Calling all Tri-Fives! Project Coordinator Christine Danchuk of Danchuk Manufacturing recently sat down with Gary Nelson of Temecula, California to talk about his custom 1957 Chevrolet Nomad.

Nelson’s ’57 Nomad restored to glory.

Nelson, a native of southern California was searching for the car he always wanted. Growing up during the surf era of the 1960s, Nelson always dreamed of owning a Nomad.

“I was looking for something to invest in that would be a little bit more stable than the stock market,” Nelson said.

What he purchased will definitely hold more value and only increase in price with time. Nelson said he found the Nomad on eBay from a small town in North Carolina.

What’s more, he said the Nomad was the ultimate surf mobile during his upbringing. The Nomad was a two-door station wagon that had a unique design that stands in a class of its own.

Nelson and his ’57 Nomad.

With low production numbers and special components, the Nomad was costly for Chevrolet to manufacture. First seen in 1954 at General Motors’ Motorama in New York, the Nomad was a pretty sight but became the most expensive Chevrolet in 1955.

Nelson’s Nomad is a tribute to the surf era, resembling originality and genuine authenticity. He mentioned the Nomad’s exterior is all-original.

“If somebody walks around this car, there’s not really much that isn’t 1957,” Nelson said.

However, he said that he changed the drivetrain, steering and suspension components to make the Nomad more suitable to drive in today’s world. The Nomad has a brand new aluminum cross-flow radiator and powered steering box, all purchased from Danchuk.

With its all-original exterior, the ’57 Nomad preserves a unique era.

Danchuk is the world’s leading manufacturer of 1955-1957 Chevrolet restoration and performance parts. Nelson praised Danchuk for providing him with all the parts he needed to restore his Nomad at a fair price.

With Danchuk’s headquarters being located in Santa Ana, California, access to parts is easy and readily available for Nelson. Nelson said his father helped him tremendously in restoring the Nomad.

With his father being a mechanic, Nelson was exposed to cars at a young age. Not to mention, he is a member of the Drifters Car Club of Southern California that features a varied collection of classic cars as well as muscle cars.

Accompanied with their love for cars and car culture, the Drifters also give back to their local community.

The Drifters Car Club of Southern California is heavily involved with the communities of Temecula and Murrieta, lending their help to local charities and non-profit events. The club meets every Saturday at Richie’s Diner in Murrieta at 7:00 a.m.

Gary Nelson strived to get the car he always wanted. His patience has paid off with a classy Nomad that represents not only him but an era that is unique in its own right.

For more information about the Drifters Car Club of Southern California, visit their Facebook page.