Today’s Find: Immaculate 1955 Nomad From RK Motors Charlotte

By David Chick  

@ STREET LEGAL TV       

Rare, fine craftsmanship, and a jet black paint job as deep as the night sky–All of these descriptors match what we found on Today’s Find.

 

 

Where the luxurious and stately coupe and convertible 150s, 210s, and Bel Airs occupy a certain place in hot rod enthusiasm, it’s the special snowflakes, like the ’49 Mercury, Graham-Paige Sharknose, or under appreciated 50s era MOPARs, that really get us to gawk and drool. The specimen before us today is a 1955 Bel Air Nomad from RK Motors Charlotte, rebuilt to the degree of excellence by Miller Brothers Hot Rod Barn in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

 

Scott and Gary Miller did some fantastic work on this ruby of a classic, taking months to plot, plan, and execute a full restoration. Immediately noticeable is the seamless bodywork, from the stainless grille to the chrome-trimmed headlamps to the polished fender spears. The paint is a sleek black two-stage PPG coat that’s been buffed and color-sanded to stunning results.

       Let’s talk power now. The Miller brothers snagged an LT1 good for roughly 300 hp, sporting a cast-iron block, aluminum heads, and hypereutectic pistons that churn up a 10.4:1 compression ratio. Air and fuel mix in the factory intake and disperse to stock combustion chambers, and all of the waste travels down a set of slick ceramic “shorty” headers and through a set of aggressive sounding Flowmaster mufflers.

In the back, you’ll find the tail end of the 4L60E 4-speed’s driveshaft meets with the 3.50 rearend from a ’79 Trans Am. The chassis is supported by 2-inch drop springs and 2-inch drop spindles, while the steering make use of a Creative Controls power rack and pinion. Stopping power is smooth and sure-footed, as it should be, thanks to GM-branded disc brakes.

The interior, however, is where it all comes together. Custom console, historical carpet, Sony head unit, vinyl seats, suede headliner–it’s a proper mix of modern and old-fashioned that ups the game on passenger comfort.

 And the spacious cargo area that made the Nomad so special is brought back to its former glory. What do you think? Is this Nomad a no-go, or a hell-yes? Leave your two cents below and don’t forget to follow RKMC on their Facebook page.