What is the rarest 55 Chevy?
The rarest 1955 Chevy is widely considered to be the Nomad, a two-door wagon, with production numbers estimated around eight thousand units. That scarcity has helped cement the Nomad's status as a standout among the Tri-Five Chevys in today’s collector market.
In this article, we explore why the Nomad earns that distinction, how production totals across different 1955 body styles compare, and what other low-volume variants matter to enthusiasts and collectors today.
Rarity by body style
Rarity in the 1955 Chevrolet lineup is driven by production totals and the number of survivors. Among Tri-Five Chevys from 1955, the Nomad two-door wagon is consistently cited as the most scarce variant, making it a benchmark for scarcity. Bel Air convertibles are also sought after and relatively limited, but they generally sit below the Nomad in the rarity rankings. Other 1955 body styles sold in larger volumes, so they aren’t considered as rare today despite enduring popularity.
Before listing the standout variants, here is a concise look at the two most commonly recognized rare 1955 Chevies:
- Chevrolet Nomad — a two-door wagon, produced in limited numbers for 1955; production figures are typically cited around eight thousand units, establishing it as the rarest Tri-Five of that year.
- Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible — the top-line Bel Air with a retractable roof; while still scarce and highly valued, convertibles are generally more plentiful than Nomads, though rarer than many hardtops and sedans.
In summary, the Nomad is the definitive benchmark for rarity among 1955 Chevys, with Bel Air convertibles and other limited trims following as notable but not as scarce options.
What makes a Nomad valuable today
For collectors, rarity is a combination of how few were built and how well a car has been preserved or restored. The Nomad’s value today is driven by its distinctive styling, its limited production run, and the historical appeal of the two-door wagon design from the Tri-Five era.
- Provenance and documentation — build sheets, dealer data, and restoration records significantly boost a Nomad’s value and desirability.
- Originality and matching numbers — a numbers-matching engine and drivetrain, along with correct trim and color codes, are highly prized.
- Condition and restoration quality — well-executed, authentic restorations or pristine survivor examples tend to command premium prices.
It's important to note that rarity alone doesn't guarantee high value. Maintenance costs, availability of parts, and the quality of restoration or preservation all influence what a Nomad is worth today.
Additional context for enthusiasts
Beyond production totals, enthusiasts consider factors such as factory options, period-correct color combinations, and how well the car reflects the 1955 Chevrolet lineup's original intent. While the Nomad remains the poster child for rarity, a well-documented Bel Air Convertible or other limited variants can also attract strong collector interest depending on provenance and condition.
Summary
Among 1955 Chevrolets, the Nomad two-door wagon stands out as the rarest model from the Tri-Five era, with production numbers commonly cited around eight thousand. Bel Air convertibles are notable for their scarcity and desirability, but they generally do not reach the Nomad’s level of rarity. For collectors, a Nomad’s value depends heavily on originality, documentation, and restoration quality, making the car as much about provenance as about production totals.
