Originally built in Oakland California in May of 1956, this 1956 Chevrolet Nomad spent the majority of its life in California and Washington state. The West Coast environment was extremely beneficial in preserving the condition of the metal on the car.
The Nomad is painted in Harbor blue over Nassau blue, which was originally India Ivory over Nassau blue. The interior is code 591, which is light blue pattern cloth over light blue imitation leather. During the restoration of the car, the body was stripped to bare metal and received a fresh two stage paint job. These cars have loads of chrome, much of which is not available in reproduction form. Just the amount of chrome that goes around the interior and exterior windows is staggering! All of the chrome trim on this car has been redone and it really pops as a result. Re-chroming all of the shiny bits on this car is an easy $10-15k, so it’s no cheap feat. Also replaced on the car was all of the rubber trim around the windows and doors.
Cowl Tag
- 56 1064 DF = 1956 Nomad body
- Trim – 591 = light blue pattern cloth, light blue imitation leather
- Paint – 707 = india ivory over Nassau blue (now Harbor blue over Nassau blue)
- Acc – padded dash (restored without padded dash)
- Body # – CL 5837
During the restoration, the chassis was blasted down to bare metal and re-finished in a clean coat of GM semi gloss black paint. Upon reassembly, the chassis received all new suspension components and restored brake components as well. The resulting ride has a smooth, and original feel. If you are a purist, you’ll enjoy the ride.
The motor looks to be the original engine that came with the car. There were no serial numbers stamped on these blocks, so they cannot be matched to the VIN. That said, the block casting is 370091 which codes to a 1956 265 V8. The stamped pad shows F56FB, which codes to a ’56 Flint built motor with a Powerglide and 4BBL dual exhaust setup. The motor starts up immediately upon turning the key and the engine falls into a smooth idle. Enhanced by the dual exhaust system, it has a mellow yet present exhaust note which alerts passers by to the classic V8 powerplant under the hood. The transmission is a smooth shifting Powerglide that was cast in January, a few months prior to the build of the car.
Engine
- 265 V8 4BBL dual exhaust (power pack)
- block casting – 3720091 = 1956 265 V8
- stamped pad – 0233398 F56FB = Flint Michigan plant 1956 w/powerglide, 4BBL, dual exhaust
- intake manifold casting – 3837109 date D126 = 1956 4BBL April 12 1956
Transmission
- Powerglide 2 speed automatic
- main body casting – 3708234
- main body casting date – A126 = January 12 1956
Rear End
- casting # – 3707306
- casting date – F196
For the Chevy enthusiast looking for a wonderful driving, strong showing, West Coast preserved classic, this 1956 Nomad is quite the looker!
