Slick 1956 Chevy Nomad Wagon 496 Big Block Build

Tri-Five Chevys, meaning those built in the 1955-1957 model years, got the attention of hot rodders pretty fast. Consider the fact that the second most popular car in American Graffiti, set in 1962, is Bob Falfa’s ’55 Chevy. Whether on the street, the dragstrip, or a dirt oval track, Tri-Fives were instant hits with our crowd. Not station wagons, though.

The Tri-Five Chevrolets are some of the most beautiful station wagons produced back in the day and when built right they make great hot rods. This 1956 Chevy Nomad has a very nice color combination and the wheels make it pop. Steve Holcomb at Pro Auto Custom Interiors has done a great job on the inside, keeping the same Black and White scheme.

They’re cool today, but 65 years ago, wagons—Chevys included—were the Eisenhower-era equivalent of minivans, suited for domestic and commercial service only. Times and tastes change, though, and 21st century hot rodders are enlightened to the coolness of “longroofs,” especially Tri-Five Chevys. We see them at every car show we go to and make a point of promoting them right here on this website.

We were not surprised to see a bunch of wagons at the recent American Tri-Five Association California event. From Nomads to Handymans (Handymen?), beaters to beauties, street cars to drag racers—the inaugural Tri-Five get-together at Famoso Dragstrip in Bakersfield had them all. Want more proof that wagons have earned their rightful spot in the hot rod world? Consider that two of the 10 winners in the Western Invasion’s Lecarra Top 10 judging were wagons, including the ’55 Handyman that went home with the first-place trophy.