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Drive-In Fun: 1951 Nash Ambassador

Most people born in recent years will never know anything about all the great American manufacturers who used to battle for market share here on their home turf. Nash is one of those companies who’s memory is starting to fade. That is the reason we hope cars like this 1951 Nash Ambassador can be saved for future generations. This one is claimed to be a survivor and can be found here on eBay out of New Haven, Connecticut with bidding currently at $4,250. Thanks goes out to Sean S sending this our way.

The Airflyte styling was unique to say the least. Prospective buyers had to be shocked when they entered the showroom and saw this sitting on the floor. After being convinced that it was possible to change a flat, it was probably an easy sell because these car had some nice features.

Nash dealers liked to brag about their one-piece curved windshield and rear window wiper. That may seem silly today, but back in the fifties innovations like that were a big deal. This sedan is even fitted with some removable bug screens to keep the pests out while letting the cool air in. We are sure they made those warm summer nights at the drive-in a little cooler.

If the movie ended up being a bore, you could always recline the seats and snuggle up. That front bench could actually fold all the way back converting into a bed. This was a family sedan in more ways then one…

This inline-six was fitted with a single barrel carburetor and could be had with a three speed manual or an optional GM automatic. This particular car has supposedly only covered 44k miles since new. We think that claim just might be true considering how much of the car looks to still be original.

The exterior of this upside-down bathtub is also claimed to still be wearing its factory blue paint-job. The photos show a difference in color between panels, but the seller claims that it is all straight without any rust. We sure hope all the claims are true because an original car this old does not come along very often. Too bad the pool of prospective collectors is drying up because these Airflytes are among the most interesting American cars ever built.

Comments

  1. Avatar J. Pickett

    I want it. I’ve been looking for one, but now would have to get rid of current project. Those reclining seats often made Drive In theaters turn away kids in Nashes.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar michael

    This is a rare but beautifull find I my self have a 1968 Amc american rambler w 199-6 still has not been crack open and still run great. my grand mother bought it back in 1970 and been in the family since i’m currently working on restoring it.every body ask what kind of car is that and i tell them what it is they say they never heard of that company.

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  3. Avatar scot c

    ~ yet another exotic Flying Lady.
    artist who created? anyone know?
    ‘Hood ornament identification guide, if it ain’t here, don’t ask me. I don’t know’
    justacarguy – hood-ornament-identifiaction-guide

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    • Avatar Billy Rockfish

      The cheesecake/pin up artist George Petty created this hood ornament for Nash-Kelvinator.

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      • Avatar scot

        ~ i goog’d George Petty at the original time of the post, Billy. what i’ve found is so remarkable! his work is absolutely stunning and it is pleasing to know how many others enjoy it.

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  4. Avatar paul

    Nice, if I didn’t have a project already then this would be it.

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  5. Avatar Dan Farrell

    6 or 12 volt anyone?

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    • Avatar John

      Looks like a 6 volt battery.

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  6. Avatar Al Lebo

    It appears to have a front end clip based on the color difference.

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  7. Avatar FRED

    MY DAD BOUGHT ONE MOM HATED IT.I WAS PLAYING IN IT WAITING FOR MOM ,KNOCKED IT OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED ACROSS A MAJOR ROAD AND ENDED UP WITH THE COWS IN THE FARM ACROSS THE STREET.MY BUTT WAS SORE FOR A WEEK AFTER THAT STUNT.DAD TRADED IT FOR A 54 CHEVY COVERTIBLE ALL BLACK THAT WAS USED IN EVERY PARADE IN EVERY TOWN FOR MILES.WISH I HAD THAT AND THE NASH NOW.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Sam

    Now that you mention it, how do you change the tires?

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    • Avatar paul

      They had enough room to sneak them out once jacked.

      Like 0
  9. Avatar GG

    My Dad bought an old Toyota Cressida from this guy. It was as advertised and maybe even nicer than we were told. He does come up with some very interesting cars.

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  10. Avatar Nick

    the front end was painted on one assembly line and the rest of the car on another they never matched exactly back then

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  11. Avatar Barn Finds

    Bidding made it to $6,300, but it wasn’t enough to meet reserve. The seller then relisted it and ended the auction early, so a deal must have been made offline.

    Like 0

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