It looks almost like a cross between a rolling sarcophagus and a bathtub with a little bit of Dick Tracy thrown in – you know a Nash Super 600, like this 1949 example, when you see one. Considered a project with over $3,000 invested in parts, this Nash is located in Boise, Idaho and is available, here on craigslist for $4,500. Thanks to Tyson W for this tip!
Aerodynamics were all the rage in the late ’40s and the Airflyte Aero designs were Nash’s contribution to the movement. While “unusual” in its styling, the advantage of the design was realized by the 600’s commodious interior. Called the Nash bathtub and offered for model years 1949, 1950, and 1951, the styling changed in ’52 utilizing a still rounded body but topped with a more traditionally designed greenhouse. A sturdy body indeed, this one is in pretty good shape from a dent and rust perspective though much of the trim has been removed and the finish is burned through and/or has been removed – note how the paint is missing on the driver’s side of the hood divide but not on the passenger side.
An 82 HP, 172 CI, flathead, in-line six-cylinder engine is under the hood of this Nash, but unfortunately, it’s a non-runner. The seller mentions, “Was running when parked, but not currently as it is not parked at my home“. So does that mean it runs when it is parked at his home? Whatever the case, the seller has performed some upgrades including, “new brakes, new tires, new gas tank, new brake lines, new gas lines“. The transmission is listed as an automatic but that may mean a three-speed manual with automatic overdrive which was a Nash option in ’49.
Good to see inside is the obligatory box of “whatever” perched on the driver’s seat. The dash appears to be missing components but the big, central speedo pod is still where it belongs, how unique! It’s a safe bet that the upholstery is going to need some work and the headliner appears to have let go. It’s difficult to be objective about the interior since it is so obscured (the backseat is worse) but in addition to what’s been noted, the floor covering looks disheveled and the passenger side door card is likely missing.
So, it’s now what to do with it time. My thought is a stock restore, there are lots of parts in the trunk though whether all of the necessaries are there or not may be an issue – it seems like a solid candidate, however. But then again, there’s the matter of the engine and what may, or may not, be the case there. This Airflyte design is so unique, it’s almost one of those “It’s so odd, it’s cool looking” kind of cars. What do you think, a reasonable project or too many unknowns?
As an oddball car that looks good with the right paint, I’d be very tempted to stuff a big V8 with automatic in it, upgrade the brakes and keep everything else stock. Can you imagine the fun of blowing down an interstate at 100 plus mph passing cars in something that looks like a giant june bug?
How about staying with both the spirit of the era and hotrodding.
Put a Hudson Twin-H and dual-range Hydro in it, swap the carbs for TBI under the stock air cleaner.
Easy fit, can be done using a large majority of stock parts.
Some modern brakes and steering and your on your way to “doing the ton” on the freeway just like the Hudson’s did on the speedways of the ’50’s.
I have to stop now, my checkbook and I aren’t on speaking terms right now so I can’t jump in on it.
Not a bad idea, Jetfire88! BTW, do you have a Jetfire 88?
You want Hudson performance? buy one. The Hudson of that era has the geometry, physics and handling no other American car. Best leave this one original and not deprive it of uniqueness either.
Nash and Hudson didn’t merge until 1954. The blending of a Hudson engine or anything else doesn’t make sense.
This car needs just the typical wake up of any old car. Why suggest adding a drivetrain that doesn’t exist on the open market like the Twin H and make an otherwise restoration more complex then it needs to be.
It would be very absurd to want to add a large V8 with the only goal to drive it to 100 mph to show off to someone. If that is the goal one would get more looks driving it slow.
A V8 isn’t going to fit. You would have to gut the body and add a custom chassis along with a much needed brake system. Nash pioneered the uni body. Get ready for hours of welding.
A Nash is something to drive and enjoy it for what it is. Made in an era when thinking outside the box was not a normal practice. Charles Nash knew and understood the place of independent automakers. There were consumers who wanted different. A theme carried on at American Motors after his death. A concept needed today where everything looks the same.
I 2nd the 454 fuelie just a cruising like a big boss down I-75 with a sinister black paint job with the blackout treatment and tinted windows scaring the crap out of everyone who sees it lol
Would you get a big block between those inner guards/fenders? Nash’s enclosed front wheels came at a cost.
I 2nd the 454 fuelie just a cruising like a big boss down I-75 with a sinister black paint job with the blackout treatment and tinted windows scaring the crap out of everyone who sees it lol
seats fold flat?? I am in !!
Folding seats were a Nash and AMC tradition for many years, at least into the sixties.
Rode in one of these as a youth from SW Oregon to Seattle area. Nice and smooth.
The fold flat seats were a thing w/ Nash. Good friend became a daddy too soon in a later model.
The AMC/Jeep 4 liter inline 6 would be a better fit, figuratively and literally, and can make plenty of power. No need to try to stuff a big block in there.
Begs for a shaft drive Bike motor
Bagged!
My Mom and Dad brought me home from the hospital in a brand new one of these.
My Grand Father had one of these from 1950 until 1956 , remember it as a really smooth quiet car with a weird dash, heard him comment for years after about his Nash !
With a more powerful engine, and a stiffer suspension, and power disc brakes, and radial tires, you would solve the issues with this for today’s roads. And seat belts. In the early ’50’s many makes (I do not know about Nash) offered “export” models and Nash had “police” modifications, which might solve the really soft suspension in these, the modifications being primarily to the suspension but sometimes a heavier duty clutch, generator, battery, and radiator.
Mercy! These things were ugly. But, they did have fully reclining seats!
That grill, is a subliminal smirk! It knows it’s ugly, but flaunts it.
I think the grill is more of a grimace.
I remember reading long time ago that when GM was designing the ’91 and up Impala/Caprice sedan, the designers taped a big pic of one of these on the wall as inspiration. There is a resemblance.
Rode in one of these as a youth from SW Oregon to Seattle area. Nice and smooth.
The fold flat seats were a thing w/ Nash. Good friend became a daddy too soon in a later model.
The Novel THE LAST TIME I SAW ALICE by ahem: me has as one of it interconnected plots, the oddessy an almost mythical 1950 Nash Ambassador named The Mulholland Rocket. It’s available on Amazon at a price no one would pay, however one is allowed to read the first two chapters free.
Our neighbor had one when I was growing up; was a smooth, quiet car like others have said. I agree with Matty D above; why destroy history and an unusual car like this? If one could find the larger OHV Nash in-line six that would also be a significant upgrade.
No one wants original?? The 196 engine runs smoothly, approaches 30 mpg at modest cruising speeds, but will cruise all day at 70 mph if needed. I know, because I drove these all the time.
These are so cool but….but….but
@John E. Klintz
No Jetfires at this time, but I have had a few in the past. A very interesting and fun car, quite advanced for its time but fiddly to keep all the control systems working in sync.
I’ve thought about getting another and playing with swapping the carb and water injection to computer enhanced fuel injection, but too many other projects and ideas ahead of it.
To Jetfire88: that’s right, it had a turbo V-8; I had forgotten about that. I’m a Corvair guy; my last one (many, many years ago) was a Corsa 4-carb, not a turbo like Jay Leno’s. Anyway keep enjoying the hobby!
I guess the one here in my town a couple of months ago was a steal, versus the price on this one. Looked great, nice paint and interior for $4900.
These are so ugly they are cool!
I am normally not a hot-rodder type, but this is begging for satin black paint & to be lowered. Not chopped, just lowered.
If I were to go through all of that, might as well upgrade to a fuel injected 4.0 & automatic. Make a reliable cruiser out of it.