On this episode of Aussie Garage, we’re diving into a seriously cool collection of American iron – the kind of cars that turn heads, drop jaws, and make you wish you had a long open road ahead of you. Our mate Craig has a pair of classics that are rare, beautifully maintained, and just dripping with old-school charm. Let’s take a look under the bonnet (and beyond) of these two American legends.
1955 Chevrolet Nomad – Rare, Blue, and Beautiful
First up, we’ve got Craig’s 1955 Chevrolet Nomad – and this isn’t just any Nomad. This wagon is rare in the States, let alone Australia. In fact, Craig reckons it’s the only ’55 Nomad in Western Australia, and we’re inclined to believe him.
Originally imported from LA back in 2008 by a friend of Craig’s, it changed hands and came into Craig’s garage in 2023. Built in the US and still running strong, it’s powered by a 350ci Chevy V8 paired with a Turbo 400 gearbox – a combo that delivers smooth cruising and plenty of grunt when you need it.
The car is finished in a mystery blue paint that absolutely pops in the sun – nobody’s sure of the exact shade, but it looks fantastic. The current wheels are on the larger side, but Craig’s got plans to swap them out for a more classic look to better match the car’s vintage lines. The chrome is immaculate, from those iconic bumpers to the trim pieces that really make the car sparkle.
Inside, the interior shows its age but remains in good condition. Everything’s there, so when it’s time for a retrim, Craig won’t be chasing parts – just refreshing what’s already a solid setup.
It’s not just Craig who loves this Nomad – his wife’s a big fan of ’55 Chevys too, so when this one came up, they didn’t hesitate. Now, it’s their go-to cruiser for events, weekend drives, and spontaneous lunch runs. According to Craig, “It’s like driving around in an armchair” – and honestly, what better way is there to see the sights?
1934 Ford Coupe – Hot Rod Vibes with Classic Soul
Next in the lineup is Craig’s 1934 Ford Coupe, an absolute gem with serious vintage attitude. Originally from Arizona, this coupe belonged to a retired marine before making its way across the Pacific. Craig picked it up in early 2023 from New South Wales and it’s been a staple in his collection ever since.
Under the bonnet is a flathead V8 paired with a 3-speed manual gearbox, delivering that raw, mechanical feel that hot rod enthusiasts crave. It’s also got a few subtle aftermarket touches, giving it a bit more personality without straying too far from its roots.
The paint might be showing its age – black with some surface cracking – but it still shines with character. Inside, the interior has been redone in a factory style, maintaining that classic vibe while freshening things up.
This coupe is mostly original Henry Ford steel, and while it wouldn’t take much to return it to full stock condition, Craig loves it just the way it is – a tasteful mix of classic lines and hot rod tweaks that’s perfect for weekend drives and car meets.
A Pair of Classics You Don’t See Every Day
What makes Craig’s cars so special isn’t just the rarity or the history – it’s how much passion and pride he puts into keeping them alive. Whether it’s the bold Nomad with its gleaming chrome or the tough little ’34 coupe with its deep roots in hot rod culture, these cars are a reminder of what makes classic American metal so special – especially down here in Australia.
We love getting to feature rides that are a bit different from the usual, and Craig’s collection definitely fits the bill. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the full episode and see these beauties in action.
Until next time, keep your engines humming and your wheels rolling.
— The Aussie Garage Team
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