The late 1940s brought increased interest in streamlined design, with a few auto companies taking the trend to an extreme. Nash was one of these, producing the “upside bathtub look” in several flavors – the Ambassador, the Statesman, the Rambler. Nash called this “Airflyte” styling, derived from wind tunnel tests for drag coefficients. Here on eBay, we have a 1951 Nash Ramber convertible project car. The starting bid is $3,000 with no takers yet. This car is located in Alameda, California, and it has a story. Apparently, it is one of some fifty cars owned by the seller’s father who passed four years ago. It is the last of the lot to be sold off, with a requirement for home repair funds given as the reason for sale. It’s no secret why this was the last to be sold – it has no pink slip as the father never registered the car in his name. It does have DMV paperwork from 1969, but no word as to whose name that is in, or what state issued it. Despite this, the title is called “clear” in the description. No, I am not sure if the plywood on top of the car comes with it, or not. We have T.J. to credit for this tip!
The motor Nash installed in the Rambler was a 173 cu. in. six-cylinder making about 82 bhp. Fuel economy – not performance – was this car’s claim to fame, at about 30 mph. That said, the Rambler did occupy an important niche as the first post-war compact car. Of course, this car does not run but does roll. I presume that box of parts does come with the car.
The convertible feature was interesting: the top rolled down a channel around the window frames which remained fixed. Aside from the title comment, the seller brings more confusion to the table by claiming the car is in “good” condition but requires rust and dent repair. Obviously, the paint is challenged as well. I am not seeing much chrome that I like the looks of, and the top has seen better days. The undercarriage reveals a few wonky bits.
The interior needs reupholstering at the very least. Yes, that’s a piece of glass in the upper left. Looks like table glass to me, but I could be wrong. It’s hard to tell where the car parts end and the home furnishings start with this one. Good news, though: that’s a key in the ignition switch! There’s one nice Nash Rambler convertible on the market now, for about $44,000; it’s nice but not perfect. Given that, what do you all think about this price?
I’ll give the author the benefit, as she may have just been a twinkle in her daddys eye, but Lois Lane ( Noel Neill) and Jimmy(Jack Larson) drove a Nash just like this. To be honest, I wasn’t born yet either, but the Superman( George Reeves) series( 1952-1958) featured Nash cars, probably their biggest moment in the sun. See, now if I was selling this car in Cal. I’d say it was Lois Lanes car, why not? Hmm, that gives me an idea,,,anyway, so I’m watching the madness on TV, Dallas this time, oh, the money flowed like, um, energy drinks( poison, btw) and I make a note of the types of cars, and who is buying them. These folks want instant gratification when buying that black 700hp Chevelle, not wait 4 years for a ’51 Nash. In nice shape, they’d be jumping over each other, as the price climbs, only because it would be the talk of all their rich buddies, but like this, I’d be surprised if anyone goes for it. The “no bids” pretty much bolsters that statement. Sorry, folks with lofty dreams of get rich quick with this stuff is falling off. Scam the elderly, or something, just not derelict old cars anymore, and that’s a shame. This would be a fun project say 25 years ago.
https://www.imcdb.org/v055760.html
Howard A, how did you miss this?
https://www.imcdb.org/movie_45826-Glen-or-Glenda.html
Not certain, but I think the same car appeared in one of Ed’s other movies, too….
I could never love this fugly 4wheeled kelvinator and rebuilding it will be a labor of love …
Lois Lane may be looking for this. Fortunately it’s on the Left Coast and I’m on the Right, so no go. But what a blast to putter with and tool around town as you fix. When did anyone see another?
In 1953, when I was 4 1/2 years old and my sister was 9 or 10 months old. My family (Mom, Dad and us two young’uns), made the trip from our home in Houston, TX to my Dad and his Mom’s home town of Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island, FL. At that time, our family car was a 1951 Nash Rambler two door post just like this car but without the convertible top. Ours was gloss black over mellow yellow and that was one heck of a trip for us. I still have some very good memories of that trip but I drove my parents wacko by sitting in the back seat and teaching my little sister how to talk for most of the round trip. Would dearly love to have and restore this little car and do have the time and funds…just not the space. My parents bought that Nash slightly used sometime between 1952 and our trip to replace theif 1941 Ford Coupe which they got after Dad returned from the Pacific in 1946 about the time they got married. So many memories…and that Nash is a great one for me. Sorry to get so long winded but this little car just brought it allback and I like to share the “good” stuff. Thanks for your patience.
Pleasure reading you
I’m surprised there hasn’t been at least one bid ! Yes its an odd duck , but its a Rambler convertible , I’m sure there weren’t too many made and few probably survive – Judging by the spark plugs out and the box of freeze plugs, I’d venture to say the motor is the reason it was parked all those years ago , but the good side is the car looks mostly complete, the body is rot free , and the interior , while pretty spartan, looks like it would clean up fairly well with some elbow grease . I’ll bet they used that engine for years ; finding a running one in a rusty car may not be that difficult if the engine in this one is shot. Id say its a real solid car for a restoration !
We have two of these a 51 and a 52 we sometimes take them to the big AACA meet in Hershey every fall. They generate a huge amount of interest even when one was parked next to a Package show car a few years back. These actually sold very well for Nash and they were not cheap but came with most options that cost extra on other cars. They are fairly light cars so are pretty peppy. With overdrive they can easily do freeway speeds. The interior on that one is not original.
Check out our video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKLY5xUZesE
Excellent video and i love this nifty pair of Ramblers!