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Topic starter
14/01/2026 11:24 am
1953 to 1954 saw some concept cars based on the Corvette even from other GM stable mates like the Olds F-88:
But the one that seemed to connect with the public was the Corvette Nomad:
Maybe it was just the name that resonated that conjured images of adventures in areas that normal vehicles couldn't traverse. For 1955, the Nomad name was resurrected to brand the brand new 1955 Chevy Bel Air 2 door station wagon. The format certainly worked out to be more practical in a full size car than the tiny Corvette. The Nomad came with special trim, a different roof line taken from the Corvette concept and wrap-around rear windows. It shared the same chassis and roofline as the Pontiac Safari.
The 1955 Nomad was the most expensive Chevrolet that year, including the Corvette with an MSRP of $2571. For the money, you did get as standard, the brandy new 265 cid V8.It also got the full Bel Air treatment in the interior including the dash, carpeting and cloth upholstery along with a flat-folding rear seat. The sloping B-pillar and fully radiused wheel opening ala: the Corvette, completed its distinguished look. The following year. Ford released their Nomad-like Parklane which outsold the '56 Nomad by 2 to 1, but was a one year only model:
As a kid, I always thought the Nomad was cool looking. I'm not sure why. It could have been the styling, or just the fact it wasn't a 4 door. This old Franklin Mint model was always on my list if only for that perfect period color combo. It took me 20 years but I finally got a perfect MIB example. For its old tech, it's very well done the the door dog legs only barely visible. The interior including the dash is really replicated well and the overall look is just perfect.
14/01/2026 12:54 pm
I love the Safari wagon but apparently I’m in the minority, as I’ve heard most of them, especially their their roofs were sacrificed in order to restore the lowly nomads
14/01/2026 1:11 pm
@kevins I'm with you Kevin as being in the minority. The 55 Pontiac Star Chiefs were beautiful cars whether they were sedans, hardtops, convertibles or station wagons. My only wish was that we would have gotten a Safari in 1/24 and 1/18 scales. I do have the Motor City in 1/43 scale.
14/01/2026 2:11 pm
I remember seeing that gold Olds F-88 Corvette clone sell, MANY years ago, on Barrett-Jackson. It hammered down for five million!!
Topic starter
14/01/2026 2:40 pm
@bob-jackman Back in the day, my mom bought me this Tootsie Toy Safari. It's perhaps 1/28 scale. It has a full interior that I can't get to to clean and detail. The tail gate still works. I'm sorry to say over those teenage days I beat the hell out of it. I pounded out the dents as best I could, matched the original color combo and did a bit of foil work for fun.
14/01/2026 2:49 pm
I am a huge fan of the '55 thru '57 Nomads and Safaris, with the '55 being my clear favorite year for both. I'm hoping that Sergio is able to provide us with his 1/43 1956 Pontiac safari this year as planned and I would buy any one he produced of the Chevy and Pontiac year range I mentioned. The '56 Ford Park Lane was also mentioned by Rich. I LOVE that car and hope/pray that it can be done as well.
14/01/2026 5:19 pm
Oh, I'd take a Safari over a Nomad anytime. I remember seeing where someone had made a '57 Safari out of an FM Bonneville, if I remember correctly, by kitbashing it with an FM '56 Nomad. It turned out beautifully.
Jack Dodds and Geoff Jowett reacted
14/01/2026 5:30 pm
@rich-sufficool Now that's just cool Rich. Sergio has been telling us for a couple of years no that he is making a 56 in 1/43 scale Goldvarg.
15/01/2026 7:42 am
I was watching that too...what were they thinking?I remember seeing that gold Olds F-88 Corvette clone sell, MANY years ago, on Barrett-Jackson. It hammered down for five million!!
John Bono
North Jersey
15/01/2026 7:55 am
Bob J.; I am waiting patiently for this Goldvarg too....gotta have both colors!
This post was modified 4 months ago 2 times by Jack Dodds
15/01/2026 8:50 am
John, I do not remember FM doing a Nomad, that is one beautiful model.
15/01/2026 10:54 am
@jack-dodds Jack, I'm in for the Park Lane. A late friend had one in exactly those blue colors.
15/01/2026 11:02 am
@sizedoesmatter I saw that too. The guy buying was supposedly buying it for a collection. I remember him jumping up and down with excitement. As with many buyers at auction, I wonder what they were thinking after the alcohol wore off.
Tony Perrone and Geno reacted
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