At the General Motors Motorama in New York City, in 1954, a Chevrolet Corvette Nomad concept station wagon was shown to the public. The design was done by none other than Harley Earl and his talented staff. At first glance, the car immediately looked like the Corvette that was introduced in 1953, and it even used many Corvette components. The fiberglass concept car was built on a modified Chevrolet chassis from a 1953 model; and from the windshield forward, it was a stock Corvette.

The original powertrain was believed to be a 235-cid, 150-hp inline six-cylinder engine mated to a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The roomy interior was able to seat six-passengers, the tailgate had an electric window, and the seats were tailored with blue and white leather. It is reported that pieces of the Corvette Station Wagon were put into production in 1955, and then the car became the Nomad station wagon model. Unfortunately, all reports state that this unique concept was most likely destroyed shortly after the Nomad station wagon was put into production.

This recreation of the famous Corvette Nomad was a meticulous process that started with many years of research before the actual project began. A 1955 Pontiac Safari was selected to be the donor car for the project. And a Camaro front sub-frame was utilized for disc brakes; and also to support the 350 cubic inch engine, and the Turbo-Hydramatic 350 transmission. The Safari frame was boxed for addition strength. The donor body was sectioned and the body height was lowered so that it would accurately replicate the original car. The tailgate with the electric window was added and utilized the working mechanism from a later model Chevrolet Suburban.

The beautiful exterior is finished a silver-blue color with white on the roof, which replicates how the original car was painted. The brightwork throughout the car shows to be straight and polished attractively; and the whitewall tires with full wheel covers complete the look of the car. Under the hood is a nicely detailed engine bay that features: electric cooling fans, Chevrolet valve covers, air conditioning and power brakes. The interior is finished in white and blue two tone upholstery, matched with blue carpet and a white headliner. Equipped in the interior is an AM radio, floor-shifted transmission and an assortment of gauges that includes a tachometer.

The 1954 Motorama in New York City, was an event that premiered many concept cars that were way ahead of their time. Unfortunately, not all of these pieces of history were saved from the crusher. But, there are people that do their research with due diligence, and recreate spectacular concepts, such as the Corvette Nomad offered here.