This 1955 Chevrolet Nomad was purchased by the seller as a project car in June 1990 and subsequently received a body-off refurbishment. Highlights included new paint and brightwork, a redone interior, and replacing the original engine with a 1990-model fuel-injected 5.7-liter V8, which is paired with a 700R4 automatic transmission and rebuilt positraction rear-end. Approximately 3k miles have been driven during the seller’s tenure. This Nomad is now offered with a selection of manuals and a clean California title in the seller’s name.
During the refurbishment, the seller had the body removed and the chassis and suspension components dipped and powdercoated. The vehicle was reportedly put on a rotisserie, and a repaint in turquoise with a white top was performed. As shown in the photo gallery below, the redone brightwork and chrome now shows pitting in areas, including heavier corrosion on portions of the bumpers. The seller also notes corrosion on the passenger-side gutter above the middle rear sliding window as well as further rust developing on top of the passenger-side front fender.
This Nomad features a custom dual exhaust system that exits forward of each rear tire. Centec 15″ wheels that show pitting and corrosion are mounted with 235/60 front and 255/60 rear Dunlop Radial G/T Qualifier tires. A front disc-brake kit is installed, while the rear drums have been painted red. Each corner is shown individually in the gallery.
The seats were reupholstered in blue and gray cloth with vinyl outers. The front bench includes a fold-down armrest, and the rear seat is shown in the gallery. Matching door panels and gray carpets are also fitted.
The cabin retains factory trim, and a Pioneer in-dash CD player replaces the factory radio. Note that this Nomad is currently fitted with hand controls, and a foot-controlled accelerator pedal currently is not installed. The five-digit odometer shows just over 1,800 miles, and the seller reportedly has added 3k since 1990; true mileage is unknown.
After acquiring this car 29 years ago, the seller had a 1990-model fuel-injected Chevrolet 5.7-liter V8 installed and mated with a column-shifted 700R4 automatic transmission. The ECU was replaced in 2019 to remedy a previous issue with startup, and the seller’s mechanic recommends replacing the engine wiring harness.
The positraction rear-end has been painted red, and the dual side-exit exhaust can be seen in the above photo.
A selection of manuals accompanies the sale along with a spare Bel Air badge and a factory data plate, the last of which is pictured toward the end of the gallery.