Frame Off Built Bel Air Nomad 383 Stroker V8 700R4

Whether it's a 1958 Edsel or a 1963 Corvette, all classic cars have their dedicated fans and admirers. But not many of these vintage machines can claim to be both rare and highly desirable from the day they left the showroom. Modeled after a famous 1954 GM Motorama concept, and sold as a high priced, low production 'halo car' from day one, the first generation Chevrolet Nomad is a true all-time all-star. So, how do you make a car that's already as cool as this 1956 Nomad even more desirable? You start by completely refinishing its body, bolt up an exceptionally solid chassis, throw in a completely detailed small block V8 and line its interior with a nice combination of classic style and modern convenience. If you like your custom tri-five to be show ready AND fun to drive, but a Bel Air is just too common and too cramped, this incredible '56 Nomad is just what you've been looking for!

Despite the red hot sales of Chevrolet's youthful Bel Air, the brand's higher priced Nomad wagon proved less popular and, thanks to attrition, has now become somewhat of a rarity. Fortunately, it appears this slick '56 resto-mod has always been a solid, complete car which benefitted from 56 years of owners that were smart enough to realize the significance of what they had. And recently, when the car's latest family decided to transform it back into a fully sorted street machine, big money was spent on a thorough rebuild that included hours of bodywork. When that rebuild was close to completion, this Chevy's arrow-straight panels were covered in a subtle, yet dazzling combination of Maroon and Pink two-stage. And today, the car sits as one road ready head turner that impresses on the street and wins at the show!

One thing about classic car guys who build their dream car is their uncanny ability to methodically plot, plan and execute even the minutest details. The guy who restored this spectacular '56 Chevy probably spent months scheduling, budgeting and looking for the exact elements to bring his vision to life. At the front of the car, a trademark body-width Bel Air bumper hangs below a straight stainless grille, clear parking lights and bright, chrome-trimmed headlights. At the top of that grille, a fresh Chevrolet crest is centered between a classic chrome “V” and a 'jetbird' hood ornament which looks fantastic against the car's deep Maroon paint. At the back of that hood, a like-new windshield rides in front of dark greenhouse glass that's highlighted by well-maintained trim, simple chrome mirrors and capped wipers. At the base of that glass, deluxe Bel Air fender spears introduce the car's second layer of pigment while pristine rocker guards combine with traditional door handles and classic “Bel Air” emblems to lend the profile a finished look. And at the back of the car, a second body-width bumper hangs below stunning tailgate spears, stylized Bel Air tail lights and a small gold “Nomad” emblem.

Pop this Bel Air's rolled hood and you'll find a mean 383 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 that's been completely finished for show and professionally built to go! At the top of the stout engine, a polished air cleaner, which seals around a reusable filter element, forces wind into a coated Holley 750 double pumper that's juiced by stainless lines, a small pressure gauge and a bright Edelbrock pump. Below that carburetor, an Edelbrock RPM Air Gap intake hangs a chrome MSD Blaster coil and an MSD Pro-Billet distributor above Eagle pistons, a Crane camshaft, Eagle rods and an Eagle rotating assembly that's been fully balanced and blueprinted by The Balance Shop of Reseda, California. At the side of that rotating assembly, MSD Super Conductor plug wires are loomed between polished valve covers, Edelbrock Victor Jr. heads and ceramic coated long-tube headers. And in front of those headers, a polished Billet Specialties Tru Trac serpentine system spins a polished AC compressor and a polished Powermaster alternator behind two electric puller fans, a heavy duty aluminum radiator and a polished overflow tank. Aesthetically, the clean black mill and its assortment of polished and braided accessories contrast well against the car's glossy Maroon bay. And details like an aluminum core support, bright power steering components, a polished master cylinder and an MSD 6A ignition system ensure this Nomad runs every bit as good as it looks.

Throw this stunning Chevy on a lift and you'll find solid floors that, along with the car's straight GM frame, appear recently restored. At the center of those floors a proven 700R4 4-speed, which is fitted with a beefy Total Cost Involved pan, sends torque to a stout GM rear end that's equipped with traditional 3.73 gears and an Auburn posi-traction differential. At the ends of that drivetrain, a fully rebuilt suspension makes good use of familiar A-arms, stalwart leaf springs and slick Classic Performance Products power steering. At the corners of that suspension, disc brakes turn stress-inducing traffic into a relaxing exercise in sightseeing. As impressive as those brakes are, the star of the show is a 2.5 inch true dual exhaust system which employs aluminized pipes, electronic cutouts and great sounding Magnaflow mufflers. And all this mechanical goodness rolls on chrome American Racing Torq Thrust IIs which spin modern 215/65R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of aggressive 255/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As. Naturally, this impressive wagon's satin black undercarriage is clean and fully sorted. However, this Nomad was built to drive, and it'll be right at home inspiring stares on sunny weekend getaways.

Climb inside this razor-sharp tri-five and you'll find a mildly modified interior that features dramatic style and enough great looking trim to payroll a small upholstery shop. Covered in a simple combination of leather and tweed, the car's modern bench seats are all-day comfortable and display no wrinkles or annoying creases. Beneath those seats, traditional black carpet is protected by “nomad” branded mats, and above those seats, traditional chrome bows highlight a tight black headliner. At the sides of the car, custom tweed door panels look great between chrome door handles, chrome power window switches and gloss black frames. At the front of the car, a traditional wraparound dash, which sports a slick coat of gloss black paint, hangs bright Auto Meter gauges, a modern Kenwood head unit and a traditional Bel Air speaker above a Vintage Air climate system, buttons for a cruise control and a small Equus accessory gauge. In front of the driver, a polished tilt steering column spins a color-keyed and bowtie-branded Grant steering wheel around a polished shifter and a cool Sunpro tachometer. And behind the cockpit, a carpeted cargo area seems primed for lawn chairs and picnic supplies.

The sale of this brightly painted classic includes a small photo album that's filled with restoration-fresh beauty shots.

It's no wonder the Chevrolet Nomad enjoys such huge popularity, because it just doesn't get much better than this slick '56 custom. With the streetability of a modern car, a plush interior that has plenty of room to stretch out and a rare, head turning body, this wagon is the perfect combination of form and functionality. In fact, this Nomad is the best of all worlds!