Unleashing Modern Muscle: The LS3-Powered 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Revival

This 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad two-door station wagon was acquired by the seller in 2014 and subsequently refurbished and modified. Work consisted of stripping and refinishing the body and frame, re-wiring the car, and replacing the brake and fuel lines as well as installing a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 linked with a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission and a Currie Enterprises 9″ rear axle with an Eaton Detroit Locker differential. The car is finished in black cherry over white and maroon upholstery, and equipment includes Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital instrumentation, power steering, power four-wheel disc brakes, tubular front control arms, 15″ American Racing wheels, power windows, a digital stereo, and a dual exhaust system. This Bel Air Nomad is now offered with a clean Idaho title in the seller’s name.

The car was repainted in its current shade of black cherry during the refurbishment. Details include a “hood bird” ornament, Bel Air badging, bright metal trim, a wrap-around windshield, hooded headlights, dual side mirrors, sloped B-pillars, rear tailfins, and a two-piece tailgate.

Chrome 15″ American Racing wheels are mounted with 255/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A white-letter tires. The frame was reportedly stripped and powder-coated during the refurbishment and the car was fitted with power-assisted steering and tubular front control arms. Braking is handled by power-assisted discs at each corner. The brake lines are said to have been replaced under current ownership.

The bench seats and door panels have been reupholstered in white vinyl with maroon cloth inserts, and matching upholstery extends to the door panels. Equipment includes Vintage Air climate control, a removable center console, power windows, front shoulder belts, bowtie-branded rubber floor mats, and a digital stereo. The car was reportedly re-wired under current ownership and the analog clock does not work.

The billet steering wheel is mounted to a tilting column and frames a Dakota Digital 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and supplementary gauges. The digital odometer indicates 2,900 miles. Total mileage is unknown.

The 6.2-liter LS3 V8 was installed under current ownership and features a polished air intake tube and a conical air filter. An aluminum radiator with an electric cooling fan has been installed. The fuel lines were reportedly replaced under current ownership and an oil change was performed in August 2023.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission and a Currie Enterprises 9″ rear axle with an Eaton Detroit Locker differential. A custom dual exhaust system has been installed.