KIT #:	A637
PRICE:	$
DECALS:	Yes
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	2012 release

HISTORY

The Chevrolet Nomad was a station wagon model made off and on from 1955 to 1972, and a Chevy Van trim package in the late '70s and early '80s, produced by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors. The Nomad is best remembered in its two-door 1955-57 form, and was considered a halo model during its three-year production as a two-door station wagon.

The two-door Nomad differed from other station wagons of the era by having unique styling more reminiscent of a hardtop sedan than that of a standard station wagon. Chevrolet shared this body with its sister Pontiac, which marketed their version as the Pontiac Safari.

The Nomad's unique design had its roots in a General Motors Motorama show car of the same name that was based on the Corvette. The Concept was introduced at the GM Motorama in 1954 as one of Head Stylist, Harley Earl's "dream cars".

GM approved production of the vehicle if the design could be transferred to its standard model, because top GM brass felt that they could sell more models if it were attached to the popular Bel Air model.

Ford also had a similar two door station wagon as your editor's first car was a 1958 Ford two door station wagon.

Molded in AMT's greenish grey plastic, this Round 2 release shows that it has been popped a number of times as there is some flash that will need to be cleaned up. The initial step, which is oddly step 2 has you assemble the wheels, THis is followed by the engine and the dash. No decals for the dash so break out your tiniest brush for this one.

Next the rear and then front suspension members are built. This one has steerable wheels with three settings for the plastic stub axle. As this kit can only be built stock out of the box, the center holes are used. Then the engine axles, drive shaft and wheels are attached to the floor pan.

Construction then moves to the interior. Both front and rear seats are separate and fit into the tub along with the dash assembly. Then the clear piece is attached followed by the tail gate, which is a separate assembly. Lastly the hood, grille, bumpers, lights and other bits are attached.

Instructions are well done with generic color information and all the parts are named. A nice chart of stock interior and exterior colors is provided. Unlike today's half dozen color options, these cars had a dozen shades and since they were usually two tone schemes, there are more than that provided. A small decal sheet provides license plates.

Based on the box top photo, this one will look very much like the original when you are done. AMT kits have often had somewhat dodgy fit so one is encouraged to treat this one like a short run kit. The results will be well worth it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Nomad