1953 Chevrolet Nomad
With the Corvette launch in the 1953, Chevrolet released America’s first roadster and it was quickly followed up the next year with the world’s first sport wagon, the Nomad. This one-of concept was first seen at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and later as part of GM’s massive Motorama initiative which exclusively displayed concept and halo cars.
Carl Renner was responsible for the Nomad which was essentially a Corvette built with an extended station wagon roof. This meant the Corvette shared its lightweight fiberglass body, ‘Blue Flame’ inline-6 engine and curvaceous styling with the Nomad.
While the Corvette-based Nomad never made it beyond the single Motorama prototype, it inspired Chevrolet to follow up with a Nomad based on their new Bel Air platform. In 1958 a four door version was offered as well.
Story by Supercars.net
In Detail
submitted by | Richard Owen |
engine | Stovebolt Inline-6 |
position | Front Longitudinal |
aspiration | Natural |
valvetrain | Pushrod OHV |
fuel feed | 3×1 BBL |
displacement | 3851 cc / 235.0 in³ |
bore | 90.42 mm / 3.56 in |
stroke | 99.82 mm / 3.93 in |
compression | 8.0:1 |
power | 111.9 kw / 150 bhp @ 4200 rpm |
torque | 302.35 nm / 223 ft lbs @ 2400 rpm |
body / frame | Fibreglass Body |
front tires | 6.70×15 |
rear tires | 6.70×15 |
f brake size | mm / in |
r brake size | mm / in |
r suspension | Live Axle w/Leaf Springs |
transmission | 2-Speed Powerglide Automatic |
gear ratios | :1 |