How much is a 1955 Nomad worth?
Prices vary, but a clean, well-documented 1955 Chevrolet Nomad commonly sells in the six-figure range, while a project or fixer-upper can go for considerably less.
Market snapshot: value bands by condition
The following bands reflect common market pricing for the 1955 Nomad based on condition, originality, and provenance. Real-world prices can shift with demand, color, and documentation.
- Project or needs full restoration: approximately $25,000–$60,000
- Good driver or solid restoration: approximately $60,000–$110,000
- Excellent driver or well-executed restoration: approximately $110,000–$170,000
- Concours-grade or highly original with matching numbers: typically $150,000–$200,000+ (top examples may exceed this)
These ranges reflect current activity from dealers, private sales, and auction results. Individual cars may fall outside these bands due to provenance, options, and market demand.
What elevates or lowers value
Several factors influence Nomad values beyond the basic condition. Originality, documentation, and restoration quality often swing prices significantly.
- Original drivetrain and matching numbers, especially engine and transmission
- Comprehensive documentation (build sheets, dealer records, restoration receipts)
- Quality of restoration or a well-preserved, largely original survivor
- Desirable options and color/interior combinations
- Level of non-original parts or extensive rust repair impacting authenticity
- Provenance or notable history linked to the car
In contrast, heavy modifications, poor restoration quality, or incomplete provenance can suppress value.
How to assess your specific Nomad's value today
To gauge a given Nomad's market value, gather information and compare it to current market data. A structured approach helps you estimate a fair price for buying or selling.
- Document condition: take high-quality photos, note rust, body gaps, interior wear, and whether the car is original or restored.
- Check authenticity: verify VIN, engine numbers, and options against build sheets or factory records where possible.
- Assess originality: determine which parts are original versus period-correct replacements and how that affects value.
- Review provenance: collect restoration invoices, ownership history, awards, and any unique history.
- Research current market: scan recent sales of similar Nomads on BaT, Mecum, Bring a Trailer, and in price guides.
- Consider professional appraisal: for high-value or complex cars, a credentialed appraiser can provide an official valuation.
Using documentation, comparative pricing, and expert opinions will give you the most accurate gauge of value for a specific Nomad.
Where to look for current values
Staying up to date requires consulting established price guides and recent sale data. Real-time auction results and dealer listings provide current benchmarks.
- Hagerty Price Guide for classic cars
- NADA Classic Car Guide
- Recent auction results from Bring a Trailer, Mecum, Barrett-Jackson
- For formal valuations, consult a certified appraiser or the American Society of Appraisers
Market conditions, regional demand, and presentation (condition, cleanliness, originality) can cause prices to swing month to month.
Tips for buyers and sellers
- Be realistic about restoration costs and the time required to achieve show-quality condition.
- Get a thorough mechanical and rust inspection, focusing on the frame and undercarriage.
- Ask for a complete records packet and verify the car’s originality with build data when possible.
- Negotiate with awareness of the market: rare options and high-quality restorations command premiums.
By combining market data with a thorough appraisal, you can set an informed asking price or determine a fair bid for a 1955 Nomad.
Summary
The 1955 Chevrolet Nomad remains one of GM’s most coveted wagons, admired for its design and historical significance. While prices vary widely, well-presented, documented examples typically command six-figure sums, with top-tier, concours-quality cars reaching the higher end of the spectrum. For buyers and sellers, staying current with price guides and recent sales, along with professional appraisals, is essential to arriving at a fair valuation.
How many 1955 Chevrolet Nomads were made?
A total of 8,386 1955 Chevrolet Nomads were made, with other sources stating 8,530 as a possible figure. These numbers represent a specific version of the Nomad, which was a two-door "sport" station wagon model during the first generation from 1955-1957.
- 8,386 or 8,530: Different sources provide slightly different numbers for the 1955 production run, but they are very close.
- Two-door wagon: The 1955 model was a two-door sport wagon, and its production numbers were significantly lower than the four-door models that were introduced later.
- Part of a three-year run: The 1955 model was the first in a three-year production run for the two-door Nomad, which ended in 1957.
What is a 1955 Chevy worth today?
The value of a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $35,775 for a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air in good condition with average spec.
What is a Chevy Nomad worth today?
Q: What is the lowest sale price of a Chevrolet Nomad? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $13,850 for a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad on Dec 17 2023. Q: What is the average sale price of a Chevrolet Nomad? A: The average price of a Chevrolet Nomad is $96,998.
What is a 1955 Chevy Nomad worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $55,400 for a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad at auction over the last three years was $275,000.
