Vehicle Description
Of all the American independents, Nash of Kenosha, Wisconsin, has a
particularly fascinating story. Company founder Charles Nash is a
genuine "rags-to-riches" character who ran away from indentured
servitude at the age of 12, eventually landing a job as a cushion
stuffer at Flint Road Cart Company, owned by William C. "Billy"
Durant and J. Dallas Dort. Streetwise and hard-working, Nash
steadily rose through the ranks, winding up as manager of the
Durant-Dort Carriage Company. Working closely with Durant, Nash was
put in charge of Buick by 1910 and managed all of General Motors
just two years later. However, like most people in Durant's inner
circle, the two men had a falling out, and Nash left GM to strike
out on his own. Charles Nash acquired the remains of the Thomas B.
Jeffery Company (producers of the original Rambler) and formed Nash
Motors Company in 1916. The first few cars were leftover models
badged as Nashes to use up existing stock, so it wasn't until 1918
that the first pure Nash hit the market. Buyers and critics
commended the new Nash for its neat and tidy styling, refined
Cardan-drive drivetrain, and powerful overhead-valve engine
designed by former Buick engineer Erik Wahlberg. Nash quickly
earned a reputation for high-quality, stylish cars at competitive
prices and was often in direct competition with Hudson in the
mid-priced market. In the 1930s, the influential designer Alexis de
Sakhnoffsky worked with Nash to create a line of beautiful,
streamlined bodies that complemented the powerful six and
eight-cylinder engines. The top-of-the-line Ambassador was
particularly stylish, with deeply skirted fenders and a flowing,
fastback roofline reminiscent of the Chrysler Airflow. In classic
Nash tradition, the Ambassador's 260.8 cubic-inch inline-eight
featured overhead valves and delivered its 100 horsepower with
notable refinement. The advanced and robust drivetrain earned it a
loyal following, even finding favor with European buyers who
appreciated the Ambassador's lively performance, durability, and
value. This fascinating 1935 Nash Ambassador Cabriolet is one of a
mere handful of Nash automobiles in history to feature bodywork by
an outside coachbuilder. Even more unusual is this Ambassador's
European origins, and it's distinctive coachwork by the
highly-respected firm Gl�ser-Karosserie GmbH of Dresden, Germany.
First registered in Denmark in August 1935, little is known of the
first owner. Gl�ser was a fitting choice to provide the coachwork
for the big eight-cylinder Nash, as they had a long tradition of
creating high-quality bodies for prestigious marques like Daimler,
Horch, Steyr, and others. They also bodied a select few American
cars, and the well-engineered Nash platform suited their style and
quality. This example is understood to be the only one of its kind;
however, Gl�ser's production records did not survive World War II.
After being hidden away during the war, the Nash-Gl�ser quietly
remained in Denmark for many years. It resurfaced and was acquired
by a renowned collector of rare and unusual Nashes. Following the
acquisition, he commissioned an extensive, ground-up restoration,
performed by a noted specialist in Europe. Time had taken its toll
on the structural woodwork, which restorers methodically recreated
using the original pieces as patterns. The restoration team worked
to preserve as much of the original sheet metal as possible,
recreating new segments only when necessary. The owner selected a
suitably bold color scheme of maroon and cream, with matching
two-tone wheels and a tan interior to complement the car's Art Deco
origins. Since completion, the restoration has taken on a pleasant
character with use, and it wonderfully suited to regular enjoyment
or show. The striking livery suits the design quite well, and
recently-installed period-correct black wall bias-ply tires round
out the authentic presentation. The European influence of the
coachwork carries over into the five-passenger cabin. Substantial,
vault-like doors open to reveal individual front seats trimmed in
lovely natural tan leather upholstery. Door panels, rear seats, and
carpet bindings feature the same matching leather. The bold
woodgrain-effect dash is a distinctly American feature, with
art-deco detailing and beautiful center-mounted rectangular
instruments - including a speedometer calibrated in kilometers.
Other noteworthy details include gorgeous wood door caps, curved
Perspex visors, and a sporty Bluemels Brooklands steering wheel.
The black canvas top is in good condition and features a matching
canvas boot cover. Beneath the hood sits the powerful and refined
260.8 cubic-inch overhead valve Nash inline-eight. It is
well-detailed, showing good quality paintwork with period-correct
fittings and hardware. The goal of the restoration was to create a
good looking and equally good performing car for road events and
rallies. The previous owner reported a trouble-free run in a
500-mile rally shortly after completing the project, and in 2020,
it participated in the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance,
reflecting both the quality of the restoration and the robust Nash
underpinnings. The Classic Car Club of America granted it Full
Classic status, putting it in a select group of cars from Kenosha
to receive that honor. It shows today in excellent order, suitable
for continued enjoyment in tours and shows, and would be a splendid
addition to a collection of American Independents or other rare
coachbuilt motorcars. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6682-1935-nash-ambassador-glaser-cabriolet/
