Back in 1955, the Chevrolet Nomad wagon was one of the flashiest rides in the Tri-Five lineup. This particular unrestored gem, up for grabs on eBay out of Wagoner, Oklahoma, gets billed as completely original and packed with extras, drawing serious interest from folks who chase down these old-school survivors.
the Nomad was the fancy Bel Air version meant for wagon lovers who wanted a bit more class, but its steeper price tag kept it from flying off lots like the plain sedans did.
Tracking Down a True 1955 Nomad
Out of over 1.7 million Chevys made that year, just 8,530 were Nomads—barely half a percent of the total, and the rarest style Chevy offered. Blame the $2,571 sticker (that’s $210 above a basic Bel Air) and how few people needed a swanky wagon when cheaper haulers sold like hotcakes, 20 times better.
Fast-forward to now, and spotting an untouched one at car meets or big auctions feels like striking gold, especially since so many have been polished up or hot-rodded over time.
Looks That Turn Back Time
a deep Gipsy Red body topped with creamy India Ivory on the roof, all supposedly straight from the factory with just a hint of patina from real use. Step inside, and the matching setup looks barely touched, complete with those rare power seats, windows, steering, and brakes that made it feel luxurious even by mid-50s standards. They call it a “special-order” deal, and it even comes with the factory A/C compressor tossed in (though it’s not hooked up right now), adding to why this thing screams premium survivor.
Engine & Powertrain
Most Nomads rolled out with the trusty 235 inline-six good for around 123 to 136 horses, but this bad boy skipped that for the hot new 265-cubic-inch V8—a 4.3-liter powerhouse pumping 180 hp and 260 lb-ft, light as a feather compared to rival engines.
Hooked to a two-speed Powerglide auto that’s had its torque converter freshened up lately, it shifts smooth as silk, and a new fuel setup keeps everything humming without big headaches. That V8 wasn’t just quick; it kicked off Chevy’s small-block legacy that’s still cranking out crate engines today.
Road-Ready Story
Clocking 78,000 miles that look legit from the wear and tear, this Nomad’s been hitting classic car events lately instead of gathering dust in a barn, so the mechanics stay sharp.
Everything electric works like a charm, and the owner swears it drives like a dream, even if there’s no full paper trail on its history. Coming from Oklahoma roots, its no-fuss survivor status makes it way cooler than the restored crowd or those souped-up versions you see everywhere.
Bidding Buzz
On eBay under item 136555515796, bids climbed to $56,085 by October 13, 2025, with a few hours left, but it hasn’t cleared the reserve yet. Solid unrestored ’55 Nomads like this usually go for less than $75k, while the overall average sits at $108,013—mostly thanks to modded restomods breaking the $100k mark. One super-clean original just sold for $105,000, proving these time capsules hold their value in a scene that rewards the real deal over flashy tweaks
