Time for the Wayback Machine, in more ways than one. First, Barn Finds featured this exact car in 2018, when it was priced at $29k. Not much later, it was reoffered at about $23k. Today, this 1924 Nash Victoria is for sale here on craigslist at $13k, and it’s located in Columbia, South Carolina. I would like to be able to say the seller has become realistic, but alas: here is a nicely restored, well-running Nash Six roadster that recently sold for around $16k, only a bit more than this needs-everything Victoria. Shifting an early Nash with needs to a new garage will be tough sledding, even at today’s new, improved price and despite the seller’s family’s fifty-year ownership history. Thanks to Tony Primo for finding this grand old lady for us!
Yes, that’s an overhead valve six-cylinder engine, made when most cars – including the ubiquitous Model T – were ratcheting along with flathead fours. The advanced engineering was courtesy of Nils Erik Wahlberg, recruited from General Motors shortly after Nash was founded in 1916. A single updraft carburetor fed the intake, and the crank rolled on seven main bearings. The whole kit produced about 55 hp for a comfortable cruising speed of about 40 mph. A three-speed non-synchro gearbox and mechanical rear brakes were more typical of contemporary technology. This Nash needs resurrection in every corner, and when it comes to the mechanicals, beware that year-by-year model changes make determining interchangeability an exercise in confusion.
The seller makes a vague claim that this Victoria was somehow a one-of-one custom car, with no real explanation. The seating arrangement is unusual, with a fold-away passenger seat up front (I’m not sure if the seller believes this feature is “custom”; I found it in this Nash brochure on page 6, apparently part of the production model), and a chair for the driver. Aside from the seating, a beefy vent is found in the floor for heat, and the windows are equipped with roller shades. Nash aimed for upscale appointments, so a clock, and nickel-plated trim and handles were found in every enclosed car.
Nash delivered most of its cars with wood-spoked artillery wheels, but tall steelies were an extra-cost option. These are 32″ tall – so tires will be a special consideration. And if you’re wondering about the “Victoria” body style: while the names assigned to body configurations were sometimes marketing imaginations, the Victoria was a two-door, short-coupled sedan with a rounded rear end, like a cross between a coupe and a saloon. This early bit of Americana has long been in the market for a new home; what do you think about its prospects?
What a nice surprise to see yet another Nash. This would look stunning restored, with an OHV!
What, is this Nash Week, at Barn Finds?
It must be. Keep ’em coming! 👍👍
Cool find! I, IMHO, detect a little bit of a Bugatti Royale vibe from the disc wheels and general profile. Add a couple feet to the front end and some sweeping front fenders….1/2 size luxury!
If you remember me saying my grandfather ran over someone with a Nash, it had these wheels that probably saved the woman. Not sure how he could have even afforded a car, it was the mid 30s, and knowing my grandfather, I’m sure he got the car cheap. It should be noted, the Nash shown here was actually quite a performer for the early 20s. The 6 was capable of 55 mph, although as mentioned, cruised at a lot less. Nash was pricey. I read, this car cost just under $2grand( $1990), or $200 less than a Buick, when a Ford was almost 1/4 that( $590). Since the Ford V8 was years away, this car could leave a Ford in the dust. A Buick, not so much.
I sell the old car hobby short, and not entirely fair. I’m confident there is someone with a shred of history, that will take this on. It’s remarkably complete, and wouldn’t take much. Wonderful find. I think the price reduction tells a grim story.
These 20s and 30s vehicles are what brought me to the hobby 60 years ago, and when you say antique or classic, this is what I think of, not some Vet or Mustang. Unfortunately there is little interest in them. The ask on a roadworthy Essex above is $6900, this gentleman should be happy with $5000 for a vehicle that needs a full restoration. Again, sad commentary on the hobby.
This is a really striking car and I love the proportions of the wheels. It really evokes that roaring 20s aesthetic. That said, I can’t see this being better than a 4-5k project. Maybe $7k to someone who just has to have it.
Last month, Bring a Trailer sold a ’24 Hupp coupe, running and driving with presentable paint and interior ….for $3350!
It’s not as well styled but coincidentally had the same 3+1 jumpseat arrangement.
yup sadly our car club roster,has drifted to 1950s n up,an thats ok….sign of the times…alot of our newer members are ‘automatic only’ drivers…I recently took my newer (2002) pickup over to one of those “chain” oil change places…Blonde haired gal comes out with her clipboard “ok sir..I’ll take it from here” She opens the door, starts to get in,looks down at the floor,says “Im NOT driving THAT in.”! lol (5spd manual,with shorter 4×4 stick,lol)..hadta get a mid 40s dude to bring it in lol……
Look at the photo of the engine. It looks like the fan is mounted on the front of the generator, which is mounted on the front of the engine–very unusual!
While this is a very unique and cool old Nash, sadly, the market for these cars died around the time my Dad and his generation died a decade ago. I’d be shocked if anyone offered more than $5-7000 for this car.
I don’t have the money but I promise to take care it for many years to come!
A cam-driven generator. What a novel idea. Too pricey, however.
No mention of running condition zero?
Well I rescued this old girl and I am going to bring her back to her fame and glory of the roaring 20’s that she deserves. She will be the hit at any car show. How many people have ever seen one. Even at Hershey I dout anyone has seen a car like this.