taking these stylish two-door wagons to new heights of modern comfort and convenience.  A prime example is this red 1955 Bel Air Nomad for sale, originally listed in October 2021 in Greenwich, Connecticut. Currently offered at $85,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Nomad priced three thousand less than this guide’s #1 “Concours” estimate of $88,000 for a stock example.  As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask is eight thousand dollars higher than this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $80,000. The premium pricing requested here is commensurate with the build quality of an upscale Restomod that is likely much cheaper than the actual cost to replicate this ride.

Sharing its roofline design nearly intact from the 1954 Motorama “dream car,” the first version of the Nomad was produced as a “sport wagon” in a two-door body. While considered a distinct model line, Chevrolet stylists trimmed the Nomad with Bel Air badging and styling elements. The Chevrolet Nomad shared its body, chassis, and roofline with the Pontiac Safari; the Safari differed primarily in its powertrain, front fascia, and interior.

Priced at $2,571, the Nomad was among the most expensive 1955 Chevrolets, excluding the Corvette. Nomads received Chevroletet’s new 265 cubic-inch V8 as standard equipment. While the Nomad received Bel Air fender badging to emphasize its roofline, it only shared the more subdued chrome trim from the front fenders and doors.

In contrast to other Chevrolet station wagons, the Nomad shared its frameless door glass front doors with the Bel Air hardtop and convertible. Interior trim was similar to Bel Air sedan and four-door Beauville station wagon.  The Nomad was the sole two-door Chevrolet wagon, marketed as a sport wagon, fitted with interior carpeting and cloth seats. In line with other Chevrolet station wagons, the Nomad received a two-piece split tailgate and a flat-folding rear seat.

The Us Auto Industry YouTube Channel provides a glimpse of how Chevrolet marketed their new-for-1955 full-size car line:

If you like the idea of owning a Tri-Five Chevy but don’t want to deal with the hassles of vintage machinery, this Retomodded Nomad might be the answer for you.

Here’s the seller’s 2022 description:

“1955 Chevy Nomad. The engine is 383 stroker with 450hp. Has power steering, A/C & power brakes. The transmission is 700R.
The rear is 10 bolt with a 3.55 ratio. The car has an all-new front suspension with new front & rear sway bars. The Interior has swede leather with power windows and blue tooth radio. Only 1000 miles on restoration.”

Here’s the seller’s original description:

“1955 chevy nomad Car has small block Stroker engine with 450hp. In addition comes with p/s, p/b, a/c.
700r trans. The front clip is fat man mustang 2. Disc brakes on front with drum rear. Interior has power windows,
Ultraleather & suede seats. Seat belts in front, classic industries instruments. The exterior is Lava red paint.
American torq racing wheels with new tires. Only 500 miles on engine and restoration.

Please reply with your phone number.”

Show or go: what would you do with this Nomad Restomod?  Comment below and let us know!