This clean and original-looking 1939 Nash Lafayette Special coupe is currently listed for sale here on eBay, where bidding has only risen to $1,525 so far, and there’s no mention of a reserve. The Nash can be picked up in Presque Isle, Maine after you’ve successfully won the auction! Let’s examine this unusual find more closely.
The Nash Lafayette Special, despite the glamorous name, was actually the lowest of the four trim levels offered in the 1939 Nash. All Lafayette Specials featured the 99-horsepower “Super-Thrift” inline-six engine with dual downdraft carburetors. The big marketing news for Nash for 1939, besides the styling updates, was the availability of the optional “Weather-Eye” thermostatically controlled conditioning of the ventilation air. We don’t know if this car has it, as the available picture of the dash isn’t comprehensive enough to show the controls, but you can see how it works in this diagram. Interestingly enough, the “Weather-Eye” name was applied to Nash and, later, AMC models all the way up to the 1977 Hornet and the 1978 Gremlin models.
The “art deco” styling of the 1939 Nash certainly set it apart from most contemporary cars, at least from the front. Those new-for-’39 headlights are certainly distinctive, and they were used on all four series of Nashes in 1939, but were replaced by round lights in 1940. The chrome on this car certainly looks good in all of the pictures, although it’s hard to tell its true condition without an in-person exam or close-up pictures. The body is described as being “in good shape,” with the floor and trunk being solid. Scotty G. posted about a 1939 Nash Ambassador (an upscale model) coupe here in 2016, and even that unrestored car was going for more than this auction so far.
From the rear, the car also looks complete, and the bumpers certainly appear straight. I wish there were pictures included of the floor, inside the trunk, under the hood, and the underside of the car. I’m surprised there aren’t more pictures included in the auction listing, especially with the car listed as having 45,000 original miles and appearing so clean in the pictures we can see.
Assuming this is the original interior, it’s certainly due for an upgrade, but having this much upholstery, carpet, and door panels intact will help the duplication effort. There’s a long shift lever attached to a manual transmission-both three and three-speed+overdrive versions were available in 1939, and we don’t know which type this car is equipped with. 65,662 1939 Nashes were built, but unfortunately, production records were not kept by model, so we don’t really know how many Lafayette Special coupes were produced.
The art deco styling extended to the dash. It’s possible that the circular shape visible behind the steering wheel spoke on the right is a Weather-Eye control, but it’s hard to tell.
I was hoping this vintage Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers window decal would help unlock some vintage background information on the car, but it dates from 1995 to 2002, so it’s a comparably recent addition to the car. I’d love to know more about this charming pre-war car, especially how it runs and anything about its history. But what do you think?
1st thing that comes to my mind, how did this car ever escape becoming a Gasser drag car. Images show, however, the Nash wasn’t near as popular as the Henry J or Willys for some reason. I’m going with the war thing again, I just can’t imagine how these pristine pre-war cars even exist otherwise. This wasn’t a family mans car, and entirely possible, someone bought it new, put some miles on, and off they went. Don’t ask the seller, it’s clear they know little about the car, and $1525( going up in $25 increments) is a slap in the face and pretty clear nobody wants it. Before our very eyes, people, before our very eyes.
That opening side profile picture really highlights the beautiful shape of so many pre war cars, this one included. I would consider bringing the interior up to the same condition as the exterior, but really, you could just drive and enjoy it the way it is now too. I will say to Howards comment about 2 doors not typically being family cars, that my Dads father had a 1940 Chevy 2 door coupe similar to this, his brother, also with a family had a ’39 coupe. Maybe they were the exception to the rule.
I hope this is Nash gets enjoyed and stays on the road. Thank you Jaime I enjoyed your write up.
Growing up, my Dad always bought 2 door cars for our family car. After all the kids moved out, he started buying 4 doors. 🤔
This is a beautiful car and IMO it’s sad that cars like this get almost no love anymore. This car is a candidate for a major drivetrain swap, a slight rear-high stance, and wheels. But that’s a big hit to the wallet when leaving it just like this outside with a period appropriate upgrade to the interior makes for a great driver that gives a kind of satisfaction when driving that yet another muscle car can’t.
But what does it say that a dealer gives no info on its mechanical condition, and no engine or underside fotos. That doesn’t inspire confidence, so I’ve asked.
This is an auction that will be interesting to follow. It’s a really good design, but are there buyers actually willing to spend money on an orphan brand?
Running a no reserve auction with a low starting point is a risky proposition.
Steve R