1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Wagon
For consignment, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad wagon in a fantastic shade of tricolor pearl paint, Torque Thrust wheels, and enough chrome to set off metal detectors on Jupiter.
Exterior
The most striking view of the car comes in profile, where the rear windows almost seem seamless as they wrap around the back, leaving the Pearl White roof looking more like an awning over the body. The Pearl Butternut Yellow paint is fantastic, and its pearlescent finish exposes different shades and richness at different angles and light. The chrome features on the car are unique and special with the eyebrows trailing the sides to create a spear that ends on the midline of the door, a wonderful wheel opening accent that also trails back to form a glistening rocker panel, the massive bumpers that wrap around the corners of the car, along with the window trim, door handles, and tailgate trim all contribute to a well designed car that is a showstopper in every way. Polished rims of the argent gray American Racing Torque Thrust wheels provide an attractive but not distracting set of shoes, and the full wheel openings at both ends are a subtle design cue that gives the car a solid stance. Imperfections? We couldn't find any on this yellow and white cruiser's exterior.
Interior
Just as the attention to design is evident on the outside, the door panels show some thoughtful construction as white ultraleather is combined with metal trim pieces to create an artful display of textures in very good condition. The robust split bench seats show some minor creasing and discoloration but are in otherwise great condition and occupants can share some armrest space on the console that sits in the middle of the bench. Less tufted but wearing the same white ultraleather is the rear bench which resides in an open greenhouse trimmed in polished metal. The vintage white steering wheel on a tilt column fronts an equally stock appearing dashboard with matching fan shaped features on each side, one housing the speedometer and the other, a clock and scripted Bel Air emblem. Vintage Air has been added to the car along with a trio of gauges under the dash to monitor engine systems. Black loop carpet covers the floor and makes everything white around it pop, while the perforated white headliner is augmented by polished braces that span the roofline. The cargo area is clean, covered in more black loop carpet, and lined with stitched white ultraleather.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we find a very clean 327ci V8 with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor. A polished A/C unit and alternator enhance the bay where finned valve covers and an aluminum radiator add even more brightness. The transmission is a 700R4 4-speed automatic that sends power to the rear wheels and 3.36 gears. Power brakes are supplied with discs in front and drums in the back.
Undercarriage
Super clean underneath with minimal surface rust, a drop of oil on the flywheel cover, and some oil sling by the front U-joint. It appears some surface rust has been painted or encapsulated on the frame rails which are otherwise solid. The dual exhaust wears a pair of FlowMaster mufflers and then heads to the back where they end discretely before the rear bumper. Coil spring suspension up front and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
We take this big family cruiser onto the test loop where sun streams in from all angles creating a bright interior as the 327 thrusts the car into action. There's plenty of power on tap here, great visibility of course, and good tracking, braking, and handling. We noticed the reverse lights are not working, the radio is not functioning, and the gas gauge is inaccurate. All other functions work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
No cell phones. No game boys. No backseat screen. Kids in the back enjoyed the views out the windows which sparked imagination and created memories as the scenery went by. Oh sure, the occasional "are we there yet" was expressed when the ride got long, but this was the ultimate ride for Sunday drives and picnics in the park. Now, a spectacular classic. You've looked at the photos. You've read the description. We have but one question. Are you there yet?
VC550080374
V-V8
C-2400 Series
55-1955
0-Oakland, CA Assy Plant
080374-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 55 1064DF-1955 Bel Air Nomad
BODY CL6376-Cleveland Body #
TRIM 542-Beige Vinyl & Blue Waffle Vinyl
PAINT 614-Shoreline Beige, Glacier Blue
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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