Vehicle Description
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 US 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 125�hp, 322 cubic inches (5.3�L)
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 sidemount 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 chrome 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 knop 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.
