The 1999 Chevrolet Nomad concept crossover vehicle combines attributes of a sporty coupe and a pickup truck. Nomad is a driver’s car with versatility, sporting a V8 engine, independent rear suspension, shift-by-wire transmission, retractable roof and an extended load floor.
The Nomad is a true two-fer in terms of concepts. The original Nomad that Chevrolet produced between 1955-57 was such a powerful design that it has spawned numerous concepts, two recently.
The 1999 version is built on fourth-generation Camaro/Firebird mechanicals. Reminiscent of previous Camaro and Firebird "wagons," the Nomad features a practical tailgate, generous cargo room, and performance an SUV can only dream of. Looked at from the front, more than a hint of first-generation Corvette puts a pure Chevrolet face on the car.
Timing for this Nomad couldn’t have been worse, as rumors of the Gen IV F-Bodies (Camaro/Firebird) death were all but confirmed. At the 1999 Detroit Auto Show where the car debuted, the car was virtually ignored by GM’s PR staff who didn’t want to give the concept too much play as its chance for production was zero.
Source: GM; www.thecarconnection.com