The Perfect Fusion: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad
This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad represents a two-door station wagon that boasts a fresh white exterior complemented by gray leather upholstery. Its power-packed 327ci V8 engine has been specially customized to enhance performance and is seamlessly mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The chassis has undergone significant alterations, including the addition of 2-inch drop spindles at the front, power-assisted front disc brakes for improved stopping power, and power steering for enhanced maneuverability.
Noteworthy features also include 15-inch slotted wheels with varying widths, a state-of-the-art Vintage Air climate control system, and a Custom Autosound stereo featuring a CD changer. This distinctive vehicle underwent modifications during a prior ownership period and was subsequently acquired by the selling dealer in late 2021, following 18 years in the possession of its previous owner. The sale of this customized Nomad includes valuable service records, owner’s manuals, and a clean California title.
The car has been refinished in white, which is accented by a combination of chrome and gold-colored trim. Windshield wipers from RainGear Wiper Systems have been installed. The paintwork and exterior trim are shown up close in the photo gallery below.
Billet Specialties Vintec-series staggered-width 15″ wheels have a polished finish and wear spinner-style center caps. 225/60 front and 275/60 rear BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires were mounted in 2018, and power front disc brakes have been added along with a power-assisted steering box. The suspension has been modified with 2″ drop spindles up front, and the ball joints and tie-rod ends have been replaced.
The interior is said to have been redone by Armando’s Custom Upholstery of Hemet, California and features two rows of bench seating with gray leather upholstery. The door panels have been redone to match and are trimmed with light gray suede inserts. Black carpeting covers the floors, and amenities include a Vintage Air climate-control system as well as a Custom Autosound USA-series stereo with a CD changer.
A Billet Specialties steering wheel is mounted to a tilting Ididit steering column. Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer flanked by auxiliary gauges, and a VDO gauge pod has been added under the dash. The five-digit odometer shows approximately 62k miles, approximately 50 of which have been added by the selling dealer. True mileage is unknown.
The 327ci V8 is topped by a 650-cfm Demon carburetor and is said to utilize the following components:
- Edelbrock Performer intake manifold
- PerTronix Flame-Thrower distributor with electronic ignition
- PerTronix Flame-Thrower ignition wires
- Sanderson exhaust headers
- Flowmaster mufflers
- Mattson’s radiator with dual SPAL electric fans
- Hotronics fan switch and relay system
- Lokar throttle cable and kickdown kit
- March Performance serpentine-belt kit
- 140-amp alternator
- Summit Racing starter
- Stainless-steel and braided hoses and lines
- Replacement battery
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission with a B&M torque converter with a lockup controller. The rear axle is said to house a limited-slip differential with a 4.11:1 final-drive ratio.
A number of manuals and some service records will accompany the vehicle.