1954 Chevrolet Corvette Nomad Concept

The 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Nomad was a concept car built by General Motors Corporation and introduced at the 1954 General Motors Motorama in New York City. Way ahead of its time, the Nomad was created to be a sporty wagon, and made its debut along with the 1954 Corvette Hardtop and 1954 Corvette Corvair. Just like the Corvette Hardtop and Corvair, the Corvette Nomad concept vehicle looked like the 1953 Corvette that in itself was a experimental show car at the prior 1953 Motorama. The Chevrolet Design Studio created a forward thinking and forward looking design for the 1954 Nomad, including round headlamps mounted on curving front fenders, a trademark Corvette grille and a forward sloping B-pillar.

The Silver-Blue and White Nomad was fitted with a 235 cid, 150 hp Corvette 6-cylinder engine with a 2-speed Powerglide transmission. Surprisingly, this 2-door fiberglass show car station wagon had room for 6 passengers. Its tailgate sported electrically powered glass, and its interior was finished in blue and white leather with a fold-down rear seat and a ribbed headliner. Parts of the 1954 concept “Corvette Station Wagon” were actually put into production in 1955, and the car eventually became the ever popular and sought after Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Wagon.

Many have claimed that the 1953 and 1954 Motorama was the birth place of the American Sports car. The 1954 Chevrolet Nomad Sport Station Wagon made a great impact on the attending public at the 1954 Motorama. In fact, it was so impressive that GM Design head honcho Harley Earl ordered the Chevrolet Design Studio to apply the name and looks to a 1955 Chevrolet Station Wagon. As we now know, the name "Nomad" has become a classic over the last 50 years as thousands have been restored by old car buffs that grew up in the 1950's and 1960's. As for the Corvette concept, General Motors produced just 5 of the 1954 Chevrolet Nomads for the auto show circuit, but only 3 are known to exist.

There are aftermarket companies that can reproduce the Corvette Nomad today, some examples have been produced not only of the early 50's Corvettes, but late first generation 'Vettes as well. I've seen a few photos of such reproduction Nomad Corvettes that have been taken to the next level, and tricked out with aftermarket rims , and have been given the slammed stance as well. They look absolutely awesome. And when fitted with one of todays Corvette V8's....even hotter. Love it!