The Chevrolet Nomad is by far the rarest of Chevrolet’s so-called “Tri-Five” Bel Air models, produced from 1955 through 1957. The nameplate, which would live into the early ’70s, carries a level of cachet unique to the model.
Marketed as a halo model of the Tri-Five station-wagon line, the Bel Air Nomad shared its long roofline with the Corvette-based Nomad Concept unveiled in 1954 as part of General Motor’s Motorama line of dream cars. Distinctly sportier than other station wagons of the day, the production Nomad had two doors instead of four, and jaunty, forward-canting rear roof pillars that complemented the Bel Air’s attractive wraparound windshield. Among the priciest of all Bel Airs, it shared its front end and much of its trim and underpinnings with the rest of the line, but carried distinct cues, including two-tone paint and special exterior and interior trim.
The Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad offered here was originally finished in Dune Beige and Matador Red paint with a Charcoal-and-Ivory vinyl interior, according to its trim tag, present in the engine bay. It was previously owned by actor Michael Richards, according to documentation on file. The famous comedian — Kramer from the popular sitcom “Seinfeld” — is said to have refurbished the Nomad to its current two-tone black-and-white color scheme with a matching interior and modified it with a potent 350-ci V8 engine, paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission. He parted with it in 2007, after which it was acquired by its next owner, also in Los Angeles.
Other notable features of the car include power front disc brakes and air conditioning, which was retrofitted with modern refrigerant in November 2017, according to an invoice on file. Other work performed in 2016 included replacing the valve cover and intake-manifold gaskets, repairing both rear lift spring bases, replacing the resonator and pipe, and replacing the front lower ball joints and control arms.
Driven very little since being acquired by the consignor in 2021, this handsome Bel Air Nomad will be of great interest to Chevy enthusiasts and collectors seeking enhanced performance from Chevrolet’s legendary small-block V8.
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.)
