The other day, I posted a review of a 1956 Hudson Hornet Special, and some of the discussion centered on where Hudson and Nash were headed after the 1954 AMC merger that combined the two brands. Both sides of the house were still independent in ’54, and this Nash Statesman Custom beautifully represents what that side of the house was up to. Found enjoying a sunny day in Meota, Saskatchewan, Canada, this “Big Economy Car,” as Nash labeled it, is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,000 CA (about $7,100 U.S.). Thanks are due to Dean for this tip!
Nash was big on aerodynamics in this era, as embodied by their “Airflyte” designs. The Ambassador sat at the top while the Rambler occupied the compact slot. In between was the Statesman, such as today’s subject. Body styles included two-door hardtops in the Custom-only trim level and two and four-door sedans in either Custom or Super trims. Our four-door Custom sedan is one of 4,200 assembled – not rare, but hardly common either. The seller claims, “no room to store,” but doesn’t have much else to add. It’s logical to assume this sedan with undisclosed mileage has been restored, but its past is unclear. The images are limited, but from what’s revealed, it’s hard to nitpick this Nash – I can find nothing out of sorts with its exterior presentation.
As with the exterior, the interior shows well. I’m not sure about the brown check fabric/vinyl upholstery and its cohesiveness with the black/gray door panels, so maybe something here has been changed. The floor mat/carpet is looking a bit worn too, but it’s not indicative of a problem.
Nash prided itself on its fold-down seat feature, which seems strange today. I suppose 72 years ago, you could just pull over when you got noddy-headed and take a snooze – you know, “you can sleep in your car, but you can’t drive your house”, or something like that. Try that today, and you’ll probably get picked up for vagrancy.
Sporting twin carburetors, this Sportsman’s powerplant is a 110 gross HP 196 CI, in-line, flathead “Powerflyte” six, driving the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. The seller adds, “Flathead six with twin 1 bbl carbs and a 3 on the tree with the optional overdrive making it very drivable on the highway.” The engine compartment image isn’t in great detail, but what can be seen reveals a stock and complete environment.
Once again, we have an exceptional example of an unusual model – hardly an everyday find, but still, with that nagging question: who’s the target market for a ’54 Nash Statesman? Based on the currency conversion rate, it seems reasonably priced if you’re a U.S. buyer and you can get it imported/hauled without breaking the bank. And then again, maybe Mr./Ms. Right is just around the corner in western Canada and will take the plunge – it’s not like you’re gonna find another anytime soon, and certainly not in this condition. Hope springs eternal, right?
Nice condition for a 74 year old! It’s got 4 doors and is not a muscle car but these old sedans have a place in the collector car market. They are what our parents and grandparents drove. This car needs to go to someone who appreciates the history of the independent car maker of the past.
What an unusual car. So rare, it must be considered collectible by someone!
This is a beautiful Nash. Great color combination. This really needs to be preserved, and enjoyed. I’d be very happy to have it. And its a very realistic price too.
How on this crazy world, can 2 cars, the Boss 302 and a Nash Statesman be from the same planet? Only a mere 15 years apart. And twin carbs on a Nash? Who did they think they were, Hudson? I’m sure it had something to do with it. Hardly a Twin-H, but got you over the hill, just not in O/D, is all. I kvetch about the stick,,,,and today will be no different. Clearly the owner has passed and “no room” tells me, no interest. For us remaining “shifty” characters, it’s probably a very easy car to drive, as long as there’s no rush. I’d love to drive it, but am constantly reminded with the underpowered Jeep, not everybody is retired. :)