Concept Cars

[JonM]

Were these concept cars (Corvette Nomad)acually built and if so are they still around some place?



http://www26.brinkster.com/beacon20/protoindex.htm

 

[Tom Bryant]

The Nomad, the hardtop concept (the one with the '56 style hardtop and roll up windows) and the fastback which was called the Corvair, were one offs and toured the show circuit. The Nomad and the Corvair dissappeared after GM was done with them and are thought to have been delivered to a contract salvager that GM used and destroyed. It was their contract to do so. The hardtop, of which it is thought there were 2 made, fared better. It is thought that the one that toured Canada was a second car and they are shown in old photos in white and pale yellow. One is in Washington state and I have had the pleasure of seeing photos and corrosponding with the gentleman that is restoring it. Not sure what happened to the other if it existed.

The black Nomad in your photo alblum is a recent recreation. I think that there are at least 2 recreations that have been built in street rod style with modern suspensions and drivelines. I also think that the Nomad concept was larger in all dementions than the Corvette.

Tom

 

[RugHead]

Regarding the newer-built Nomads, I've seen pics of the black one before, but do you or anybody have any pics/info on the second one you mention? I've not seen another.

There is one more in the works, by the way. Look for it next year just in time for the Nomad's 50th...

 

[Tom Bryant]

I saw it in one of the car magazines about a year ago. I think it was silver. That's about all I can tell you for sure. It wasn't a feature. Just a picture of the car in an event coverage story. It will be kind of hard to find without looking through my past year plus of magazines page by page. If I find it again I'll scan it.

Tom

 

[Mac]

The Nomad, Corvair and the Hard top were produced from the 1954 GM Motorama. A great deal of interest was generated by these cars at the time and ever since. I've often wondered what would have happened if these designs were brought into production? Although most guys seem to get excited about the Nomad, I've always like the Corvair better.

Here's a website dedicated to the Corvair with a couple more pics.

http://www.corvaircorsa.com/54Corvair.html

 

[brce@corvette-specialties]

the hardtop car exists and is in vancouver canada being restored as we speek . it has been in vancouver since approx 1958 go to 1954motoramacorvette.com - Home thanks motorama bruce

 

[Tom Bryant]

There are several repop Nomads out there now and the body package is available to build your own. I photographed one at Auburn in Sept. I'll post the picture when I get home.

 

[53 Blue Flame]

I am currently building a Fastback Corvair. I'll post pics of the build later this month.

 

[SebringBill]

I am currently building a Fastback Corvair. I'll post pics of the build later this month.

All I wanna add is one word: "replica".

 

[53 Blue Flame]

All I wanna add is one word: "replica".

Yep, replica. Since it's a 54 Motorama car, I think I'll ask the IN DMV for a state issued vin tag of 1954029.

 

[porch dog]

superior fiberglass is building 25 copies of the nomad . have not seen one but it is interesting. this will take you to the site.

Home

 

[53 Blue Flame]

The Nomads look pretty good.

"Back To The Future Products" is going to produce Corvair Fastback replicas in street rod form. My first two replicas will be as exact to original as possible. Then a third one will be a street rod.

 

[Tom Bryant]

Well I thought I took a picture of thet Nomad. It was in the Meshon's display at Auburn. It was the same blue as the first concept illustration on that web site. I'll blame Dewayne for distracting me.:L Actually I think I was distracted by an Ardun powered hot rod.

Tom

 

[SebringBill]

Here's an interesting version I spotted at SACC in Salinas, 2002:

I like the color, 56/7 style and even the Daytons!

 

[53 Blue Flame]

They did a good job. Never seen another 56-57 version other than that one. I like the 53-55 versions better though.

 

[JohnZ]

Here's the same car at the SACC Convention/50th Corvette birthday celebration in Flint in 2003.

 

[SebringBill]

Damn, John! That was at the dealership during the parade! Ya mean I missed it? I guess I was too preoccupied with 1) all the 53's puking coolant (you can see some in both of your pictures - that was one hot afternoon!); and 2) speaking with Billy Durant's (great?)grandson!

 

[motorman]

Here's the same car at the SACC Convention/50th Corvette birthday celebration in Flint in 2003.

did that car have Pa plates as there was one like it here in western Pa. with a FI corvette engine

 

[67vet]

Where is that car now? Is it for sale?

 

[JohnZ]

Damn, John! That was at the dealership during the parade! Ya mean I missed it? I guess I was too preoccupied with 1) all the 53's puking coolant (you can see some in both of your pictures - that was one hot afternoon!); and 2) speaking with Billy Durant's (great?)grandson!

Here you are chauffering one of our special guests :