While South Korea was rebuilding after the Korean War, the US enjoyed prosperous times. The standard of living improved so much that it was common for a household to own three cars. The automotive industry also developed significantly. Brands like Ford and Chevrolet consistently produced various vehicles for their citizens, showcasing their robustness.
Lately, there has been a surge in the number of people collecting ‘old cars’ released during that time. One car that stands out is the Chevrolet Nomad, produced only for three years from 1955 to 1957. Despite no special features or exceptional performance, it is a rare model, with just over 10,000 units worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at the Chevrolet Nomad.
The Station Wagon ‘Nomad’
Failed to Produce 10,000 Units Annually
The Chevrolet Nomad, based on Chevrolet’s Bel Air platform, is considered an iconic station wagon in the US. Its vibrant colors and large body seem to reflect the lifestyle of the US at that time, and it also boasts performance to match.
Upon its launch, the vehicle failed to gain significant popularity. Production was limited, with only 8,386 units produced in 1955, 7,886 in 1956, and 6,103 in 1957. Although it could not exceed an annual output of 10,000 units, people began to recognize and collect this car decades later.
Equipped with a V8 Engine, Even Then
Price Reaches Millions Among Collectors
The Chevrolet Nomad, equipped with a small block V8 engine, could produce from 165 horsepower up to over 283 horsepower. It could reach a top speed of about 104 miles/hour (168 km/h), and it took about 12 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. One of its unique features was the choice between a three-speed manual transmission and a two-speed automatic transmission, and it was recognized for its acceleration and driving performance, comparable to the sports cars of the time.
Due to its limited production, the Chevrolet Nomad is being traded at a considerably high price among collectors. A 1955 model can go for an average of $110,000, and if the vehicle has been restored and modified, it can be traded for up to $340,000.
Used Car Prices Continue to Rise
Even more surprising is that the used transaction price of the Chevrolet Nomad continues to rise. Despite being almost 70 years old, it’s impressive that the car can still run normally. But what’s even more eye-catching is that collectors trade it at high prices.
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