1955 Chevrolet Bel Air V-8 Nomad Wagon

For 1955, Chevrolet introduced a new 'small block V8', a new 12-volt system, new brakes, and a new 'Glide Ride' suspension system. The 'Motoramic' styling featured a wrap-around windshield and a profile three inches lower than its predecessor. There were over 1.7 million Chevrolets built in 1955.

This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. It was offered without reserve and estimated to sell between $40,000 - $60,000. The car is equipped with a 265 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine capable of producing over 160 horsepower. There is a Powerglide two-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.

The Nomad was added to the Chevrolet line-up mid-year and shared many styling cues in the front from its siblings. In the rear, the Nomad was unique. It also commanded the most money; more than any other production Chevrolets at the time. The base sticker price was $2,571, which was about $260 more than the Bel Air Convertible.

The Nomad had a two-door wagon configuration and finished in attractive, exclusive, two-tone colors. There were slanted B-pillars and a wrap-around rear window. Other styling features segregated it from its siblings. Mechanically, the Nomad was identical to the other model lines.

The first owner of this vehicle was a San Diego, California, resident. It was later purchased by a collector from Fresno and later sold again. This car has been recently repainted to its coral and gray two-tone original color combination. The chrome accent pieces have also been recently restored to new condition.

The car was ordered with such optional equipment as power steering, power windows, power brakes, and power seats. It is one of only 8,386 Nomads created.

At the auction, the car found its next owner, selling for $57,750.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2010