It Was A Nomadic Success,,, [PIC]

Rich Sufficool · 2026-01-14T15:24:23Z

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.

Page 2 / 2 Prev

Forum 24

Last Post by John Napoli 4 months ago

16 Posts

9 Users

63 Reactions

680 Views

RSS

John Napoli

(@carsman1958)

Illustrious Member

Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 3964

15/01/2026 1:38 pm

@david-vandermeer David, yes I have the 56 from FM, but I believe the photos John showed are actually a DM 55 model.

ReplyQuote

Page 2 / 2 Prev

8 Forums
28.4 K Topics
222.9 K Posts
386 Online
2,006 Members

Forum Icons: Forum contains no unread posts Forum contains unread posts

Topic Icons: Not Replied Replied Active Hot Sticky Unapproved Solved Private Closed

Cart

It Was A Nomadic Success,,, [PIC]

Super Globals

Options and Features