Introduced for the 1955 model year, the Chevrolet Tri-Five quickly became a sales success, with 1.77 million units sold, representing a 54% increase over the previous year and setting a US sales record. Notably, approximately 45% of these sales comprised the top-tier Bel Air models.
Among the body styles, the four-door sedan emerged as the most popular, accounting for nearly 750,000 units delivered, while station wagons, particularly the two-door variants, lagged with only 56,445 sold.
The Nomad, based on the Bel Air but offering a unique blend of utility and luxury, was the rarest version, with only 8,530 units sold, subsequently becoming a highly sought-after collectible.
Original and restored Nomad examples can fetch over $100,000 at auctions, with heavily modified resto-mods surpassing $200,000.
A blue Nomad showcased exhibits a blend of originality and modification, featuring upgraded components like a larger 327-cubic-inch V8 engine and aftermarket enhancements, including an Edelbrock intake manifold and MSD ignition coil, while retaining authentic interior features.
The Nomad is described as a sleeper, appearing authentic externally but concealing significant upgrades under the hood. Available for auction with a current bid of $45,100, this Nomad represents a desirable fusion of classic design and modern performance enhancements.