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Retro Review: AMC MarlinCool Car Find: 1957 Chevy Nomad
The Chevy Nomads’ history was short but sweet and this 1957 example is so nice you’ll think you stepped back in time.
The Family Wagon with a Bel Air Trim
1957 Chevrolet Nomad – carsforsale.com | Shop Chevrolet Nomad on Carsforsale.com
We see thousands of cars go up for sale every day but it’s not so often that an icon becomes available. That’s the case with one such 1957 Chevrolet Nomad that can now be yours. Listed by Motor City Classic Cars of Vero Beach, Florida, it’s a testament to just what made the Nomad such a special car.
From the stunning paint to the perfect chrome brightwork and even the pristine cabin, this car would have rolled off of the production line yesterday. Let’s go back in time and have a look at Chevrolet’s legendary sport wagon.
Nomad Station Wagon: A New Family Car Vision
Harley Earl had a dream of a wagon that wasn’t as traditional as the typical station wagon of the day. In 1954, at GM Motorama, the brand unveiled a concept, the Nomad, that fulfilled that vision. The front clip was borrowed from a Corvette and instead of a long low roofline that terminated with a short hard-edged rear deck, the roof was short and the tail slanted steeply. The result was a two-door wagon that looked quite a bit more like a sedan.
When the car went into production the next year the team had swapped out the Corvette front end and instead leaned on the Chevrolet Bel Air design. It was an instant hit as it offered a popular exterior design but more cargo area than the Bel Air sedan. At the same time, it was capable of hauling around multiple adults and all of their gear in a pinch. That combination of features was important but it wasn’t all that made the Nomad special.
1957: A Legacy of Automotive Innovation
The real game changer for the Nomad was 1957. Despite being the second-most expensive car in the lineup, the Nomad sold well in both 1955 and 1956 with around 8,000 units sold each of the two years.
In 1957, Chevrolet added larger engines, new styling details, and for the first time, a 283 cubic inch engine that could also make one horsepower per cubic inch. Combined with an optional electronic fuel injection, the Nomad was now one of the most powerful wagons ever created. Chevrolet didn’t stop there though. A new Turboglide transmission was also on offer which helped to make all of that power manageable on the street. Today, 1957 models are among the most desirable.
1957 Chevrolet Nomad: An Amazing Restoration
That brings us to this particular 1957 Chevy Nomad with its beautiful Sierra Gold exterior paint and its black, copper, and beige interior. Recently restored, this isn’t some sort of low-budget restomod. Everything from the 283 engine under the hood to the chrome-accented headliner is just as it was back in 1957. The dash, instrumentation, and climate control are all original as well.
1957 Chevrolet Nomad – carsforsale.com | Shop Chevrolet Nomad on Carsforsale.com
Mileage might be unknown but that means that driving this stunning classic won’t diminish its value further. Motor City Classic Cars has it listed for $94,000 which looks to be around $6,000 over the average that we see here. Nevertheless, that small premium might be a worthwhile sacrifice for the right buyer. There’s no question that this example will remain a notable classic.
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