1959 Chevrolet Nomad Wagon custom
By 1959, the Nomad had evolved from its sporty two-door origins into a four-door station wagon positioned as the top-trim counterpart to the newly introduced Impala line. This year brought dramatic styling changes, including forward-curved C-pillars, expansive horizontal tailfins, and a one-piece tailgate design with a retractable rear window that slid down into the door.
The 1959 design featured slimline styling with wider, lower, and longer bodies, a new full-width grille, gullwing-style rear deck, and distinctive cat’s eye taillights. Nomad wagons carried Impala-level trim with “Nomad” script badging. Six-passenger seating was standard, riding on a 119-inch wheelbase.
Engine choices ranged from a 235 cubic inch inline-six producing 135 horsepower to several V8 options, including a 283 cubic inch small-block with outputs from 185 to 290 horsepower and a 348 cubic inch big-block delivering up to 315 horsepower. Transmission options included a three-speed manual, four-speed manual, two-speed Powerglide automatic, and the continuously variable-ratio Turboglide.
The Nomad nameplate traced its roots to Harley Earl’s 1954 GM Motorama dream car, though by 1959 it had shifted away from sporting two-door wagon heritage and into the role of upscale family transportation.
Source
