1955 Chevrolet Chevy Corvette Nomad Wagon Motorama Concept on My Car Story with Lou Costabile

[@loucostabile]

*Hi, If you like this video, please click on the 🤍 THANKS button under the video title" Thank you! Lou*

[@193322009]

I owned a '55 Chevy Nomad, painted black, and had a 327 Corvette engine installed. It was my tow car for my race car. I think this Corvette/Chevy is the most beautiful wagon of all time. If they produced it today I would buy it in a heart beat! Thanks for showing it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi RVguy, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Black Nomad :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@jerrilampon9596]

The 1955 Nomad had a stock 265 V8, not a 327.

[@193322009]

@@jerrilampon9596 Jerri, you are absolutely right. However, I replaced the original stock 265 with a new "crated" stock 327 Corvette. Sorry, if you got confused.

[@jasonjohnson6344]

A few years ago there was a company that built several dozen copies of the 54 Vette Nomad. I’ve also seen a couple 55 Nomads that were modified to look like a 54. A guy from Issaquah WA had an amazing, very high end black one and it had that 4 cam ZR-1 engine from the early 90’s. I wish I could have afforded one of those new bodies but I couldn’t have afforded the rest of the build anyway. I’ve seen pictures of the black, custom 54 on Pinterest. Probably the nicest Nomad on the planet IMO.

[@darcyzander-feinauer]

Thank you for highlighting this car. My father, Zane Zander of Brillion, WI, built this car. He started the project in late 1999, and spent 7 years rebuilding this vehicle from not much more than photos from the car show in 1954. He also calls it a 1954 Waldorf Nomad, not 1955 as titled for the video. He used a 1955 Pontiac Safari as the donor body. A 1977 Camaro front saddle was partnered up with the rear Safari frame, which provided strength and additional safety with the front disk brakes and the saddle for a 350 Chevrolet engine and 350 GM transmission combination. He removed 3.5" horizontally from the body to lower the height to match the shape of the original concept car. A lot of planning, forethought and engineering preceded every reconstruction move. Major construction considerations were the use of fiberglass primarily in the total front clip, rear fender-taillight area, and the dash, which is a 1954 Corvette. The tailgate, featuring the window lowering into the tailgate, was constructed of metal. The center of the design was a working mechanism from a mid-80's Suburban, with hinges designed and machined specifically for the tailgate. My father was VERY proud of this car, as he should be. He hated to sell it, but it belonged in a museum, not being driven on the road. It was actually to be featured in the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky in February of 2014, but fortunately a snowstorm hit in Wisconsin and he elected to not try to pull a trailer in the snowstorm. Where the floors fell into the sinkhole in the Corvette Museum was exactly where my dad's car was to be parked. What a loss that would have been! My father turned 88 on December 24, 2022, and will be succumbing to cancer in months, if not weeks. I just wanted to give him the credit that he deserves since his name is never mentioned in this video. Zane Zander built this car with love and sweat, the help of some family and friends, and a lot of money to make sure that it was pristine. Thank you again for showing the world what an amazing engineer/artist/car enthusiast my father is.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Darcy, Thank you for sharing your knowledge regarding the car. You're welcome, Lou

[@terribatzler4806]

Great write up Darcy!

[@Roundpeg-Squarehole]

Your father built an awesome car!

[@Robert-mn8gc]

Absolutely Beautifull. Gee this Vehicle would sell like hot cakes even 2day . The lines r terrific. Thx 4 sharing

[@loucostabile]

Hi Robert, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@chrisjeffries2322]

I just ran across this now. I want to say that there is one of these cars running around the Huntington Beach California area where I live., thank you for the share, Lou.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Chris, Glad to read there is one like this by you. You're welcome, Lou

[@peterhodges6684]

Just sooo very cool ! The 60 / 40 bench seat, two tone interior, tri 5 gauges, Corvette taillights Nomad trim on the tailgate..... Simply Stunning !

[@loucostabile]

Hi Peter, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@shellreinish6405]

Thanks Lou, I work at the Petersen here in LA and love the history and back stories of unique cars. In the 60's and 70's we built "Pimp" mobiles in NY and have many stories. I have had George Barris on my TV show and loved his car stories. If you have any questions let me know

[@loucostabile]

Hi Shell Reinish, Would love to see the Petersen and video some cars from there. George Barris & 1966 Batmobile is the BEST :-) My pleasure sharing this car with you, and you're welcome, Lou

[@thewiseowl3672]

Way ahead of its time. It’s amazing and beautiful. The exhaust outlets are unique and classy as are the stainless/aluminum roof bows inside.

[@loucostabile]

Hi The Wise Owl, Happy to read the details in your comment you enjoy regarding this vehicle :-) Lou

[@sagecristian8144]

Instablaster...

[@RedRam331]

I love that someone was able to build a recreation of this car. It's really fantastic. One note: the Motorama Nomad actually appeared in 1954, so it was sort of a teaser for the 1955 production Nomad. They also made a really cool Corvette fastback coupe for the 1954 Motorama.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Tom, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@michaelbenardo5695]

I would have used a generator and a proper 55 Chevy master cylinder and power booster, stock style air cleaner, stock type carb, and a stock-for-55 distributor.

[@MrDennisLB]

Love the Nomad body style. Bought a 1956 Chevy Nomad for 375.00 back in 1969... I just wish I still owned it today. I was drafted into the military Jan.1970, for two years and my parents did not want an old car in the front of their house for that time.... I made someone really happy.

[@loucostabile]

Hi MrDennisLB, Happy to read "Love the Nomad body style." :-) Glad to read you had a fun Nomad too. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@richardgadoury8452]

I spent 66 and 67 in the marines. When I got home, I had a 1958 Impala convertible. Sold it in 1968 for $120 and bought a 1961 Sunliner convertible. Different times my friend...Semper fi

[@welchshahan714]

Thank you Lou for showing us the different kinds of cars that were produced. I have always loved concept cars from the 50's and 60's, Don't stop keep them coming!

[@loucostabile]

Hi welch shahan, You have fine taste in cars :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@josmotherman591]

I remember Motorama when I was a little. kid. It was such a futuristic word. And that automobile is a work of art. For some reason I expected to see a Wunderbar radio. Great work.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jo, Happy to read this car brings back memories of when you were a kid :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@Enkephalen]

I love the soft blue/gray paint job.

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@Floydian4everr]

Absolutely! Goes perfectly with the white

[@Floydian4everr]

Absolutely! Goes perfectly with the white

[@thomascollier4913]

Wow this car is just beautiful, love it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Thomas Collier, Glad you read a "Wow" and you love it :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@johnbehneman1546]

Thank you so much for sharing!!!! My Favorite Corvette!!!! ROD & CUSTOM 101.

[@loucostabile]

Hi John, Happy to read this car is a favorite for you :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@gene978]

hey LOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I hope you know how important your videos are to us people that are every so busy but are CAR NUTS like myself and have been since I can remember. I'm 50 years old and my mom says I was 2 or 3 and use to be crazy about cars all my life. I missed my calling as a Car journalist or historian but became a chef and opened a restaurant my second love. LOL. But it takes all my TIME! You have NO IDEA how much your videos help people like me that are so tired and can't get out and don't have the time. And with this Museum Lou, you HIT THE JACK POT of UNIQUE AUTOMOBILES. I'd be like a kid in a candy store I am sure you are too. What a job. Thank you so much for doing what you do! Gene Boston Area.

[@loucostabile]

+gene978 Hi Gene, I so happy you took the time to share. I can read your passion for cars and your work. What a GREAT way to start my day. Your comments inspire me and warm my heart. Thank you, Lou

[@stephenfarmer570]

gene978

[@Floydian4everr]

No kidding, this thing is BEAUTIFUL!!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Pink, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@oliasofsunhillow7116]

The Corvette Nomad was 1954! Car companies stopped crushing concept cars in 1953 when they realized that they were not liable to overseas markets but, most of them never went overseas, instead, finding homes in private collections, and some that did go overseas, inevitably came back! There were at least two of these built in 1954, they were the same color combo! The 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special, there were two built, each a different color! And both still exist! Alot of the Chrysler concept cars still exist, even as far back as 1953!

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge to add to the story Olias Of Sunhillow. Lou

[@ronnieyoung481]

If they built that right now I would buy one I like it very much.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ronnie, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@swoopers4588]

Wow!! Beautiful thanks for showing

[@loucostabile]

Hi Swooper S, Glad to receive a "Wow!!" from you :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@dannykilburn3591]

I did the chrome plating on the car built in tenn owner was a talented man dan's polishing and chrome

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing.

[@robertmalek6949]

0pp we

[@leonelgaldiano326]

olha a riqueza de detalhes. olha a quantidade de cromados. que carro impressionante !!!.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Leonel, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Lou

[@JeffKing310]

Just rewatching a few of the classic episodes of My Car Story. Great stuff Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jeff King, Nice! Thank you, Lou

[@JeffKing310]

Lou Costabile You’re welcome - I love your consistent energy, passion and fun in all the videos. Your car knowledge is not too shabby either! 👍

[@loucostabile]

The secret Jeff is the Care Takers are the Experts and over time I'm getting to sponge off their knowledge :-)

[@lauranardoni5626]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Laura, Happy to read you appreciate this "Absolutely gorgeous!" car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@lauranardoni5626]

@@loucostabile I am now a new subscriber, I love classic cars! I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, one of the homes of car culture!

[@mrknotthall]

What a gorgeous car.

[@loucostabile]

Glad you enjoyed this one mrknothall :-) Lou

[@richardbly6313]

mrknotthall s

[@daddyofla]

I WAS AT MOTORAMA IN Chicago IN THE MID 50'S, I WAS ABOUT 9 YEARS OLD, IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE, I WENT WITH MY BEST FRIEND SONNY, WE HAD A BALL.

[@loucostabile]

Hi DAVE LYTLE, Happy to read this car brings back memories :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@ronaldwarren5220]

According to some sources there were 5 built originally. One of them is in a collection at a car enthusiast's shop in Quartzite, AZ. The guy also has a 59 Ford hardtop convertible. My Dad worked at a Fisher Body plant in Grand Rapids, MI. When I was about 8 years old he took me to a GM show in town and I got to see the brand new 53 Corvette. I fell in love right then and there. I eventually owned several Vettes over the years.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ronald, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@michaelcorl9646]

Hate to burst your bubble but this is not the only one. I was just checking another video today and saw one of these in a jukyard garage. It might be possible this is that one but if it is, this car has went through a total restore.

[@timwest1922]

Saw the same show definitely not 1of 1

[@MichaelPH60]

Note that the guy says this car is a recreation done with meticulous attention to detail

[@swoopers4588]

Link??

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael Corl, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@michaelbenardo5695]

This is not one of the originals. Those had a center post with a steeper slant, and at least one of those was a non-running push mobile.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

We had a 1952 Chevrolet. My father's pride and joy. I love old Chevys...

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your Father had a nice 52 too :-) Lou

[@denaredford6701]

Cynthia Hawkins , your dad must have been a ,VIP .

[@johnowens4205]

Awesome ! Beautiful ! Amazing !

[@loucostabile]

High praise for this car :-)

[@davidpatterson792]

I saw a man build one of these nomads in Tennessee. I often wondered what happened to it since he died in an automobile accident. It was amazing, he not only chopped the top, he took x number of inches 360 degrees around the entire body. He was truly an artist.

[@loucostabile]

Hi David Patterson, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@jimthompson9992]

WOW! I SOOOOOOO want!!!! Beautiful!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jim, Happy to receive a "WOW!" from you :-) Hope you're behind the wheel of the right car for you soon, Lou

[@johnbehneman1546]

GREAT VIDEO LOU!!! I LOVE IT THEN , AND I LOVE IT NOW!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi John, Happy to read "I LOVE IT" :-) My pleasure sharing this car with you, Lou

[@roadkillontheweb2873]

I remember seeing ads for these cars in 1980s kit car magazines. Someone recreated them back then but not sure how many were made.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Roadkillontheweb, Happy to read this car brings back memories of the 1980's magazine you remember :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@josephromano6825]

Awesome car Lou! Now that’s a conversation piece there! Unique!

[@loucostabile]

Recognizable unique car for sure :-)

[@mordechailevinson8646]

...Thanks for posting this....What a treat....& the commitment of time & money to make this thing basically from scratch...WOW

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mordechai Levinson, Glad you enjoy this one and understand the level of detail it takes to do this :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@rogergrandify]

round windows in the back corners don't see that theses days but so beautiful and practical

[@loucostabile]

Hi grandroy slam, Thank you for viewing and sharing what you noticed. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@paulrose6359]

A great looking car even today in 2020 it's a wonderful design.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Paul Rose, Happy to read you enjoy the looks & design of this car :-) Hope you see many more cars on this Channel you enjoy, Lou

[@sandraroberts7406]

GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS VIDEO.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Sandra, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@JackSquat54]

That beautiful metallic blue looks like a 1963 color i've seen on mostly the Impala.

[@penboyasgod6103]

It was a Corvette color from 1954 onward, and of course, late 50s it was in the Chevy inventory as well.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts.

[@fleetwin1]

Boy o boy, that is really something special!

[@loucostabile]

+kramden Thanks Kramben, I'm happy you enjoyed it! Take care, Lou

[@richardabrahams6105]

Amazing car. Chevy should have produced these!By the way, there were only a handful of 6 cylinder 55 Corvettes made. Almost all werethe new 265 V-8. If it was mine it would appear much more period correct under the hood. Easy to do. Great car!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Richard Abrahams, Glad you enjoyed this one and think it's amazing :-) Hope you see many more cars on the Channel you'll enjoy, Lou

[@teredude]

I like the original orange Passenger Car or Corvette Valve Covers. Small Blox you hid everything on the inside. There is no Sheild over the Distrib. I owned a 60 Vette in Hi School. I looks like a good driver.

[@penboyasgod6103]

They essentially did for the 55-57 model years as the "original" nomad but with regular Chevy styling of those same years. They continued the Nomad (in name only) from 1958 through 1961 but not of that style --- they were the regular 4-door varieties (just like the others, but more "luxurious" in the day), but they were the higher priced wagons in Chevy's lineup for those years.

[@stevezilla68]

So pretty, and so much character.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Steve-in-Atlanta, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@scottbrady7499]

aaah. i was looking for the blue flame straight six. the appointments including power front windows, quartz (working) clock, pontiac safari vin badge. then the jeggs crate 405 or whatever gm displacement was decided upon. at least there's no ridiculous ram air holes in the hood. and air conditioning IS a plus if this baby goes to a show without being flatbedded. wow. jolly good show, Lou! can't wait see some numbers matching all original history in this joint. i've actually seen cars from overhaulin' on posts.. i watched those shows back in the day. mags, pinstripes, blowers, door handle delete, and of course crate v8s with valve covers with brand name on it. ho hum. foose is quite an artist, it was neat how he would draw them first.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Scott Brady, The "blue flame" under the hood would be nice :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@walterbrown8694]

In the spring of 1954, I was studying electrical engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. I remember some of my fraternity brothers and I went to the Motorama show at the Stockyards, and I remember seeing the Chevy Nomad/Corvette concept car at the show. I don't think any of those cars ever went into production.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Walter, Happy to read this car brings back memories :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@JohnMoore-rv4zm]

This, in my long held, humble opinion, is the coolest car that ever should have been made, esp with the V8 power. Thanks for a great video.

[@loucostabile]

Hi John Moore, High praise for this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou

[@daniellatimer1876]

I saw this car at the Gilmore Car Museum, as well as the Chevrolet Corvair concept a few years ago.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you saw this one in person :-)

[@sserddab]

Its much the same as the 1954 Nomad on the vid - desert find of a lifetime.

[@patrickmckeegan5345]

I was going to say the same thing, in this one they said "cars" implying there were more than one, so maybe one was saved?

[@autobug2]

@@patrickmckeegan5345 Supposedly 3-4 were built, because of the tight show schedules--one car could not attend all shows given their time constraints.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts.

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

This is such a beautiful design..!! To bad GM/Chevy never built them. ...... I got a kick out of the Pontiac VIN tag. I used to own a 1957 Safari Wagon that was blue and white 2 tone inside and out. I saw another 54/55 Nomad at the Grand National Oakland Roadster Show years ago...Also saw one in a Hagerty video here last year.. another huge barn find collection

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mr. GTO, Glad to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

@@loucostabile Thanks.. I really wish that Chevy built that Corvette Nomad. out of fiberglass and steel. Great Channel.!!

[@loucostabile]

That would have been cool. Glad to read you're enjoying the Channel :-)

[@GereDJ2]

Wow, can you imagine if Chevy would have actually produced this Nomad version in 1954-5? I mean, it looks downright Italian. GM probably would have sold all they could build. If GM produced this car today as a special "Retro" tribute piece, I think it would do just great, sort of like the '64 Mustang, seriously. Imagine this with today's technology refinements and comfort level. They could offer a light, economical, 45mpg four cylinder, a Special Order muscle power-train w/428ci DOHC or a full electric model w/ 400 mile range. Wow! Are you listening GM? Update: If ever produced, I think I would call it the Spectre

[@loucostabile]

I like the way you think GereDJ2 :-)

[@addiehernandez8255]

I seriously think if I saw one I would try to steal it. That's how much I love this car.

[@193322009]

GereDJ you are right, they would sell all they could make, just as long as they kept out the modern electric crap. One thing I would change is the placement of the exhaust pipe, and of course a real hood release.

[@TheDejael]

1 of 6 built by GM in 1954 for the GM Motorama. I have seen two of the originals and have verified they are original GM. One looked like this one same color scheme, in the parking lot at the VA Hospital on Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, in 2007, and caught up with the owner, who got it from his uncle who was a GM executive in the late 1950s. It had the straight six with three side draft carbs. The other I saw at the Monterey-Carmel Concours in 2007 in cream beige and sunset bronze. They were not crushed, although that was what they told the public. They were given away to GM executive employees.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dejael, Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@konradbenz7110]

how did i fall on this car today ? my artist name is "nomad", as my favorite painting. never saw a more beautiful car in my life ❤️🇺🇸❤️

[@loucostabile]

Nice !

[@techmaniac43]

Best wagon i've evet seen. What a gorgous piece of automobile history.

[@loucostabile]

High praise for this Wagon :-) Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy.

[@martentrudeau6948]

What a car, Chevy should've built this car. It's a car many of us would want own and much more useful than the Corvette. Thanks Andrew, you are a great host.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy this car :-)

[@williamweir2744]

Beautiful car,

[@loucostabile]

Hi William, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@ristin59]

Beautiful!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Gary Jordan, Glad you like the looks of this one :-) Hope you see many more cars on the Channel you'll enjoy. Thank you for viewing and sharing. Stay tuned I have a few Vette's coming up I think you'll enjoy, Lou

[@bertcushman7427]

what a beautiful car! first year for Corvette v8! Chevy dropped the ball on this one...

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bert, Happy to read you thoughts on this car :-) Lou

[@moboutmen]

Holy Hybrid ! The Batmobile is running protection for it !

[@loucostabile]

Hi moboutmen, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@firstvette8210]

My dad's cousin had the original 'Corvette' concept and my dad was one of the 5 sculptors (or 'Clay Modellers) brought in (his specialty was the distortion-free wrap-around windshields) from Kaiser-Frazer. The 'Nomad' concept was one of several done for this car (to Harley's specs). Bob had called his concept the 'Bobcat' & Harley changed it to the Corvette when he brought him & the car to Chevy. Soon after this car launched at the Motorama, dad left (Ford 'recruited' him) to fix issues with windshield distortions in the Ford lineup, and he cringed when he saw some of the Vette variants. The Nomad was one he urged Harley to put into production (thought it would have instant appeal to the female market) but it was not to be.

[@loucostabile]

Hi First Vette, Thank you for sharing your Families story regarding the concept Vette, Lou

[@citibear57]

That is such a cool vehicle. I wish they would make something like that today, although using today's mid-engine 'Vette definitely would not work (the current 'Vette's styling has yet to win me over). As always, thank you Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mike YQR, Happy to read you enjoy this "cool vehicle" :-) One like this today is a fun idea. You're welcome, Lou

[@wam44]

This is by far one of the coolest wagons ever! Are the gauges and dash original or resto mod? The gauges looked newer

[@loucostabile]

High praise :-) Not sure on the gauges, however I believe period correct.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Awesome looking car. I've never seen a Corvette Nomad before. I've seen pics of them, but I've never seen one. Hardly surprising, since Motorama cars were destroyed after the Motorama event. It's awesome that someone took the time to make a re-creation of the car. Thanks for showing. :)

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jason Carpp, Glad you enjoyed this one :-) So unique. You're welcome, Lou

[@jasoncarpp7742]

You're welcome. I love the upgrades this car received.

[@keithbandy8959]

believe make a kit , see one in caif, it may be the same car

[@gregbenwell6173]

The really strange yet funny thing is if you hunt around Oldsmobiles from the same time period, and the same concept cars, you'd find a car known as the Apollo!! It was an Oldsmobile version of the Corvette that was "odd" in that it was actually slightly longer with a rear seat, AND had the classic looks of a 1953 to 1955 Corvette!! The thing that really stood out about the Oldsmobile Apollo, is that it had FOUR bucket seats and a full length center console that took up the length of the entire interior!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Greg. Sounds cool. Thank you for sharing, Lou

[@georgecrutchfield8734]

What a beautiful car! I bet it handles well with the front axel so far foward. If I had the money, I would have one built for me.

[@loucostabile]

Hi George Crutchfield, Glad you enjoy the looks of this one :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@bobaldo2339]

Gorgeous! A total knockout!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bob Aldo, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@HMods1991]

The original car was the Nomad concept... it was a 1954 model and had a blue flame six. The 1955 Nomad gained most of the styling minus the corvette parts and a V8. This car was built to tour in 1954, it's technically a 1954

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge argorider2 :-)

[@bluesharp59]

Motorama cars are so cool and very rare. I think the fifties showrooms and shows were the greatest.

[@loucostabile]

A great time in the car industry :-)

[@bluesharp59]

Yes agree.

[@troybrown6012]

Beautiful

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@geraldtrudeau3223]

You could easily market that car today. It looks modern as hell.

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@dannyarmstrong2013]

Awesome

[@loucostabile]

Hi Danny, Happy to read you think this car is "Awesome" :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@timmccreery3646]

You need to do more research. That car was a 54 Corvette Nomad, built for the GM Motorama. GM took a Corvette, stretched the body and frame and put a station wagon rear on it. The car was popular enough that they decided to create the Chevy Nomad based on a Chevy 2 door wagon and also the Pontiac Safari, the Buick Caballero, and the Olds Fiesta. Your car has a Corvette dash, not a 55 Nomad dash. It irks when you could do some quick internet research and you don't. They all did well enough that Ford countered in 56 with the Ford Parklane and the Del Rio on 57 and 58. Come on Lou!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Tim, I've got a wife who tells me I gotta do a lot of things, so the telling me what to do part is covered :-) Good news! This comment section is WIDE OPEN for Car Guys like you to fill in all the stuff I missed. Thank you for sharing, Lou

[@deanbalouris330]

Question about the body by Fisher - I lived for many years near the Fisher body plant in Western Pennsylvania. It was a metal stamping plant, across the road from a U.S. Steel coiled metal manufacturing facility. The raw ore would come into the U.S. Steel plant, and coiled steel would go by rail across the street to the Fisher body stamping plant to become fenders, door skins, quarter panels, etc. My question is we’re these Corvette fiberglass bodies also manufactured by Fisher body? I was always under the belief that they were manufactured by GM in Bowling Green, Ky.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dean, Hmmm, I'm not sure where the fiberglass Corvettes come from. Hoping a Viewer can share, Lou

[@deanbalouris330]

It will be interesting to know. I don’t believe that Fisher body made Corvette bodies at all, rather that this is a bit of creative freedom on the part of the builder, not unlike his choice of engines.

[@GPrentice-pj9dj]

The Vette Nomad was shown in the 1954 Motoramas. It did Not have the Blue Flame six cylinder engine, because it was a pushmobile. It had no powertrain at all. In fact, the header over the rear window was made of wood.

[@loucostabile]

Hi G Prentice, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@bobmarker6812]

On the pre production Corvettes, the trim piece on the front fenders points down as shown. On the regular production runs, the front fender trim piece points up.

[@loucostabile]

Hi bob marker, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Lou

[@penboyasgod6103]

I'm surprised they didn't talk SPECIFICALLY of its renowned styling --- it was the first wagons in America with "hardtop-style" doors and door windows even though there was [technically] a "B-pillar" --- but it was sportly styled with that angle and curve [btw, anyone notice that Ford followed up with this very similar styling in their 1955-56 Crown Victorias?]

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts.

[@Masterchief68a]

They should make a kit out of this to fit the frame of newer corvettes from the 80’s! The 55 vetted with the 265 cu. in. Engine had the corvette script with a large “V”.

[@loucostabile]

That's a FUN idea :-)

[@WilleyGHD3]

I just saw one of those Nomad/Corvettes on the YT channel "The Motorcar Company" in unrestored condition. So not ALL of them were destroyed appearantly.

[@loucostabile]

Hi WilleyGHD3, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@jessiebrader2926]

Check out 'Desert find of a lifetime' at 16.56....there is a Corvette Nomad!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jessie, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@clyde7059]

That may be a "re-creation", but WOW! What a beautiful car!

[@loucostabile]

High praise :-) Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@clyde7059]

I enjoy all of your videos. I may not agree with what has been done to some of the cars, but I do enjoy seeing them and seeing your video. That Mercedes roadster, for instance, really is a beautiful car, I just wouldn't have done the front the way they did, but I thoroughly enjoyed the video. That '67 Corvette is beautiful; I just wouldn't have cut up a genuine article. I would have built a replica and cut it up, but as for the car, it's beautiful and, again, I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video covering it. I don't think I've seen a single one of your videos that I didn't enjoy watching. Even if you did a video on the "Smart car", which I, generally, refer to as the "Stupid" car, I'd, probably still watch it to learn more about it, but I think the so-called "Smart" care is ridiculous looking. I'm sure it gets incredible mileage, but there's, basically, nothing to it. Anyway, like I said, I love your videos; keep 'em comin'. :)

[@davidterry8584]

Nice thanks

[@loucostabile]

Hi David Terry, Glad you enjoy this car :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@sandraroberts7406]

TO THE BATMOBILE 🤣🤣🤣🤣❤

[@loucostabile]

Turbines to speed.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4PQgZ6VfrmleNU

[@sandraroberts7406]

I SEE YOU HAVE THE BATMOBILE ALSO. YOU HAVE BEAUTIFUL COLLECTIONS OF CARS.

[@richardgadoury8452]

I think one was found in Arizona several years ago in the desert. Same color. I don't like that car, I love it. Just a stunning automobile. Do you know how many were originally made. Thank you...

[@loucostabile]

Hi Richard, Happy to read "I love it." :-) Lou

[@gregschultz2029]

Nice Job On The Safarivette !!!

[@loucostabile]

"Safarivette" Good one :-)

[@gregschultz2029]

Lou Costabile ,Keep those Pontiac Safari ‘s Coming !!!

[@purushaonezeroeight165]

Just thank you

[@loucostabile]

My pleasure sharing with you.

[@ronaldturner3049]

I am familiar with the Corvette Nomad re-creation, but some corrections. The original was a push-mobile. It had no engine, it was just on a turnstile, and it was a 54, for the 54 Motorama, not a 55. Public response was so good, and it looked so good, that Chevrolet decided to produce a Nomad based on their 55 passenger car. As we know, the production Nomad is a red-hot collectible.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ronald Turner, Glad to read this car / video brings back memories for you :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@coolbreeze5561]

They had those kits right next to the Mustang kits in the back of every hot rod magazine in the 70's

[@loucostabile]

Hi Coolbreeze, Thank you for sharing, Lou

[@yamahaguy1732]

This is rare I’d love to have this

[@loucostabile]

Hi Yaboi Sugarnips, Glad you enjoy this one :-) Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you'll enjoy, Lou

[@brianwaskow5910]

Thats great its private so no one gets to see the cars.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Brian, Good news! It's open to the public on a few days now, so click on the link to the website in the description of this video to see the hours they're open. Hope you get there soon, Lou

[@barrysnider635]

Always wondered if the real one survived .....I guess not,but this one is pretty close!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Barry, It's pretty unique & cool. Thanks for viewing and commenting, Lou

[@keithbandy8959]

kit car seen one org

[@jayhunt3075]

One bad ass great looking ride

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@troybrown6012]

Loved these. A shame never produced.

[@loucostabile]

Agreed, it's cool.

[@beaulotterman8347]

I saw the original at the late Pan Pacific. Auditorium in L.A. Also the origial 2 GTO's. There was white soft top with real Tiger fur apolstry.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Beau, Happy to read this car brings back memories :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@danielmcgraw7908]

If I'm not mistaken, the original concept was called a Chevette.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Daniel, Thank you for sharing, Lou

[@LynxStarAuto]

I've had the pleasure of seeing this car in person couple years back. It was at the Corvette Museum

[@loucostabile]

Cool!

[@FURDOG1961]

6:59 Does this steering wheel center with the Chevy cross-flags script, light up when you turn the headlamps on?

[@loucostabile]

I'm not aware it does that. I like your idea!

[@snapap690]

Watch desert find of a lifetime. At 16:55. There's a survivor.........

[@hardball107]

Just saw it myself, was wondering about that …..

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqG5f6pnn9J1bMU

[@king23059]

But then who would buy their plastic cars lol but you sir are 1000% correct

[@loucostabile]

Thanks for sharing.

[@glenngamst61]

incredible. I have a 1956.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you have a 56 :-)

[@geraldtrudeau3223]

Amazing!, .....Why is all the really cool stuff not available to mere mortals?

[@loucostabile]

Hi Gerald Trudeau, Good news! It is now available to the public on certain days. Make sure you let them know you found out about them through this Channel (see text of video for website) Lou

[@shellreinish6405]

Just for the history books the original "53 Corvette Nomad" was named the Chevrolet Waldorf but through time and it's looks that name has been forgotten

[@loucostabile]

Hi Shell Reinish, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@JimTilson1]

Actually, some sources say 5 originals were built and 3 still survive somewhere.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jim, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou