The shooting-brake is a distinctly European concept of a coupe-based station wagon. It’s a practical adaption of a sporty car, and not an ideal fit with what Americans think of as a sports coupe. However, is one of the most famous American cars of the 1950s actually a shooting-brake?
The 1955 to 1957 Chevrolet Nomad was created and marketed as a combination of their sporty Bel Air hardtop and a station wagon. Sound familiar? The concept, and name, originated as a Motorama Corvette variant. A Corvette wagon most certainly sounds like a shooting-brake, so does the idea make the leap to the Bel Air? I say absolutely. The Nomad was more than just a 2-door wagon. Chevy made that too—they called it the Handyman. The Nomad was its own body style with frameless door windows, angled b-pillars, and at least in 1955, distinctive full rear wheel openings, like a Corvette.
I admit my bias. I think the Nomad is the sportiest of all the tri-five Chevys. To me, it’s without a doubt a shooting-brake, but a very American take on the theme. Don’t agree? Think I’m nuts? Give me a shout. I’d love to hear another point of view.
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