8 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: NOMADS
January 2, 2015
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
This 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Autorama Custom is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.
This sleek 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Autorama Custom (Lot #2028) offers a look at what happens when a ’55 Nomad, ’53 Corvette and ’94 Corvette ZR1 are blended together by a master fabricator with an appreciation for GM Motorama history.
This fully streetable custom is based on a real 1955 V8 Nomad, but trades the vintage Nomad kingpin front suspension and live real axle for superior C4 Corvette ZR1 components. Taking the ZR1 theme further, the original 285 small block V8 has been replaced with a fully polished 405hp, DOHC ZR1 engine backed by a ZF 6-speed manual transmission.
The genuine steel Nomad body shell has been merged with a fiberglass 1953 Corvette nosepiece and quarter panels to capture the spirit of the almost-was Corvette Nomad show car of 1954. Inside, gray tweed and leather covers the four bucket seats, center console and vertical surfaces of the cargo area. Half Nomad, half Corvette, this sleek hybrid pays tribute to two of GM’s greatest styling triumphs.
This 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Autorama Custom (Lot #2028) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.
1955 Chevrolet Nomad
This beautifully restored 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon (Lot #2050) was built at the Van Nuys assembly point and delivered new to Paramount Chevrolet in Paramount, Calif. Being a Nomad, it is unique in its own right, but this magnificent example is heavily optioned with the 265cid PowerPac V8 with a Powerglide automatic transmission.
Highlighting some of GM’s state of the art technological advances from the 1950s, this Nomad features a Wonder Bar radio and autronic eye headlights along with its deluxe electric windshield wipers and deluxe heater and defroster. It also features a slew of powered options including power steering, power brakes, as well as power seats and windows.
This 1955 Chevrolet Nomad (Lot #2050) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
1955 Chevrolet Nomad Custom Wagon
This meticulously built 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Custom Wagon (Lot #2040) has been restored with the workmanship of the highest quality. It rides on an Art Morrison chassis with rack & pinion steering up front with adjustable coilover and a 4-bar rear with adjustable coilovers.
The rear end is a 9” Ford with a 3.50 gear ration and Wilwood disc brakes with drilled rotors have been added to all four corners. Under the hood, the engine is a chrome LS1 backed by a 4L60E overdrive transmission. Beautiful red leather, dual power bucket seats and a custom console grace the interior.
This 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Custom Wagon (Lot #2040) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Tuesday, Jan. 13.