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With the possible exception of woodies, Chevy Nomads and Pontiac Custom Safaris of 1955-57 must rank as the coolest station wagons ever manufactured. They had sportier presence than most passenger cars of their day, being fashioned after a Corvette concept car. They also had nearly as much utility as conventional wagons; but their relatively high cost kept sales low, and GM's redesigned 1958 lineup excluded the body style. Needless to say, these sublimely handsome cars are highly collectible today.
Proportions on Danbury's model look exact, finish is impeccable, and details abound. The multiplicity of exterior and interior chrome trim is crisp, smooth and virtually to scale. Wheel covers are replete with valve stem representation and correct white accents - but alas, the white side trim accents were not carried over from DM's turquoise Nomad. Dashboard, steering wheel and column bespeak the then-new Chevy Look, and the bright sill plates carry minute "Body by Fisher" logos. Stowed with the spare tire, under the removable cover in the cargo area, are separate jack and handle. The nicely replicated 265 c.i. V8 is (to a reasonable degree) wired, plumbed and labeled. Door fit is considerably better than on my early-issue turquoise Nomad, but no up-to-the-minute amenities such as working suspension have been added. I still rate this replica at 4 stars out of 5 - and would love to be able to park a 1:24 Mint-quality Custom Safari next to it. The issue price is $112 + S&H.
(03/12/1999)
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