The 1955 Chevrolet Nomad holds a special place in automotive history, mixing practical wagon utility with sporty two-door style. Classic Car Studio took this iconic platform and transformed it into the ultimate modern street machine, aptly named the GoneMad ’55 Nomad. This build is not a simple restoration; it represents a comprehensive, full-scale custom creation with no detail overlooked. The 1955 Chevrolet GoneMad Nomad is a testament to blending vintage design with cutting-edge performance technology.
Engineered for Extreme Performance
At the heart of the GoneMad ’55 Nomad is an engine that pays homage to Chevrolet history while delivering immense modern power. It features an all-aluminum 509 cubic inch V-8, based on the legendary 409 W-head design. The team at Shafirrof Racing built this engine to churn out serious performance numbers. This incredible engine was dyno-tested to produce 625 horsepower and 638 ft-lbs of torque. This power plant ensures the classic wagon moves with genuine, intimidating authority.
Inside the Shafirrof 509 W Motor
The 509 V-8 utilizes a World/BMP 409 aluminum block fitted with steel billet caps for superior strength. Internally, it features a Scat 4340 steel crank and H-beam rods, ensuring durability for high-horsepower use. Custom 10.75-1 aluminum pistons and Total Seal plasma moly rings handle the combustion pressure effectively. The engine breathes through CNC ported Edelbrock 409 aluminum heads. Dual Edelbrock 600 CFM carbs and an MSD Ready To Run Billet Distributor manage the fuel and spark.
Advanced Chassis and Suspension
Handling all that power requires a foundation far superior to the original frame. This is where the Roadster Shop Revo Chassis comes into play. The chassis was custom built specifically for this vehicle’s aggressive application. It incorporates 10-gauge, fully boxed, 4-inch by 4-inch frame rails for extreme rigidity. The design includes exhaust ports to accommodate the custom three-inch stainless exhaust system. The chassis provides a stable, modern platform for high-performance driving.
Roadster Shop Components and Ride Quality
Up front, the chassis features a front-mounted Flaming River power rack and pinion steering system for precise control. Wilwood forged Pro spindles are used, improving steering geometry and strength. The vehicle achieves its impressive stance and ride quality thanks to Afco Pro Touring coilovers at all four corners. In the rear, a triangulated 4-bar suspension setup perfectly locates the axle. This combination ensures the GoneMad Nomad tracks straight and handles curves with precision.
Wheels, Tires, and Stopping Power
The stance and wheel choice are critical for a Pro-Touring build, and the GoneMad Nomad delivers. It rides on stunning Billet Specialties SLG 15 wheels that give the car a proper street-machine look. The wheels feature a specialized finish, shot peened and painted for a distinctive Dow 7 mag wheel look. They are wrapped in high-performance Pirelli PZero tires, massive 335/35/20 in the rear and 255/40/18 up front.
Massive Wilwood Brakes
To control the Nomad’s speed, an impressive Wilwood brake system was installed. This powerful setup includes six-piston calipers gripping 13-inch rotors in the front. The rear features four-piston calipers paired with matching 13-inch rotors. A Wilwood master cylinder provides firm pedal feel and reliable modulation. This braking package is essential when slowing a 625 horsepower wagon from speed efficiently.
Drivetrain and Fuel Management
The immense torque from the 509 V-8 is managed by a heavy-duty Bowler Performance 4L80E automatic transmission. The Bowler unit uses a Compushift computer for precise electronic control over shift points and firmness. A Billet nine-inch by 11-inch triple disc lockup stall converter optimizes power transfer. A Ford nine-inch rearend, featuring a Pro Iron case and a Tru Trac Posi unit, handles final power delivery to the massive rear tires. Fuel is supplied by a Rick’s Stainless tank with a dual-stage 340 pump.
Custom Headers and Exhaust
Letting the powerful engine breathe effectively are custom-fabricated 1 7/8-inch stainless headers. These flow into a full three-inch custom stainless exhaust system, ensuring maximum scavenging and a throaty, aggressive sound. The Billet Specialties Tru Trac front runner kit keeps all the accessories neatly organized and driven consistently.
Show-Stopping Finish and Interior
The exterior finish is certainly one of the most memorable aspects of this build. The paint is a custom BASF Glasurit mix, finished in the eye-catching Krazy Kiwi over Truffle Butter Gold. This bold, unique color combination perfectly highlights the Nomad’s custom bodywork. The vehicle features custom fabricated sheet metal door panels, consoles, and a trunk panel. Mini tubs were required to accommodate the massive rear tires.
Comfort and Technology Inside the Cabin
The interior is completely custom, upholstered in luxurious Relicate Leather. Scat Seats provide comfort and support for long drives. Custom gauges by Classic Instruments provide accurate readings in a classic-looking package. The driver interacts with an American Retro Steering wheel and an Ididit steering column. Vintage Air, using a Sure Fit kit, keeps the cabin environment perfectly controlled. A Kenwood head unit provides modern audio capabilities to complete the high-tech interior.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
This 1955 Chevrolet GoneMad Nomad is powered by an all-aluminum, pump gas 509 cubic inch V-8, delivering an impressive 625 horsepower and 638 ft-lbs of torque. This immense power is managed by a heavy-duty Bowler Performance 4L80E transmission and a Ford nine-inch rear end. The Roadster Shop Revo Chassis, Afco coilovers, and a full Wilwood big brake system ensure the vehicle can handle its significant power safely and effectively. This blend of classic muscle and modern engineering defines its robust performance.
Summary of the GoneMad ’55 Nomad
The 1955 Chevrolet GoneMad Nomad is an exceptional build from Classic Car Studio that honors the classic wagon while pushing performance boundaries. From the powerful 509 V-8 engine and custom Roadster Shop chassis to the stunning Krazy Kiwi paint and bespoke Relicate Leather interior, this vehicle showcases incredible craftsmanship. It successfully delivers a high-performance experience wrapped in an iconic body, truly earning its name as the GoneMad Nomad.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Details, analyses, and opinions reflect current trends and personal views, not professional or financial advice. Always verify information with official sources before making any decisions.
Source: classiccarstudio.com
