Body Off Restored Bel Air Nomad 265 V8 2 Speed Powerglide PS PB

SUMMARY

Here at RK Motors Charlotte, we sell the most exclusive collector cars in the world seven days a week. But every now and then we still get classics that 1) we rarely offer and 2) are just a ton of fun to own. In fact, when we first saw this awesome 1957 Nomad pull in to our showroom, all we wanted to do was jump behind the wheel and head for the closest beach. And since this Chevy has been fully restored, equipped with a hot small block and fitted with a flashy interior that's bigger than some people's bedrooms, it was more than willing to make the trip. Both rare and highly desirable, this timeless, all-American rig is one of the coolest people movers on the planet! And whether you're a diehard Chevy fan, a wagon enthusiast or just someone who wants to drive something nobody's ever seen, it'll have you dreaming of good times and great friends!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The second-generation Bel Air represented a massive departure from its predecessors. A low, sleek profile replaced the first gen's carried-over, 1940s lines, officially marking the arrival of the "Hot One". This Nomad retains much of its factory charm thanks to what appears to be a largely rust-free life that was devoid of catastrophic events. Circa 2007 when the time came for restoration, the car's solid panels were massaged flat in preparation for correct India Ivory and Matador Red 2-stage. And not only does that highly polished pigment present well from all angles, it provides a rolling testament to top notch metalwork and years of stellar care.

According to this Chevy's owner, the car scored 98 out of 100 points at the 2012 Nomad Nationals. That's not hard to believe once you start noticing detailing that walks a fine aesthetic line between factory correct and romanticized retro. At the front of the car, a heavy, body-width bumper props a gold Bel Air grille behind a pristine Chevrolet crest and two clear parking lamps. Above that crest, Bel Air-exclusive header ornamentation rides between hooded T3 headlights and '57 Chevy-exclusive 'spear bullet and spoons'. At the sides of those lights, deluxe 'speed spears' float gold "Bel Air" scripts between small mirrors, traditional door handles, factory rocker guards and gold, Bel Air-exclusive fender louvers. At the top of those scripts, curvy chrome trim splits the difference between polished wipers, a GE spotlight, a factory antenna and like-new glass. And at the back of the car, a second body-width bumper balances stylish brake lights at the sides of a wide tailgate that's finished with polished trim spears and Nomad-exclusive ornamentation.

ENGINE

In 1957, Chevrolet's 265 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8 was the most common choice for factory GM performance. It made solid power, created plenty of torque and provided excellent reliability for everyday errands. Follow this Bel Air's bright Matador shine in to its muted engine bay and you'll find an "F" branded small block that's seen roughly 100 miles of road time since its 2015 overhaul. At the top of that reliable mill, an old school oil bath air cleaner feeds an efficient 2-barrel carburetor that's sequenced to a Carter bowl, stainless lines and a mechanical pump. At the base of that carb, a vintage intake feeds cast iron heads, which wear snazzy, silver-detailed valve covers. Factory internals spin a traditional points distributor, which shoots spark through pliable Radio GM plug wires. Once the fires have been lit, a correct radiator circulates coolant through "GM" branded hoses and vintage squeeze clamps. Once combustion is created, a tough V-belt spins a rebuilt Delco-Remy generator, which jolts a tagged Delco battery. And once combustion is extinguished, stock exhaust manifolds whisk spent gases in to true-dual pipes.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Under this classy wagon, a straight and solid chassis is finished in subdued Satin Black paint, lending instant credibility to the car's fastidious preservation and detailed restoration. Above that skeleton, over-sprayed floors are spiced with a pinch of stainless hardware. Behind the engine, a tough Powerglide 2-speed hangs a correct 3708134 casting number and April (D) 1st (1), 1957 (7) casting date in front of a familiar GM axle. Cushy turning characteristics are provided by factory power steering. Confident stops come courtesy of power-assisted drums. There's a 2.5-inch, single-pipe exhaust system that funnels spent gases through a baritone turbo muffler. And power meets the pavement thanks to Matador Red steelies, which spin 7.50-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls around stylish spinner hubcaps.

INTERIOR

The spectacular cockpits in second generation Bel Airs need no introduction, but here goes. Depress the button on this Nomad's bright chrome door handle and you'll find a gorgeous Black and Red interior that stays completely true to the car's original scheme. The rebuilt front and rear bench seats are all-day comfortable and feature supple, silver-piped hides that fit well and feel great. Beneath those seats, fresh black carpet floats rugged Bel Air floor mats next to clean kick panels and bright Fisher sills. At the edges of that rug, red-tinged door panels anchor small armrests and stainless handles beneath color-keyed toppers. Above those panels, traditional chrome bows highlight a tight red headliner. At the front of that headliner, a curvaceous dash props a Guide traffic light viewer above a requisite Wonder Bar radio. The driver spins a red steering wheel around a full chrome horn ring and classic Bel Air centerpiece. And passengers store their essentials in a sizable cargo hold.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES

Restored and ready to hit the road, this awesome Chevy is the perfect place to "See the U.S.A.". In recent years, Nomads have become extremely popular as more and more tri-five enthusiasts look for new ways to ante up and stand out. If you're looking for a cool collector car that's as functional as it is handsome, you're looking at your hot ticket!