Vehicle Description
Unusual and rare Nash roadster. Powerful 249 cubic inch inline-6.
Extensive recent service work. Runs and drives very well. Nice
paint, interior, and nickel trim. Newer convertible top. A fine
nickel-era tour car that remains a lot of fun to drive.Nash was a
serious player in the early days of motoring, and throughout the
company's life they were always known for innovation and quality.
By the time this handsome 1924 Nash 696 roadster was built, Nash
was carving out a niche for itself by offering a lot more car than
a Model T Ford for not a lot more money. The upscale look came from
lots of bright nickel trim, which has softened to a lovely patina
today, as well as the sporting roadster bodywork. The roadster was
one of the lowest-priced cars Nash built in 1924, but today
roadsters are at the very top of most enthusiasts' wish lists. It's
strictly a two-seater, with a useful trunk out back. The soft
yellow paint is exactly the right choice, bright and cheerful but
sophisticated in a way that a brighter yellow wouldn't be. It's an
older restoration but holding up quite well, with a nice shine to
the paint and only a few minor signs of age and use. The black
fenders and splash aprons add some contrast, and you'll find a
myriad of wonderful details such as the kick panels on the running
boards, the propeller-style accessory hood ornament, cowl lights,
and a spotlight. Top up or top down, this is a great-looking
car!The simple black leatherette interior is cozy for two and
comfortable enough for touring. Controls will be familiar to anyone
who has driven other cars of this era, with a standard 3-speed
manual shift pattern, a foot pedal starter, and controls for the
ignition timing and hand throttle on the steering wheel hub. The
lone modification is a small toggle switch under the dash to the
left of the steering column, which controls the electric fuel pump
(it needs to be on to run the engine). All the gauges appear to be
operational, although we're not sure we trust the gas gauge, while
familiar Delco switches control the ignition and lights. The
upholstery and door panels are in very good condition and it offers
a small storage compartment behind the seat. Overhead there's a
recent tan canvas convertible top that folds easily and provides a
modicum of weather protection when combined with the included side
curtains. In back there's a decent-sized trunk that's ideal for a
weekend of touring for two.We also really like this Nash because of
the relatively powerful 249 cubic inch inline-6 that lives under
the hood. With overhead valves, it's far more sophisticated and
powerful than most of its competition's flathead four-cylinder
engines. An updraft carburetor supplies the fuel, as was typical of
the period, and it starts easily and runs great. There's a nice
6-cylinder burble from the tailpipe and it performs well on the
roads when driven appropriately?it's a 40-45 MPH car, so plan your
driving accordingly. The 3-speed manual transmission is not
synchronized, so you'll need to brush up on your double-clutching,
but once it's in high gear the engine is torquey enough that
shifting for anything other than a dead stop is unnecessary. Brakes
are external contracting drums on the rear wheels only, so keep
that in mind at all times, and it tracks rather well for a car with
such tall, skinny tires. The wood spoke wheels are in excellent
condition and carry 4.40/4.50-21 wide whitewall tires.Extras
include a bunch of spare parts including a spare generator, side
curtains, and some literature.Nickel-era cars represent a huge
value in the antique car world. They're still capable and fun to
drive and there are dozens of tours and events that welcome these
cars. With its strong-running six-cylinder engine, this is a lot
more car than a comparable Ford for about the same amount of money.
If you're a fan of the unusual, perhaps this Nash will be the right
fit. Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes
personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.
