Body Off Built Bel Air Nomad Custom EFI 6.0L V8 4L60E 4 Speed Automatic PS A/C

SUMMARY

The beneficiary of a professional, $134K restoration
6.0 liter GM V8 / 400 horsepower
GM 4L60 4-speed automatic transmission
$9K custom leather interior / Vintage Air conditioning / Modern audio
Modern chassis / Air Ride Technologies air ride
17 and 18-inch Billet Specialties Mag wheels
Power steering
4-wheel disc brakes
10-bolt rear axle / Posi-traction differential / 3.73 gears
Sale includes build receipts

Whether it's a '58 Edsel or a '63 Corvette, all collector cars have dedicated fans and admirers. But not many of those vintage machines can claim to be both rare and highly desirable from the day they left the showroom. Modeled after a famous GM Motorama concept, and sold as a high-price, low-production 'halo car', the first generation Nomad is a true all-time all-star. So, how do you make a car that's already as hot as this shooting-brake Chevy even more desirable? You completely refinish its body, bolt up some fresh suspension components, throw in a smooth small block and line it with a nice combination of classic style and modern convenience. If you like your tri-five to be fun to show off AND fun to drive, this super cool Nomad is your next cruiser!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Despite the exceptional sales of Chevrolet's youthful Bel Air, the brand's higher priced Nomad proved less popular and, thanks to attrition, has now become even scarcer. Fortunately, this slick resto-mod has always been a solid, complete car that benefitted from decades of owners who were smart enough to know what they had. And recently, when it fell in to the hands of a diehard enthusiast in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a lot of effort was sunk in to a professional, $134K restoration. Once the car's tired enamel was removed, its rust-free Arizona profile was dusted in $16,500 worth of red and white 2-stage. And today, buffed and wet-sanded to a fantastic shine, this cool Chevy is both handsome and exquisite.

One thing about classic car guys is they're uncanny ability to methodically plot, plan and execute even the minutest details. And the guy who built this spectacular cruiser probably spent weeks doing just that. At the front of the car, a 1-piece California Bumper reflects a straight stainless grille, clear parking lamps, subtle hood ornamentation and chrome-trimmed headlights. Behind that grille, fresh frames, a simple mirror and electric RainGear windshield wipers highlight new glass. At the base of that glass, monochromatic fender spears perfectly complement shaved doors and monochromatic Bel Air badging. And at the back of the car, polished tailgate trim floats a gold "Nomad" emblem between correct taillights and a second California bumper that's cut around polished exhaust tips.

ENGINE

This sweet looking Chevy is powered by six liters of GM small block that mix solid motivation with proven reliability. Straight from the factory, the rowdy mill utilizes 364 cubic inches to twist buff 10.9 to 1 compression into an even 400 horsepower and 400 lb./ft. of Oak-shaking torque. And despite consistently delivering track-blistering, low-end performance, it can rev to 6,500 RPM and drives like a commuter car! At the front of the lightweight block, a factory serpentine drive spins a fresh alternator and direct-fit power steering beneath a custom air tube. Once air enters that tube, it flows through a factory throttle body to a factory intake that's bolted down over completely stock internals. High-octane fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Spent gases swirl through ceramic-coated Sanderson headers. And cooling comes courtesy of a polished PRC radiator that's fitted with a polished expansion tank and chrome-capped SPAL puller fans. On the visual end of the spectrum, a custom engine cover melts in to a glossy, body-matched engine bay. And niceties such as a chrome dipstick, chrome hood supports and a polished core support add a flash of detail.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Throw the car on a lift and you'll find solid, body-matched floors that, along with a powder-coated frame, sport a restoration-fresh appearance. At the center of those floors, a proven 4L60 4-speed spins torque to an S10-sourced axle that's fitted with a posi-traction differential and big, 3.73 gears. At the ends of that drivetrain, a modern suspension makes good use of tubular control arms, a 500 Series steering box and adjustable Air Ride Technologies shocks. At the corners of that suspension, vented disc brakes turn stress-inducing traffic into a relaxing exercise in sightseeing. Between those discs, large-diameter exhaust pipes employ great-sounding Borla mufflers. And all that mechanical goodness rolls on polished Billet Specialties Mags, which spin two 225/50R17 Bridgestone Potenzas in front of two 255/45R18 Bridgestone Potenzas. Naturally, this impressive wagon's undercarriage is clean and fully sorted. However, as mentioned before, this Nomad was built to drive, and it'll be right at home inspiring stares on sunny weekend getaways.

INTERIOR

Climb inside this razor-sharp tri-five and you'll find $9,084 worth of custom upholstery that's dramatically styled without being totally overwrought. Covered in plush leather, the car's four bucket seats are all-day comfortable. Beneath those seats, traditional carpet centers color-keyed floor mats under billet foot pedals. Opposite that carpet, chrome bows highlight a tight headliner. At the sides of the car, 2-tone door panels look great hovering behind polished handles, sculpted armrests and body-matched window frames. In front of those panels, a stainless-trimmed dash hangs Classic Instruments telemetry above pushbutton start. A full-length console hides controls for the car's A.R.T. bags behind metal cupholders, billet window switches, Vintage Air climate control and modern Pioneer audio. In front of the driver, a bowtie-branded steering wheel shades modern cruise control, a billet shifter and a tilting column. And behind the passengers, a carpeted cargo hold is primed for lawn chairs and picnic supplies.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

Build receipts
Component literature
A photo of car prior to its restoration

It's no wonder the Chevrolet Nomad enjoys such huge popularity, because it just doesn't get much better than this slick '56 resto-mod. With a plush interior, head turning body and modern car streetability, this wagon is the perfect combination of form and function. In fact, this Nomad is the best of all worlds!