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Can't Afford a 1955–1957 Chevrolet Nomad? These Wagons Are Cheaper and Just As Hot

Introduced as a two-door wagon version of the Bel Air in 1955, the Chevrolet Nomad wasn't exactly popular. While Chevrolet sold almost five million Tri-Fives, including 2.2 million Bel Airs, from 1955 to 1957, only 22,897 of them were Nomads.
1957 Pontiac Safari 12 photos
Photo: Hemmings
1955 Chevrolet Nomad1955 Pontiac Safari ad1956 Chevrolet 210 Handyman1956 Chevrolet 210 Handyman1956 Ford Parklane ad1956 Ford Parklane1957 Chevrolet Nomad1957 Plymouth Suburban Custom1957 Mercury Voyager1957 Mercury Voyager1957 Pontiac Safari
But as the Tri-Five became an icon of the 1950s, the rare Nomad became a desirable and expensive classic. Granted, the two-door wagon is not impossible to find. Some of them are, unfortunately, rotting away in junkyards. But the Nomads that have been restored cost notably more than most mid-1950s classics.

The average Nomad value has gone north of $60,000 in recent years, but some restored examples have changed hands for more than $100,000 at public auctions.

Are these six-figure stickers keeping the Nomad out of your reach? Well, I got five two-door wagon alternatives from the era that are just as hot.

Pontiac Safari - Part of the Star Chief lineup, the first-generation Safari was produced from 1955 to 1957, just like the original Nomad. Fitted with a Chieftain front fascia and unique taillights, the Safari served as the flagship Pontiac station wagon and was, at the time, the company's most expensive vehicle.

1957 Pontiac Safari
Photo: Bonhams
Not surprisingly, it wasn't exactly a hit and production barely hit 9,000 units over three years. But even though it's much rarer than the Nomad, it's not quite as expensive. Sure, some change hands for more than $100,000, but you'll find plenty of them priced below $50K. And needless to say, the Safari is quite the looker.

Ford Parklane - The company's take on the premium two-door wagon market, the Parklane arrived in 1956. Combining the body of the two-door Ranch Wagon and the fancy trim elements of the Fairlane, it was available with a 292-cubic-inch V8 good for 200 horsepower.

The nameplate didn't survive beyond 1956, but that's only because Ford redesigned its full-size car for 1957. The Parklane was then replaced by the Del Rio.

Ford's wagon outsold the Nomad by nearly two to one with 15,186 units built. Come 2022 and the stylish wagon is notably more affordable than its Chevy counterpart, with restored examples selling for less than $30,000 on average.

1956 Ford Parklane
Photo: Mecum Auctions
Plymouth Suburban - Unlike the Nomad and the Parklane, the Plymouth Suburban isn't a premium sedan. But it looks quite fetching thanks to the company's stylish design language from the era. Sharing its looks with the Fury, the 1957 version is particularly beautiful and will stand out next to a Nomad.

And needless to say, they're far more affordable at around $30,000 in Excellent condition and about $45K in Concours-ready shape.

Mercury Voyager - The Voyager was born in 1957 when Mercury created a separate model line for wagons. While it wasn't the range-topping model, a position given to the wood-grained Colony Park, the Voyager was the fanciest wagon available in a two-door layout.

Just as stylish as the impressive Turnpike Cruiser, the Voyager was more potent than the Nomad thanks to an optional 368-cubic-inch (6.0-liter) V8 good for 290 horsepower.

1957 Mercury Voyager
Photo: Mecum Auctions
In 1958, Mercury even introduced a 430-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) "Super Marauder" V8 good for a whopping 400 horses.

The Voyager is quite rare though, with only 2,283 two-door models sold in 1957 and just 568 examples produced in 1958. They rarely come up for sale and usually cost more than $50,000, but they remain more affordable than most Nomads, despite being rarer and better equipped.

Chevrolet 210 Handyman - The Nomad wasn't the only two-door wagon in Chevrolet's lineup during the Tri-Five era. The company also offered the Handyman.

It was available as a bare-bones 150 model and as a mid-range 210 offering. While not as fancy as the Nomad as far as features and trim go, the 210 Handyman looks just as cool and costs a lot less.

1956 Chevrolet 210 Handyman
Photo: Unique Classic Cars
Yes, some Handymans have been auctioned off for $50,000, but most of them are usually priced at around $25,000 to $30,000. And chances are you can find a 210 in Excellent condition for the price of a Nomad that needs a mild restoration.

If you're looking for something else entirely, these aren't the only two-door wagons produced in the mid-1950s. Studebaker alone had three of them, including the Scotsman, Conestoga, and the President Wagon. Which one would you choose as an alternative to the 1955-1957 Chevy Nomad? Let me know in the comments.
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About the author: Ciprian Florea
Ciprian Florea profile photo

Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
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