General Motors classic vehicle profiles: Chevrolet Nomad and Buick Grand National

Historical profiles highlight two distinct eras of General Motors performance vehicles: the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad and the Buick Grand National.

A 1957 Chevrolet Nomad, currently listed for sale in Dayton, Ohio, for $65,000, represents the Tri-Five era of GM production. Originally inspired by the 1954 Motorama concept cars, the Nomad was built on the Bel Air’s A-platform. This specific model features a Powerglide automatic transmission and was part of a generation that saw the introduction of the 283 cu. in. V8 engine.

In contrast, the Buick Grand National, produced between 1982 and 1987, utilized the GM G-body platform based on the Buick Regal. Known for its all-black aesthetic, the standard model was powered by a 3.8-liter turbocharged/intercooled V-6 producing 245 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle featured a TH200-4R four-speed automatic transmission and was marketed as a high-performance alternative to standard sedans of the era.