Most likely, psychologists have long since explained — why some people (and maybe — a lot) if you do not fall in love with cars, then, at least, are keenly interested in them. Alternatively, you can give the answer — because the majority of machines and have their personality and character. Understand — if you are a fan of auto-can with a simple associative test. If the reading of neutral adjectives like «loud», «refined», «athletic» or even «fun» in your brain there are car images — you are finished auto-fan. If not — it is not scary …
It is not necessary to be such as to evaluate the style and beauty of a sports car, whether it’s some super-car, «Grand Turismo», or the car, «sharpened» by Formula D. And even more so, no one will touch a little unusual shapes hot —genus or straight delivery, often bordering on extravagance. Of course, every single such machines have their own «personaliti». This is not surprising — after all, most of them at least are the fruit of self-expression of their creators. In addition, many of these machines are based on the original car, in turn, has charisma and noteworthy history … All this authority and to the character of the material.
Start a new life
John EMAA definitely a fan of cars, especially «street birth», built on the basis of the stylish American cars mid 50s. John is known feature — in his passion, he is unstable, selling just bought a car, and there and then getting it back! In this regard, EMAA even became the hero of a such comic stories. For example, he had a long «chase» for classic 56’Chevy, eventually acquired such, ride and sold …
At this time, the main justification for EMAA was that loomed on the horizon it is still a big dream, with the same brand or even of the same model year — 1956 Chevrolet Nomad. And the history of this car is really reminiscent of nomadic. And it goes only about the second life of the machine — that there was during the previous 50-odd years to even hard to imagine …
In our time it all started with the fact that no less famous in «roddovyh» circles Nick Karras got in pretty good «California» state of the Nomad, which requires not so much restoration work. However, Nick wanted more. He pushed his «new thing» in the garage Pro Design his old friend Mike Filion, where earlier for Karras had already collected 400-strong 62 ‘Impala. It is here that Nomad was without exaggeration a second life.
To start the car was completely disassembled, and then got a brand new modern frame GT Sport from the firm Art Morrison, specializes in the manufacture of supporting frames for classic American cars.
These are designed «from scratch» using the computer frame GT Sport Tri5, designed for different models of Chevy 1955-57-th years of release. With high resistance to torsion, as well as many modern innovations, it allows you to get the last imposingly «Americans’ handling of a sports car, hence the name with the abbreviation GT.
It is noteworthy that the frame Art Morrison are a real „magic wand“ — a ready answer for enthusiasts neobladayuschih experience without actually requiring welding work for the installation of the original bodywork on the new chassis. The same applies to the „ready to use“ suspension.
In this case we are talking about a kind of powerful original front sub-frame, where we use the A-arm and adjustable „Coil-over“ from Strange Engineering, which assists adjustable anti-roll bar. Instead of the archaic steering mid-20th century, it has a modern unit with power from the DSE with a ratio of 20 to 1, but there are other options with a „sport“ settings …
Rear beam axle with archaic instead of the usual springs on this chassis used a kind of multi-spring suspension, which features similar damping elements from Strange Engineering. Moreover, Art Morrison „rescued“ enthusiasts to the end, — offering them everything they need in the construction of a new car in fact: the brake is mounted under any engines, transmissions and so on …
In this case, the Nomad used a modern braking system from ABS Power Brakes with electric rather than traditional mechanical master cylinder. In all the „corners“ installed 13-inch „pancake“ which bows Wilwood Dynalite calipers.
At this time, the main justification for EMAA was that loomed on the horizon it is still a big dream, with the same brand or even of the same model year — 1956 Chevrolet Nomad. And the history of this car is really reminiscent of nomadic. And it goes only about the second life of the machine — that there was during the previous 50-odd years to even hard to imagine …
In our time it all started with the fact that no less famous in «roddovyh» circles Nick Karras got in pretty good «California» state of the Nomad, which requires not so much restoration work. However, Nick wanted more. He pushed his «new thing» in the garage Pro Design his old friend Mike Filion, where earlier for Karras had already collected 400-strong 62 ‘Impala. It is here that Nomad was without exaggeration a second life.
To start the car was completely disassembled, and then got a brand new modern frame GT Sport from the firm Art Morrison, specializes in the manufacture of supporting frames for classic American cars.
These are designed «from scratch» using the computer frame GT Sport Tri5, designed for different models of Chevy 1955-57-th years of release. With high resistance to torsion, as well as many modern innovations, it allows you to get the last imposingly «Americans’ handling of a sports car, hence the name with the abbreviation GT.
It is noteworthy that the frame Art Morrison are a real „magic wand“ — a ready answer for enthusiasts neobladayuschih experience without actually requiring welding work for the installation of the original bodywork on the new chassis. The same applies to the „ready to use“ suspension.
In this case we are talking about a kind of powerful original front sub-frame, where we use the A-arm and adjustable „Coil-over“ from Strange Engineering, which assists adjustable anti-roll bar. Instead of the archaic steering mid-20th century, it has a modern unit with power from the DSE with a ratio of 20 to 1, but there are other options with a „sport“ settings …
Rear beam axle with archaic instead of the usual springs on this chassis used a kind of multi-spring suspension, which features similar damping elements from Strange Engineering. Moreover, Art Morrison „rescued“ enthusiasts to the end, — offering them everything they need in the construction of a new car in fact: the brake is mounted under any engines, transmissions and so on …
In this case, the Nomad used a modern braking system from ABS Power Brakes with electric rather than traditional mechanical master cylinder. In all the „corners“ installed 13-inch „pancake“ which bows Wilwood Dynalite calipers.
The new «heart»
On the new chassis mounted aluminum tank with built-in pump, manufactured in the very studio Pro Design. Interestingly, its volume — it is 32 gallons, that is more than 130 liters. This fuel supply, as well as powerful brakes, due to the use of this Nomad-e modern powerful engine. We are talking about the famous all over the world, especially among the «Rodder» and «Engin-svopperov» 5.7-liter GM LS6. In this case, he was completely inside the drain.
Recall that we are talking about the ubiquitous V8 from GM developed in the 90s. At the same time, although its roots go back in time for the very first massive «block resins» V8 Chevy 50’s authorship Ed Cole, it is a completely new unit.
Recall that we are talking about the ubiquitous V8 from GM developed in the 90s. At the same time, although its roots go back in time for the very first massive «block resins» V8 Chevy 50’s authorship Ed Cole, it is a completely new unit.
With its high power characteristics, low weight thanks to the aluminum cylinder block and relative compactness it is the first one for V8 engines …
The first version of the LS1 was originally developed under the latest at the time of generation of Corvette, 1997. She gave out 345 hp and a torque of 470 Nm, which soon brought to almost 500 … Later, this same engine placed on the Camaro and Trans Am.
What about the LS6, it is not nothing but a version of serial forced LS1. It was put into production in 2001 and was originally developed 385 hp and more than impressive torque of 522 Nm. Just one year, these figures increased to an even more impressive 405 and 540, respectively. Initially, this engine was used exclusively on the «charged» versions of the C5 Corvette Z06, and only one year later installed on the Cadillac CTS V-Series. LS6 has been replaced by the more advanced version of the LS7 in the mid-2000s.
Unlike the LS1, LS6 version in aluminum block is seriously strengthened by means of composite molding, and used a lot of the most diverse modifications increase the capacity of both the lightweight crankshaft, increased to 10.5 to 1 compression, lightweight sodiumnye valve, the new engine lubrication system, designed long lateral acceleration of the vehicle …
No wonder that when creating this Nomad work was carried out on the engine — in fact before us is not dregovy car. The only thing that was used — a new timing belt drive from March Performance, which is due to change its place of pomp and power steering position. Also on the innovation of steam engine was installed in a new aluminum intake manifold, a new electronic control unit and associated wiring him from Street & Performance. In most Pro Desigh and «tinkered» with a new mount for the air filter.
Together with the engine running the familiar 6-speed manual transmission Tremek T56, overeat torque to the differential with increased internal resistance Eaton 3,73: 1. Moreover, if the mechanics in the Pro Design decided not wise and not reinvent the wheel, turning to ready-made solutions, this is not the work of the body and interior. Here the guys have worked on glory.
The new «outfit»
For a start after a complete dismantling all the panels, where necessary, restoration received. The Pro Design produced the new «Fire-Wall» and the inner surface of the front wings — in fact they would take under the hood of the new engine. Outside, it seems that the original line is fully retained — and so it is not so at the same time.
All contours Nomad did actually left untouched, but «tinsmith» Brandon Smith did just did a herculean job, just not noticeable untrained eye. And it was he who drove all the body parts so that reduced all the gaps at the joints of panels to less than 5 mm.
In addition to familiar «rodding» the Nomad undergone a complete «Shaving.» In other words then shaved (shaved) door handles, including «Tail Gate», as well as the majority of nameplates. But that’s not all.
The Pro Design went ahead and removed the «janitors» with their mounting locations. This required serious improvement in the windscreen area than separately engaged in «subcontractor» Charles Sihilling of Sihilling Metal Polish. At the same time, Smith produced a new lifting mechanism for the hood, for which the latter has also been slightly modified. In the area of the former location of the «wipers» he removed the ventilation slots, the hood and actually extended to the base of the windshield. And again, in the final «product» it all becomes noticeable only after explicit mention …
Similarly Brandon Smith paid attention to «sirloin» part. In the original «Tail-Gate» Nomad mounted on massive hinges, which are given out. Of course, after all, «Shaving» this was simply unacceptable. In their place have come the modern «hidden» folding mechanisms of S-10 pickup, which required considerable «tin» completions, and savvy too …
Similarly, instead of the archaic mechanical stoppers is maintained in the open position, the rear window, they came to the place of modern gas-filled «rack.»
Finally, the bumper, which in the original are made in one piece, were somewhat shortened and, most importantly, «drowned» in the body. To do this, we had to completely rework their mounting brackets, or rather their virtually eliminated, and now the bumper directly welded to the body. All this naturally complement monolithic picture created by the very reduced body gaps, together with the «Shaving» …
«Chromed» bumpers and «grill» was engaged in the company South Bay Chrome, which also happened to be sprayed, and many other smaller elements, including to and from the interior of which later. After assembly, Exterior Brandon Smith vygotovil it completely before painting, transferring in caring hands, or rather pulvilizatory Doug Starbuck from Starside Design. There Nomad received a stylish two-tone black and silver color Glasurit.
And at this moment, when the Nomad began to take its final shape, Nick Karras suddenly loses interest in it and sells it «as is». The next new owner of the «nomad» was an old friend of Karras — Bob Edgar. However, his goal was no more than a «profit» — to finish the unfinished «project» and to sell the car at one of the plurality of conductive in the «states» of auctions specialize in this technique. Work has begun to boil again, the benefit was not so much.
All contours Nomad did actually left untouched, but «tinsmith» Brandon Smith did just did a herculean job, just not noticeable untrained eye. And it was he who drove all the body parts so that reduced all the gaps at the joints of panels to less than 5 mm.
In addition to familiar «rodding» the Nomad undergone a complete «Shaving.» In other words then shaved (shaved) door handles, including «Tail Gate», as well as the majority of nameplates. But that’s not all.
The Pro Design went ahead and removed the «janitors» with their mounting locations. This required serious improvement in the windscreen area than separately engaged in «subcontractor» Charles Sihilling of Sihilling Metal Polish. At the same time, Smith produced a new lifting mechanism for the hood, for which the latter has also been slightly modified. In the area of the former location of the «wipers» he removed the ventilation slots, the hood and actually extended to the base of the windshield. And again, in the final «product» it all becomes noticeable only after explicit mention …
Similarly Brandon Smith paid attention to «sirloin» part. In the original «Tail-Gate» Nomad mounted on massive hinges, which are given out. Of course, after all, «Shaving» this was simply unacceptable. In their place have come the modern «hidden» folding mechanisms of S-10 pickup, which required considerable «tin» completions, and savvy too …
Similarly, instead of the archaic mechanical stoppers is maintained in the open position, the rear window, they came to the place of modern gas-filled «rack.»
Finally, the bumper, which in the original are made in one piece, were somewhat shortened and, most importantly, «drowned» in the body. To do this, we had to completely rework their mounting brackets, or rather their virtually eliminated, and now the bumper directly welded to the body. All this naturally complement monolithic picture created by the very reduced body gaps, together with the «Shaving» …
«Chromed» bumpers and «grill» was engaged in the company South Bay Chrome, which also happened to be sprayed, and many other smaller elements, including to and from the interior of which later. After assembly, Exterior Brandon Smith vygotovil it completely before painting, transferring in caring hands, or rather pulvilizatory Doug Starbuck from Starside Design. There Nomad received a stylish two-tone black and silver color Glasurit.
And at this moment, when the Nomad began to take its final shape, Nick Karras suddenly loses interest in it and sells it «as is». The next new owner of the «nomad» was an old friend of Karras — Bob Edgar. However, his goal was no more than a «profit» — to finish the unfinished «project» and to sell the car at one of the plurality of conductive in the «states» of auctions specialize in this technique. Work has begun to boil again, the benefit was not so much.
New salon
On returning the vehicle after painting engaged David Preciado, who has made all the electrics, using EZ Wiring, whereas from Pro Design guys working on the rest. The car has received a modern dual climate control, which is a must considering «energy absorbing» black roof. Under the dashboard mounted «Dactyl» Air Gen II Super Cooler, and behind them works almost twin, and only one, and without heating — Gen II Mini. All connections to the «eyrkonu» made «from scratch» from the «stainless steel».
Brandon Smith had to tinker with the new mount for climate control in the rear, which in the end was hidden made «from scratch» panels.
The luggage compartment cover has received a stylish ebony, on which is mounted a series of aluminum extrusions.
The front is in the cabin, we are seeing now crossing the modern luxury comfort, including leather and servos, with the typical «roddinogovymi» motives. As usual for those times front «bench» has given way to a modern comfortable chairs (otherwise they can not be called), not from something, but from the Lincoln Navigator! The original rear «sofa» left, but processed.
Stylish fully chromed inside the steering wheel from Budnick Famoso «lies» performed at least in the old style, but adjustable steering column from Flaming River.
«Arctic White» gaze falls on the driver’s stylish in its simplicity analog devices from Auto Meter made in color. This special pride Pro Design is a proper instrument panel, as well as the entire dashboard, made in one tone metal.
The basis taken a polished stainless steel sheet, which produces another company specializing in the dashboard — Haneline. It is because he made an unusual dash, located almost vertically, the symmetry of which added to the right pseudo-instrument panel in front of the passenger seat, which is crowned with a simple clock …
The tone of the same stainless steel strip is made around the gearbox shift lever. All the same, «tinsmith» Brandon Smith has made «from scratch» aluminum center console, which did not exist at the Classic Chevy 50’s … It implanted a modern Alpine audio system with touch-screen. «Audio-head» also acts as a navigator, but still can receive satellite radio Sirius.
Immediately on the console «lurk» Controls Electrical steklopodmnikami from Nu Relics. By the way, the rear «vents» are also equipped with actuators …
The final «touches» in the interior were made in this workshop specializing in Bill’s Hot Rod Interiors. To some «ohuliganit» imposing chair of the modern SUV-and with them removed head restraints — of passive safety in the «rodding» in principle I think … yes, probably, never … has also been slightly modified design sidushek as a whole, and then all that was possible, including the center console was covered with black leather.
On the seats and door cards used in fabric inserts are not as much of Porsche. The tone of all this realm of shades of black floor and all the lower space and Nomad-lined wicker cross «German» carpeted …
The luggage compartment cover has received a stylish ebony, on which is mounted a series of aluminum extrusions.
The front is in the cabin, we are seeing now crossing the modern luxury comfort, including leather and servos, with the typical «roddinogovymi» motives. As usual for those times front «bench» has given way to a modern comfortable chairs (otherwise they can not be called), not from something, but from the Lincoln Navigator! The original rear «sofa» left, but processed.
Stylish fully chromed inside the steering wheel from Budnick Famoso «lies» performed at least in the old style, but adjustable steering column from Flaming River.
«Arctic White» gaze falls on the driver’s stylish in its simplicity analog devices from Auto Meter made in color. This special pride Pro Design is a proper instrument panel, as well as the entire dashboard, made in one tone metal.
The basis taken a polished stainless steel sheet, which produces another company specializing in the dashboard — Haneline. It is because he made an unusual dash, located almost vertically, the symmetry of which added to the right pseudo-instrument panel in front of the passenger seat, which is crowned with a simple clock …
The tone of the same stainless steel strip is made around the gearbox shift lever. All the same, «tinsmith» Brandon Smith has made «from scratch» aluminum center console, which did not exist at the Classic Chevy 50’s … It implanted a modern Alpine audio system with touch-screen. «Audio-head» also acts as a navigator, but still can receive satellite radio Sirius.
Immediately on the console «lurk» Controls Electrical steklopodmnikami from Nu Relics. By the way, the rear «vents» are also equipped with actuators …
The final «touches» in the interior were made in this workshop specializing in Bill’s Hot Rod Interiors. To some «ohuliganit» imposing chair of the modern SUV-and with them removed head restraints — of passive safety in the «rodding» in principle I think … yes, probably, never … has also been slightly modified design sidushek as a whole, and then all that was possible, including the center console was covered with black leather.
On the seats and door cards used in fabric inserts are not as much of Porsche. The tone of all this realm of shades of black floor and all the lower space and Nomad-lined wicker cross «German» carpeted …
And once the new owner!
On top of the project Pro Design visited artist Steve Vandemon to decorate personifikatsionnoy inscription «Nomad» the various elements of the machine. The largest (and visible) from their steel brake calipers and engine cover, which, incidentally, also previously undergone «Shaving» …
«Ensemble» exterior finished «chrome», «star» rims from Schott Modsport 18h8 front and 20x10 rear powerful, which are shod with low-profile Pirelli corresponding dimension …
When the work was finally completed, as he had intended, Bob Edgar sent Nomad literally across the road on the wire in the vicinity auction Russo and Steel, for 15 years specializing in this technique and exotic sports carts. However, his surprise turned into a great «street-rod» Nomad could not exceed the reserve price, and did not immediately find a new owner! And then there is John EMAA.
It was he who bought this redesigned classic wagon, then do not put it in the garage, but rather actively exploited, since in his own words, «… fell in love with this machine!». But, once again affected the impermanence said John. Knurled, Nomad, he sold at auction in Scottsdale at the beginning of last year, where the street-rod appreciated, and this time he went to the top of sales. Well, what to EMAA, it caught fire and got me 57’Pontiac, but it is, as they say, is a different story … Who knows how many more will have to roam the «tramp» ….
«Ensemble» exterior finished «chrome», «star» rims from Schott Modsport 18h8 front and 20x10 rear powerful, which are shod with low-profile Pirelli corresponding dimension …
When the work was finally completed, as he had intended, Bob Edgar sent Nomad literally across the road on the wire in the vicinity auction Russo and Steel, for 15 years specializing in this technique and exotic sports carts. However, his surprise turned into a great «street-rod» Nomad could not exceed the reserve price, and did not immediately find a new owner! And then there is John EMAA.
It was he who bought this redesigned classic wagon, then do not put it in the garage, but rather actively exploited, since in his own words, «… fell in love with this machine!». But, once again affected the impermanence said John. Knurled, Nomad, he sold at auction in Scottsdale at the beginning of last year, where the street-rod appreciated, and this time he went to the top of sales. Well, what to EMAA, it caught fire and got me 57’Pontiac, but it is, as they say, is a different story … Who knows how many more will have to roam the «tramp» ….
Ahead of his time!
Talking about the Chevrolet Nomad, one can not tell us about though not long, but very interesting history of this quite unusual, but still eventually became iconostasis machine.
In reality if we talk specifically about Nomad-e, he produced only three generations, and with gaps in time. Moreover, the first of them to stand on the assembly line for only three years from 1955 to 1957-th year, while literally transformed by the appearance every year.
However, it is, and regardless of the year of release, it has become a landmark and is largely a result Nomad has become a measure of style and one of the most recognizable forms among all the world’s cars.
Actually, if you look at his successors, it is not surprising. Already the second generation of Nomad turned into lurid full-size station wagon.
And third, is produced in 1968-72-m respectively, and did anything but attractive, rather the opposite — the benchmark ordinary wagon. When you look at it, it is not surprising that it was the last Nomad-th.
Both were later generation full-size 4-door generalist, whereas it was the first with its Nomad two-door formula became both an unusual and stylish. It is produced exclusively in this version, and its secret lay in the fact that from the outset the wagon on the idea of GM marketers in reality was stylistically resemble a «hard-top.»
Moreover, despite the fact that the realities of the Nomad based on wagon Pontiac Safari platform, most of the lines Nomad inherited from sedans and coupes Chevy those same years, including luxury Bel Air, traits which altogether rooted to the very first Corvette with the style of the legendary Earl Hardy. Propelled by the market literally as «hot stuff» («The Hot One»), Nomad inherited from Bel Air is not only the style of the exterior, including a similar grille and side line, but all gentlemen’s set «chrome» and «beef» in interior.
It is remarkable that GM advertisers initially even used the popularity of the first, speaking of this model not only as a Chevy «Bel Air Nomad».
However, we can not say that the competitors are ahead of the Nomad, namely the Ford, issuing a two-door station wagon Country Squire back in 1950.
However, it was a classic «Woody», has no close and nothing to do with «our» wagon-coupé, and the second generation Ford released in the mid-50s was already a classic 4-door.
Pontiac Safari was originally offered as a 4-door and two-door version, and in a few generations. In form it was quite similar to Nomad-th, but this car as in his life, and afterwards, did not leave any significant trace …
We can not say that at first looked like a Nomad, though remaining the Chevy front, rear still had its original form, but literally every year it is getting closer to Bel Air.
To start in 1956, Nomad, like the rest of the Chevy, this family received a «facelift.» All of them, including Bel Air, got rid of the grille in the Ferrari-style, which is not relished the Americans. It was replaced with a «full-size», occupies almost the entire width of the front end. However, with the rehouse Nomad received and the side line a hair’s breadth as the luxury Bel Air.
By the way it was then as an option, and there were seat belts …
Under the hood, Nomad was originally established quite powerful at the time of 4.3-liter V8 engine with overhead valves and higher compression. (This engine is in reality in various guises stood on the conveyor GM for many years). The «base» one triple carburetor he developed 162 hp, while the «power» version «Power Pack» 4-chamber carburetor is already 180 hp Later there was a version of «Super Power Pack» with a greater degree of compression and optional 15 «horses».
In 1957, the year there was a 4.6-liter V8, in injection version of «Super Turbo Fire» pretending to be serious, and by today’s standards almost 300 hp With this engine Nomad on the right to be called Sport Wagon, though, these engines as a result of customers ordered rare, and the version received the nickname «fullie» today real rarity …
It was the 57th regular «face lifting» even more closer to the Nomad Bel Air, and not only in front, but even the side and rear.
If you close your eyes to the back of the rack, and then they did it would be very difficult to distinguish …
Oddly enough it sounds, but in reality «when life» Nomad has not found particular popularity with the public, in general, it is understandable. Anyone who would like a luxury — bought Bel Air. But who needed a family car, made a choice not to let and can accommodate 6 persons, but, nevertheless, korotkobaznym Nomad (chassis less than three meters), and with two doors, and buy full-size 4-door station wagons from GM — Parkwood or come soon «to the rescue» Kingswood, can accommodate as many as 9 people and luggage …
Approaching him Nomad in the second and third generation, simply lost its original meaning to be a sports wagon, thereby Power Wagon. And keep in line just three quite similar wagon, in general, was not quite reasonable solution … Soon GM altogether removed from its lineup of original wagons, including the same Kingswood, which models, like the Nomad, produced intermittently and only a couple of years.
Then, as usual for today, Chevrolet station wagons finally become no more than a station wagon versions of three sedans Group: Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala …
As for the Nomad first, it really was ahead of his time, even when a trace was not known, the term «Hot Hatch».
This decades folding rear row of seats for increased capacity and separate «Tail-gate» to separate climbs up the rear window will be standard. But it was all in the first Nomad-e.
Moreover, it is believed that he was the impetus for the emergence in 1970 in vivo recognized classics of the world auto industry — the two-door Range Rover Classic.
Alas, how much genius, in his first reincarnation of the Nomad, both actual and Safari twin, did not become popular at the time of its release, while the 4-door Nomad-a heirs all have left no trace in the history of the automobile. However, decades later, he still received the recognition it deserves, thus becoming the iconostasis car with halo effect, causing a cheering anyone who is even slightly indifferent to cars.
Perhaps among the «Rodder» Nomad enjoyed it much more popular than its peers Chevy. Even the hero of this material there is virtually his doppelganger …
But Bel Air for decades rather is the subject of increased attention of restorers, while the 210th Chevy favorite contributor for lovers «Gasserov», which we have already been told. (SEWN link to Gasser)
Most interesting is that an attempt to revive Nomad in the 21st century, too, has remained nothing more than a concept car.
And this is understandable — the second two-door Nomad the world was no longer needed, since there first, eventually took a deserved place both in the history of the automotive industry, and in the hearts of car fans, especially in his native America for him …
In reality if we talk specifically about Nomad-e, he produced only three generations, and with gaps in time. Moreover, the first of them to stand on the assembly line for only three years from 1955 to 1957-th year, while literally transformed by the appearance every year.
However, it is, and regardless of the year of release, it has become a landmark and is largely a result Nomad has become a measure of style and one of the most recognizable forms among all the world’s cars.
Actually, if you look at his successors, it is not surprising. Already the second generation of Nomad turned into lurid full-size station wagon.
And third, is produced in 1968-72-m respectively, and did anything but attractive, rather the opposite — the benchmark ordinary wagon. When you look at it, it is not surprising that it was the last Nomad-th.
Both were later generation full-size 4-door generalist, whereas it was the first with its Nomad two-door formula became both an unusual and stylish. It is produced exclusively in this version, and its secret lay in the fact that from the outset the wagon on the idea of GM marketers in reality was stylistically resemble a «hard-top.»
Moreover, despite the fact that the realities of the Nomad based on wagon Pontiac Safari platform, most of the lines Nomad inherited from sedans and coupes Chevy those same years, including luxury Bel Air, traits which altogether rooted to the very first Corvette with the style of the legendary Earl Hardy. Propelled by the market literally as «hot stuff» («The Hot One»), Nomad inherited from Bel Air is not only the style of the exterior, including a similar grille and side line, but all gentlemen’s set «chrome» and «beef» in interior.
It is remarkable that GM advertisers initially even used the popularity of the first, speaking of this model not only as a Chevy «Bel Air Nomad».
However, we can not say that the competitors are ahead of the Nomad, namely the Ford, issuing a two-door station wagon Country Squire back in 1950.
However, it was a classic «Woody», has no close and nothing to do with «our» wagon-coupé, and the second generation Ford released in the mid-50s was already a classic 4-door.
Pontiac Safari was originally offered as a 4-door and two-door version, and in a few generations. In form it was quite similar to Nomad-th, but this car as in his life, and afterwards, did not leave any significant trace …
We can not say that at first looked like a Nomad, though remaining the Chevy front, rear still had its original form, but literally every year it is getting closer to Bel Air.
To start in 1956, Nomad, like the rest of the Chevy, this family received a «facelift.» All of them, including Bel Air, got rid of the grille in the Ferrari-style, which is not relished the Americans. It was replaced with a «full-size», occupies almost the entire width of the front end. However, with the rehouse Nomad received and the side line a hair’s breadth as the luxury Bel Air.
By the way it was then as an option, and there were seat belts …
Under the hood, Nomad was originally established quite powerful at the time of 4.3-liter V8 engine with overhead valves and higher compression. (This engine is in reality in various guises stood on the conveyor GM for many years). The «base» one triple carburetor he developed 162 hp, while the «power» version «Power Pack» 4-chamber carburetor is already 180 hp Later there was a version of «Super Power Pack» with a greater degree of compression and optional 15 «horses».
In 1957, the year there was a 4.6-liter V8, in injection version of «Super Turbo Fire» pretending to be serious, and by today’s standards almost 300 hp With this engine Nomad on the right to be called Sport Wagon, though, these engines as a result of customers ordered rare, and the version received the nickname «fullie» today real rarity …
It was the 57th regular «face lifting» even more closer to the Nomad Bel Air, and not only in front, but even the side and rear.
If you close your eyes to the back of the rack, and then they did it would be very difficult to distinguish …
Oddly enough it sounds, but in reality «when life» Nomad has not found particular popularity with the public, in general, it is understandable. Anyone who would like a luxury — bought Bel Air. But who needed a family car, made a choice not to let and can accommodate 6 persons, but, nevertheless, korotkobaznym Nomad (chassis less than three meters), and with two doors, and buy full-size 4-door station wagons from GM — Parkwood or come soon «to the rescue» Kingswood, can accommodate as many as 9 people and luggage …
Approaching him Nomad in the second and third generation, simply lost its original meaning to be a sports wagon, thereby Power Wagon. And keep in line just three quite similar wagon, in general, was not quite reasonable solution … Soon GM altogether removed from its lineup of original wagons, including the same Kingswood, which models, like the Nomad, produced intermittently and only a couple of years.
Then, as usual for today, Chevrolet station wagons finally become no more than a station wagon versions of three sedans Group: Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala …
As for the Nomad first, it really was ahead of his time, even when a trace was not known, the term «Hot Hatch».
This decades folding rear row of seats for increased capacity and separate «Tail-gate» to separate climbs up the rear window will be standard. But it was all in the first Nomad-e.
Moreover, it is believed that he was the impetus for the emergence in 1970 in vivo recognized classics of the world auto industry — the two-door Range Rover Classic.
Alas, how much genius, in his first reincarnation of the Nomad, both actual and Safari twin, did not become popular at the time of its release, while the 4-door Nomad-a heirs all have left no trace in the history of the automobile. However, decades later, he still received the recognition it deserves, thus becoming the iconostasis car with halo effect, causing a cheering anyone who is even slightly indifferent to cars.
Perhaps among the «Rodder» Nomad enjoyed it much more popular than its peers Chevy. Even the hero of this material there is virtually his doppelganger …
But Bel Air for decades rather is the subject of increased attention of restorers, while the 210th Chevy favorite contributor for lovers «Gasserov», which we have already been told. (SEWN link to Gasser)
Most interesting is that an attempt to revive Nomad in the 21st century, too, has remained nothing more than a concept car.
And this is understandable — the second two-door Nomad the world was no longer needed, since there first, eventually took a deserved place both in the history of the automotive industry, and in the hearts of car fans, especially in his native America for him …
Photo: open source
