SUNMAD Chevy Nomad Makes Annual Trek To SEMA

 

A 1955 Nomad that ended up becoming a four-door model due to a very unique modification. Custom chassis, wheels and engine change-out make this a Nomad not made for the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach. Image Credit:  Carlos Do Amaral-Gourgel (2021)

SUNMAD Chevy Nomad Makes Annual Trek To SEMA

A classic California Blue background with Yellow lettering license plate acts as a branding label of a beautiful 1955 Chevrolet Nomad two-door station wagon. The brand of this Orange Sherbet Pearl with highlights, custom split tailgate restomod? - SUNMAD.

SUNMAD on display in front of the newest section of the Las Vegas Convention Center not far from the new LVCC Tesla Loop transportation center. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

Research proves that this beautiful version on a non-stock '55 Nomad makes it around to many car shows, but is almost a certain 'greeter' at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas. 

To be clear, this LongRoof beauty is not meant to be a daily driver, it is a showcar in every sense of the term. No one would wish to have pavement pebbles chip the beautiful presentation this car holds. 

Not your average base level 265 cu in (4.3 L) V8 Chevy Nomad powerplant. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

Under the hood is an LS1 (5.7L) V8 engine with a 4L60E automatic transmission and a wiring kit from Street and Performance Wiring. 

The car’s interior is equally interesting, with upholstery work by Dan Williams of DJ Designs. There is a custom steel center console with a B&M Street Bandit shifter, and the bucket seats were sourced from a Lexus! Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

If one were to take this Nomad for a ride, it would be made all the smoother because the SUNMAD rides on a Paul Newman chassis with C4 Corvette independent suspension and brakes.

SUNMAD on full display. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

One of the most unique custom modifications of this genius design station wagon, produced as a two-door "sport wagon" and considered a distinct model line, is the split tailgate fashioned in such a way as to become totally hidden from the original lines, The owner explains that he did this modification because he got tired of having to lean over away from the back floor deck of the wagon to access what he had placed there. 

A very faint and unnoticeable fit line sets up along the center (of seven) Nomad iconic chrome tailgate embellishments. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

When it comes to the Tri-Five Chevys of 1955, 56, and 57, most owners fall into one of two groups. Some which are restored to their full original condition, and others which have been set up for drag racing with a big block, roll cage, rear wheel tubs, and drag slicks. It was quite unusual to see Ron and Debbie Pfisterer’s 1955 Nomad at SEMA 2015, because it wasn’t like either of these restoration styles. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

The SUNMAD is a heart warming version of a car intended to be the sport wagon for a family man with an attitude of never giving in to the four-door world. 

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

In this SUNMAD restomod case, however, we are now counting four-doors but intended for completely different reasons.

... notes from The EDJE

FEATURED ARTICLE >>>

TAGS: Debbie and Ron Pfisterer, 1955 Nomad, SUNMAD, Orange Sherbet Pearl, Dan Williams, DJ Designs, Tri-Valley Glass, Mad Mooks, Paul Newman Car Creations, C4 Corvette Suspension, SEMA, Las Vegas Convention Center, 2022, The EDJE