LT1-Powered 1956 Chevrolet Nomad Restomod with A/C
Imagine if somebody managed to crowd one of the 7,886 copies of the Nomad that Chevrolet produced in 1956 into The Time Tunnel with James Darren and Robert Colbert. Sixty years later when they magically pop out, the actors might have had some adjustment, but not the unforgettable sport wagon, especially when it was exposed to contemporary vehicle technology. With less dramatic license, that’s essentially what happened here. This 1956 Chevrolet Nomad had undergone a total transformation into this gleaming teal restomod, with a full powertrain upgrade and a deep current of pure luxury running through its customized passenger cabin. It took eight years to complete this Nomad, which began with a “rust-free” car originally out of Arizona.
POWERTRAIN
The engine in this Nomad is the Generation II small-block V-8 that was first introduced in the 1992 Corvette. Designated LT1, the engine in this car is Corvette-sourced, meaning it used four-bolt main bearing caps and was fed via multi-port electronic fuel injection. With a compression ratio of 10.5:1, this generation of the LT1 was rated by the manufacturer at 300 horsepower. This Nomad’s engine has been augmented with dual electric cooling fans and a custom air intake. The seller says it starts immediate and runs perfectly. The 4L60-E automatic transmission also has Corvette origins and is said to shift without issues. No leaks from the powertrain are reported. The engine bay presents cleanly.
EXTERIOR
During its customization, this current Nomad’s whole outside was “shaved” to eliminate its entryway handles, mirrors, recieving wire, and the vast majority of the badging. The body was repainted subsequent to being stripped to exposed metal with no body filler utilized. The paint is depicted as being in new condition without twirls and body flaws are supposed to be restricted to a solitary scratch on the correct quarter board. The merchant says minor rust was remedied by welding in new sheet metal, adding that the vehicle is presently consumption free. The entryways are worked by electric locks with double controllers. The body-painted guards are uniquely designed with no noticeable bolt openings. Wiring is hidden in the custom entryway pivots. The Nomad’s seals and weatherstripping are completely new. So is the dim colored glass and the outside lighting, all of which has been changed over to LEDs. The underside of the Nomad presents as practically immaculate.
INTERIOR
This Nomad’s passenger cabin is comprehensively customized. The dashboard incorporates a full Dakota Digital instrument cluster that illuminates in deep blue at night. A custom console with carbon fiber accents boasts a new Atoto entertainment center featuring Bluetooth, Pandora and Google Maps capability, along with two integrated backup cameras with dual monitors. The heated front leather seats are Cadillac sourced with power adjustments and lumbar supports. The remaining seats and interior facings, including the custom headliner, are cut from Austrian leather. Cut-pile carpeting is on the floor. All of this is described as being in new condition. None of the interior trim is said to be missing. The custom interior structures have double stitching in white. The aftermarket Vintage Air system is functional, but the heater is not.
CHASSIS
The Nomad rides on aluminum suspension components sourced from a fourth-generation Corvette, upgraded with an Airtekk air-ride system, whose dual tanks and compressors are controlled from a custom overhead console, and whose pump can also be used for tire inflation. The suspension components are said to be in good condition. The tilt-telescope power rack-and-pinion steering is described as leak-free. No issues are reported with the Corvette disc brakes, which have new pads and rotors. The 2019 Corvette wheels are said to be flaw-free, and mount Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat radials.
DOCUMENTATION
This Nomad will be sold on a clean Florida title in the seller’s name. Additional documentation includes a folio of more than 800 photos documenting its construction. Freshly transformed, this classic 1956 Chevrolet Nomad now abounds with technology and luxury.
