Frame Off Restored Bel Air Nomad 283 Power Pack V8

If you've followed our email blasts lately, you probably know all about the "cool '58 Nomad":http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/sold#!/1958-Chevrolet-Nomad/134151 we sold two weeks ago for $42K. Sure, it's nice. But what about folks who want the quintessential Chevy wagon; the best representation of 1950s cool their money can buy? Fear not, RK Motors Charlotte has a car for them too! The beneficiary of a professional, frame-off restoration, this stunning '57 Nomad is a fully sorted ambassador of style that you can invest in, drive around and win some serious trophies with. Featuring an equal emphasis on both show and go, it combines a fresh 283 cubic inch Power Pack V8 with a smooth Powerglide transmission and a correct color combination to create one seriously cool classic! If you've been searching for a striking 50s showpiece, but want something that's a heck of a lot more unique that some mail order hot rod, this spectacular Chevy's excellent combination of vintage style and timeless class simply can't be beat!

The second generation Bel Air represented a massive departure from its predecessors. A low, sleek profile replaced the first car's carried-over 1940s lines, officially marking the arrival of the “Hot One”. This Nomad retains much of its factory charm thanks to what appears to be a largely rust-free life that was devoid of catastrophic events. When the time came for restoration, the car's solid panels were massaged flat in preparation for correct Dusk Pearl and Polo White two-stage. And not only does that highly polished paint present well from all angles, it provides a testament to the stellar body work beneath.

As a classic car owner, you really can't go wrong with any 50s Chevy. But for many people, the division's '57 Bel Air, and subsequent Nomad, perfected the art. Take a look at this gorgeous wagon and you'll see detailing that walks a fine aesthetic line between the hand-crafted look of its 40s ancestors and the radical, sometimes cheeky appearance of its '60s offspring. At the front of the car, a heavy, body-width bumper props a gold Bel Air grille behind a pristine Chevrolet crest and two clear parking lamps. Above that crest, Bel Air-exclusive header ornamentation rides between bright, hooded headlights and '57 Chevy-exclusive 'spear bullet and spoons'. At the sides of those headlights, deluxe tri-five stainless combines with gold “Bel Air” scripts, pristine rocker guards and traditional chrome door handles to lend a finished look to the car's lavender profile. At the top of those scripts, curvy chrome trim combines with a correct chrome mirror and bright stainless wipers to perfectly frame a like-new greenhouse. And at the back of the car, a second body-width bumper hangs below stunning tailgate spears, stylized Bel Air brake lights and small gold “Nomad” emblems.

In 1957, Chevrolet's 283 cubic inch Super Turbo Fire V8 was the most common choice for factory GM performance. It made an advertised 220 horsepower, created a stout 300 lb./ft. of torque and, even in today's world of 300 horsepower grocery getters, is still quick and very impressive. Follow this Nomad's slick Dusk Pearl into its highly detailed engine bay and you'll find a correct “FC” branded small block that's been fully rebuilt and layered in a thick coat of bright Chevy Orange paint. At the top of that legendary mill, an old school, single-snorkel air cleaner funnels wind through a Power Pack-exclusive 4-barrel that's threaded into a glass AC fuel bowl. At the base of that carburetor, a correct cast iron intake feeds air and fuel to authentic Power Pack heads that are capped by stamped and silver-detailed valve covers. At the back of that intake, a traditional points distributor shoots fire through fresh GM Radio wires that are organized into painted metal looms. Once those fires have been lit, a glossy black radiator circulates coolant through pliable hoses and authentic squeeze clamps. Once that air and fuel is torched, restored manifolds whisk spent gases into a Power Pack true-dual exhaust system. And once combustion is created, new V-belts spin a tagged Delco-Remy generator opposite a Delco yellow cap battery. Everything in this Bel Air's freshly painted engine bay is as complete as its pristine exterior panels. And not a single detail was missed during the car's calculated restoration; with items like correct decals, fresh stainless fuel lines and a rebuilt brake booster setting a trophy-winning tone.

Underneath this razor-sharp people mover, a straight and solid chassis is finished in flawless satin black paint that, while clean, is certainly no stranger to dry roads and good times. Above that top notch chassis, correct red floor pans wear a chip-free coat of what appears to be traditional oxide primer. Behind the car's engine, a correct 2-speed Powerglide transmission spins torque through a correctly marked driveshaft and a fully rebuilt rear end. Holding that road ready powertrain in place is a fresh, fully-sorted suspension which includes traditional control arms up front, correct leaf springs out back and fresh Monroe shocks at all four corners. Vintage turning characteristics are provided by a factory manual steering system. Short, confident stops come courtesy of four wheel power drum brakes. And at the center of the floor, a 2.5 inch, true-dual exhaust system cycles spent gases through deep sounding turbo mufflers. All of the car's brake lines, fasteners and fuel system components appear fresh and free of weathering. And putting the power to the pavement is a sweet set of Dusk Pearl steelies which spin 7.50-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls around ornate stainless spinner caps.

The spectacular cockpits in second generation Bel Airs need no introduction, but here goes. Depress the button on this Nomad's bright chrome door handle and you'll find a gorgeous GM code 691 black and silver interior that stays completely true to the car's original scheme. The rebuilt front and rear bench seats are all-day comfortable and feature supple, silver-piped hides that fit well and feel great. Beneath those seats, fresh black carpet props rugged Bel Air-crested floor mats next to clean kick panels and bright Fisher sills. At the edges of that carpet, flawless two-tone door panels are anchored beneath sculpted black toppers and classy stainless frames. Above those panels, traditional chrome bows highlight a tight silver headliner. At the front of that headliner, a curvaceous dash is layered in glossy black urethane, spectacular chrome trim and a stylish, bowtie-branded gauge pod. The driver spins a silver steering wheel around a full chrome horn ring, a classic Bel Air centerpiece and a Guide traffic light viewer. And passengers store their essentials in a freshly finished cargo hold that features new mats, a correct jack and a full-size spare tire.

The sale of this vintage Chevrolet includes a reproduction user's guide.

From the show to the strip, this impressive Nomad will stun even the harshest critics. It's a highly desirable 'tri-five' Chevy that's been carefully restored with all of the right stuff to be one seriously cool classic. If you've been dreaming of the perfect blend of lavish 50s style and old school utility, wake up! It's time to claim your car.