1956 Chevrolet Nomad Bel Air Restomod

Description

The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad is at the top of every bow tie fan's wish list, but not all are created equal. And we're not just talking about a beautiful body. With the modern LS3 fuel-injected V8, overdrive transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, a leather-lined custom A/C interior, and an overall fresh style, this is the ultimate one-of-a-kind dream machine up for grabs.

If you want the ultimate level of desirability, it helps to start here. After all, the Nomad was the most expensive and rarest Bel Air model in 1956. So where we already consider the convertible version to be very rare, Chevy sold over five times the amount of those compared to Nomads! So its history is secured. But this one is a king among kings. It was given a full frame-off restoration less than 4,300 miles ago, and so the appeal here is as clear as black and white...literally. The piano-like black and pristine white are the ultimate in contrasting colors, but they are united in a shared impressive modern clearcoat radiance in the sunshine. Speaking of brilliance, we suspect there was as much invested in the brightwork as most people do for an entire car. That's why the wide grille is shining, the tailgate slats are so crisp, and car show spectators will use the mirror-like bumpers to check their hair. Plus, you especially want a '56 model because it was the only year for the distinct Bel Air side trim, and on this two-tone, the white looks like the vapor trail of a rocket zooming up the side. And those American Racing Torq Thrust wheels are a cool classic upgrade that adds to the shine while their 17/18 inch front/rear stance also hints at some extra power in this iconic Chevy.

You can win awards for the interior all on its own, and that's because it does a terrific job of adding the best upgrades while still respecting its history. You see this in the front seats. There are individual low-back buckets with terrific padding, detailed contrast stitching, and finished in supple leather. But it doesn't forget the vintage attitude with the Tri-Five Bel Air's iconic cloud pattern inserts. The rear seats and door panels were done to match, too. The carpeting, headliner, dash, and all other fundamentals look good. You even have great details like the stainless cargo strips in the rear and working dome light. As the name suggests, the Nomads are meant to cruise the open road. So this one has great features to keep everyone comfortable, including an Autosound AM/FM/iPod stereo, cup holder center console, power windows, new tinted glass, and ice-cold air conditioning. But like any good custom classic, the best treats are reserved for the driver. You get a stylish two-tone steering wheel mounted on an Ididit tilt column. Plus, you stay completely informed on everything that's going on with your classic thanks to the upgraded Dakota Digital readouts that fit in the factory fan-style panel.

While all you have to do is park this Nomad for the crowds to fall in love/lust with it, we also know you won't be able to resist lifting the hood. This Chevy's engine bay is filled with a legendary motor, but one much younger than most people will be expecting. This is a 6.2-liter fuel-injected 6.2-liter LS3, and it ushered in a whole new era of Corvette superiority. So this wears the engine covers as a tribute, but this V8 is a new crate motor installed at the restoration. It's an award-worthy style with a clean black presentation, touches of aggressive red, and plenty of polished pieces to really show off how fresh it all is. And more than just looking amazing, this crate motor was built with the best driving features. It includes an Autorad radiator with dual electric fans, CPP exhaust manifolds, and an Optima placed centrally in the car for better weight distribution. The 4L65E four-speed automatic transmission was developed to handle LS motor power, and at the same time, it can deliver overdrive comfort. It's a new unit that also includes a trans cooler, aluminum driveshaft, and a 3.70 Positraction rear end. As you're checking all that out in the undercarriage photos, you'll also spot the powder-coated frame and all the fresh components that make this feel terrific on the road. Add in the Flaming River rack & pinion power steering and four-wheel power disc brakes, and this is quite a confident driving classic.

This is the best of everything wrapped around the most desirable grocery-getters of all time. So if you demand the best, don't miss this Nomad. Call now!