Chevrolet model with only 3 built has mysterious history, no one knows where any of the cars are

  • Introducing the Chevrolet Waldorf Nomad, aka the Waldorf Nomad
  • It debuted at GM’s 1954 Motorama show in the US before vanishing
  • However, speculation as to its whereabouts and how many exist continues

Published on Aug 19, 2024 at 2:22 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Last updated on Aug 20, 2024 at 5:08 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

The Chevrolet Waldorf Nomad – ever heard of it?

Most likely not, and there’s a pretty good reason for that.

After debuting at GM’s 1954 Motorama show in the US, the Chevrolet Corvette Nomad – aka the Waldorf Nomad – simply disappeared.

Despite a lot of detective work – nobody is quite sure where it ended up.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie

Chevrolet Corvette Nomad

Considered the star of GM’s 1954 Motorama show, big things were expected for the Chevrolet Corvette Nomad, aka the Waldorf Nomad.

However, after making an impact it simply disappeared.

This was often the case with GM one-off cars.

Whispers started to surface – however – that a Waldorf Nomad had been discovered stored in a warehouse in Newport Beach, California.

The rare and highly collectible motor was said to have been sold to a private collector.

A solid theory, however, there is no concrete evidence to back it up.

Adding to the confusion, automotive historian David W. Temple claimed in Old Cars Weekly that three examples of the car had actually been built.

He was alleged to have uncovered proof that one was scrapped in July 1955.

He also found photos of a second Nomad.

This one was on display at the 1955 Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, Canada.

How do we know it wasn’t the same car? The show was held six weeks after the first car was scrapped.

The third was alleged to have been found in Newport Beach.

However it’s impossible to know whever those claims are, in fact, true.

Other automotive mysteries

Want more car-related head-scratchers? Of course you do.

This modern-day Audi TT in seemingly great condition has become a mossy mystery in the UK.

The team at Supercar Blondie recently solved the mystery of a supercar in 1960s London – well, we think so anyway – we think it was a sports car made by a now-defunct brand.

Want to go even further back in history? What happened to the only car on the Titanic after the ship sank remains a mystery.

The 1912 Renault Type CB Coupe de Ville sank with the Titanic after its owner, William Carter, loaded it on the ship.


user

Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.