Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Fall event,
August 31-3, 2017.
Chassis No.
108316
Estimate:
$ 95,000 - $110,000 US
Founded in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Nash Motors Company is perhaps best
known for its basic, economical yet quirky products from the
post-war era such as the aerodynamically designed Airflyte models,
the cheeky Austin-powered Metropolitan, and the Rambler economy
car. While much is written of the Nash-Kelvinator and American
Motors days, the days of Nash as an independent manufacturer are
perhaps more interesting.
Nash was formed when Charles W. Nash, former president of General
Motors, left GM and took over Jeffrey Motor Co. in 1916. While he
established himself, production of the Jeffrey continued until 1918
when the first proper Nash was introduced. The six-cylinder,
mid-priced car was very well built, albeit relatively conventional.
Far nicer than a Chevrolet or Ford, Nash was more on par with the
likes of Buick, Auburn and even entry-level Packards in terms of
quality.
During World War I, the Nash works was heavily occupied with
construction of four-wheel drive trucks used by the U.S. military,
though automobile production continued and sales grew steadily into
the next decade.
By the middle of the 1920s Nash had become widely respected,
particularly in export markets, helped in large part by the smooth
and powerful "Special Six" and range-topping "Advanced Six" models.
For the 1930 season, Nash's first eight-cylinder engine was
introduced. Two years later, the "Ambassador Eight" became a
standalone model range offered in a wide range of body styles.
Available on a 133 inch chassis, the prestigious new Ambassadors
were powered by Nash's own 322 cubic inch (5.3-liter), 125
horsepower, overhead valve, twin-ignition straight-eight. Even in
the face of the Great Depression, Charles Nash's careful management
(and some would say creative accounting), allowed Nash to be the
only other American automobile manufacturer aside from GM to turn a
profit in 1932. The Ambassadors were lavishly equipped and
beautifully constructed, earning them the nickname "the Kenosha
Duesenberg". Thanks in large part to that exceptional quality and
understated elegance, a number of royal families around the globe
found favor with Nash, including Prince William of Sweden, King
Carol II of Romania, and Queen Alexandrine of Denmark.
This fine Series 1093 Advanced Eight Convertible Sedan from 1932 is
one of just 1,891 Advanced Eight models built in 1932 and is one of
an estimated three survivors to wear the highly desirable
convertible sedan coachwork. The body, built by Seaman Body
Corporation (of whom Nash owned a controlling stake) is quite
attractive and could be compared in style, quality and size to a
contemporary Auburn. This example was discovered in Arizona in the
1970s by G.J. Woodsworth, a skilled general contractor, car
enthusiast, and experienced restorer.
In spite of the Nash's derelict state, Mr. Woodsworth immediately
recognized it as something special and was able to purchase the car
for $1,800. Thankfully, the original twin-ignition, overhead valve
inline-eight and the rest of the drivetrain were intact, though
some ancillaries and exterior fittings had gone missing. After many
years of hunting and collecting parts, Mr. Woodsworth began the
arduous task of restoring the car. The body was carefully
disassembled and the structural wood was carefully restored or
replaced using the white oak and alder as original. Prior to
assembly, he took the time to preserve each piece to ensure it
would be safe from future rot. The exceptional care and level of
detail is still apparent in the restoration, even many years
later.
He chose a striking color combination of terra-cotta red with cream
accents and body lines. The lacquer paint was hand sanded between
numerous coats and finished with clear for added durability. It has
withstood the test of time well and remains very attractive, the
beautiful colors highlighting the elegance of the Seaman-built
body. The chrome and exterior fittings remain in very good order
and it is well detailed with dual side-mount spares, an integrated
trunk, original Nash mascot, and dual Do-Ray driving lamps. The
stylish looks are punctuated by a set of wide whitewall tires and
lovely chromed wire wheels.
The interior is finished in cream-beige leather, which was also
restored by Mr. Woodsworth. He rebuilt the seat frames while his
wife stitched new covers. Body-color carpets accent the beige
leather and provide a pop of color. While technically a hobby-level
restoration, the work is exemplary and certainly comparable to that
of a professional shop of the era. The cabin remains in very good
condition, having taken on a light patina from use, as the
Woodworth family enjoyed the Nash a great deal on the road. The
full folding convertible top was carefully reconstructed to ensure
proper operation and trimmed in tan Haartz canvas. As with the
exterior, the interior is full of fascinating details such as an
original radio, marbleized bakelike shift knob, and a fantastic Art
Deco-inspired instrument panel.
The big, powerful twin-spark straight-eight was in remarkably good
order as found, needing only light honing on the cylinders to
return to top condition. Following a light rebuild, it was
carefully detailed to original specification. The presentation
remains quite good, though some minor cosmetic wear is apparent in
places. It remains a strong runner with no needs to be fully
enjoyed. The restoration on this exceedingly rare and fascinating
Nash Ambassador Eight has weathered beautifully and the car remains
in attractive, well-sorted condition, ready for the next keeper to
enjoy the fruits of G.J. "Woody" Woodsworth's copious labor.
