How much does a 55 Chevy Nomad weigh?
The 1955 Chevy Nomad typically weighs about 3,400 pounds (roughly 1,540 kilograms) in curb-ready form, with weight varying by engine and factory equipment.
What affects the Nomad's weight
Understanding weight requires looking at the key choices Chevrolet offered for the Nomad—the engine, transmission, and which optional features were installed. These factors push the curb weight up or down by the hundreds of pounds.
- Engine choice: a base six-cylinder vs. a V8 adds significant weight; a V8 option can add several hundred pounds to the curb weight.
- Transmission: switching from a manual to an automatic (such as Powerglide) adds weight.
- Equipment and trim: power steering, power brakes, heaters, radios, air conditioning, and other options increase the weight.
In practice, curb weight for a 1955 Nomad typically falls within a few thousand pounds, depending on the exact configuration.
Typical weight ranges by configuration
To provide a practical sense of the range, here are ballpark weights for common Nomad configurations:
- Six-cylinder engine with minimal equipment: about 3,000–3,200 pounds (1,360–1,450 kg).
- 265 cu in V8 with manual transmission and mid-level trim: about 3,300–3,500 pounds (1,500–1,590 kg).
- V8 with automatic transmission and additional options (power features, etc.): about 3,500–3,800 pounds (1,590–1,724 kg).
Because drivetrain and option packages varied by production lot and dealer-installed gear, exact figures can deviate significantly from these ranges.
Additional considerations for restorers
When restoring or evaluating a Nomad, weight is not only a matter of nostalgia but also performance, handling, and weight distribution. For precise planning, consult the vehicle’s data plate or weigh the car on a scale with typical installed accessories and fuel.
How to verify a specific car's weight
For owners seeking precision, check the data tag on the car and, if possible, weigh the vehicle on a certified scale with the usual fuel load and installed equipment. This yields the most accurate curb weight for a particular Nomad.
Summary
Overall, a 1955 Chevy Nomad typically weighs around 3,400 pounds, with a practical range of about 3,000 to 3,800 pounds depending on engine, transmission, and installed options. This variability is common among Tri-Five wagons and should be considered in restoration and performance planning.
