Thread: WhatIzIt?

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Saw this up at Hot August Nights. Any Guesses?

Here's another look

If memory serves me right, GM made them as a concept car back in the 50s. Can someone confirm this?

GM made one as a prototype for it's Autorama. It debuted at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1954. It has since come to be known as the Waldorf Nomad. Obviously the roof line and certain other design features went on to become the tri-5 Nomad.

I don't believe the original is still extant, and several "clones" have been made. The first, to my knowledge, was made about 6-7 years ago by Hot Rod Enterprises, Auburn, Wa, when it was owned by Dan Petersen. It's a black one owned by Tom Arnold. The company that bought out his shop went on to produce another about 3 years ago. They used the center section from a '55 Nomad and grafted on an early vette styled nose, and the back ends of vette quarters. Not familiar with a company or shop in California making any, but I'm sure it's possible.

Here's a link for more info; http://waldorfnomad.homestead.com/

A combination of correct answers! According to the info I saw at the show, this one was based on the GM prototype. The Corvette front end had to be widened 3 inches to fit the body. This one had a 283 with Rochestor Fuel Injection. I'm not sure if that is "period correct" or not.

Pat

Bob.the original was destroyed....all are now clones

Just found this forum and the discussion about the Waldorf Nomad. I'm in the process of building one. It is based on a 1956 Nomad. The top has been pancaked 1", top chopped 2", & the body sectioned 3". A 54 Corvette front & rear grafted on to the body. The engine is an LS-1 with a 6 speed trans. I started the project about 3 years ago and figure about 2 more before it is completed.

BOB , i think the real waldorf is still out there . the classis chev club magazine will run a story about every 5 years , telling about it . the car is missing from general motors , is the story i keep hearing . i have seen photos of this car in the magazine from the 70 s to early 80s , from a unknown source .
urban myth ?
not many have pulled this off and the car look correct . or good ! the black one you said is by far the best one i have seen .