What’s it like to drive a bath tub? While Nash gave the design of its brand new post-war sedans a fancy name – Airflyte – the vernacular is “bath tub styling”, and it arrived in 1949 as Nash’s first clean-sheet post-war effort. It was a groundbreaker. The first mass-produced unibody car, with coil springs all around and a sliding pillar front suspension – licensed from Lancia – the new car weighed substantially less than its peers. Before the new owner can test the Airflyte ride, mechanical work will be required to put this Nash 600 two-door sedan in order. It’s located in Pahrump, Nevada, and the tip came to us courtesy of T.J. – thanks!
The 172.6 cu.in. flathead six engine generated a paltry 82 hp but in return, yielded around 30 mpg. Supposedly, the factory named the “600” after the distance it could travel on a single tank of gas, but experience proved short of that and the claims were cut to 500 miles. The engine is paired with a three-speed manual, often enhanced with overdrive. Estimates of zero to sixty are around 20 seconds and top speed is 80 mph – for the brave. That swanky suspension proved problematic, requiring frequent lubrication. By 1950, double wishbones were found underpinning the Nash’s front end. The seller notes that this car is a “non runner” but doesn’t give us even a hint of what issues the new owner might face.
Innovations over at Nash didn’t stop with the exterior. Inside was the famous “Uniscope” binnacle set on the steering wheel and containing the gauges. A single-piece curved windshield and a host of comfort-focused options including thicker foam cushions, a radio, optional “convertible bed”, and heater/defroster put Nash at the head of the pack versus the competition. Nash’s sales reached records over the 1949/50/51 time frame. This example is a Super Special, the middle of the trim stack, which ran from the Special up to the Custom. The seller has the original owner’s and service manuals.
The fender-less, fastback shape had a low coefficient of drag – and also one major drawback: Nash found that updating the sheet metal was almost impossible without completely changing the look of the car, increasing the costs of keeping up with its competitors. By 1952, the Airflyte design was long in the tooth, and sales were waning. Nash eventually merged with Hudson to form American Motors – and we all know how that turned out. This 1949 Nash 600 can be found here on craigslist, with an asking price of $15,000. While I can see the appeal of long ownership, the mechanical mystery of this example suggests that the seller may need to provide a discount to move this one along. What do you think?
You’d think someone so attached to Rambler, would feel the same about a Nash. I don’t primarily because Nash was ka-put when I was born, almost. By the time I was aware of cars, at age 3, Nash was already history. Oh sure, some still puttered around, but it didn’t take long to forget about them. I know all too well the pain of driving a so called “bath tub”, as our Packard was often referred to as that. I used to take offense, but like they say, any publicity is good publicity, and if it helps folks to remember these cars, so be it. It’s got appeal up the ying yang, that “Uniscope” went missing for many a street rod, and like all, it needs to be more user friendly,,an automatic and some motor that can keep up. The car itself could easily handle a lot more, they were tanks underneath. It’s a wonderful find, and Superman, the original, would be proud.
Wonder how “non runner” it is….
HOWARD… it’s unfortunate that you didn’t experience the 50s NASH AMBASSADORS. Such great comfortable, roomy Upside down Bathtubs. First family car I remember was a 50 AMBASSADOR Custom. On a couple of emergencies, that 6 cylinder motor easily accelerated to 90 mph. With only routine maintenance, we kept it until fall of 59. Only parting with it due to Mom’s arthritis and no Power Steering. Traded for a DeSoto. Now all three. NASH, DeSoto, and Packard ( as I recall referred to as a Pregnant Elephant) along with so many other grand Marques have been replaced by insipid cookie cutter SUVS, crossovers and a few melted jelly beans. And THAT is progress? 🤮
Rick. If people would stop buying crossovers, SUVs, and jelly beans. The manufacturers would stop making them. Blame your neighbor down the street that has to have a three row crossover with off road suspension that they never use because every one else has one and they have to keep up with the Joneses. And the car makers themselves who used to take chances and put their R and D money into vehicles that were stylish and sporty. Now bean counters run the shop instead of engineers. I’m priced out of the new car market anyway.
You forgot to mention, 4-door pickups, which kinda defeats the original purpose of a truck in the first place.
Hi Terrry, there was nothing like a good old regular cab pickup, with a straight 6 and a manual transmission. Built for hard work and durability. That was why we had them, not luxury and speed.
What’s your take on the suspension issues alluded to by the author, Howard? I think this car is lovely and it certainly has room for a newer, more powerful inline-six. GM’s Atlas 4200 would be a hoot with 275 hp and 275 lb/ft; Jeep’s 4.0 would be a gem too, and for an older-school modern twist a Ford 300 or Chrysler 225 would be great too.
Any of those would at least double power and add a good deal of torque, but without steering and brakes it’s just a quicker trip to the bodyshop…
I’m not familiar with that particular style, the sliding pillar. Not much info on it, in fact more for Lancia. It appears to still use kingpins but an early attempt at independent suspension, like an early strut. It proved unreliable and Nash went with a conventional double wishbone type in later cars.
As far as any kind of engine swap, this car is a bit heavy for another 6, and any number of small V8s could work, the car is more than overbuilt. Remember, in 1949, many secondary roads were still gravel, and we all know how rough those can get.
LS swap! (not that I believe in it; just wanted to be the first to say it)
AND the intake through the head!
And only one dinky carburetor mounting flange gasket to possibly leak!
With the sounds of 30s and 40s and 50s cars with non syncro 3 speeds still floating around in my 80 year old head I must say these old Nashes and Studebakers had the quiet transmissions. I could tell a GM from a Ford or Chrysler from a block away.
Such a happy looking car! Big smile and 30 mpg. Deserves restoring imho.
I had to go on the Craigslist to find out where Pahrump NV is, a suburb of Las Vegas. What a name! The car is a real nice-looking mystery, as owned for 44 years, and Miss April 1997 calendar page. The owner must be old like me, give or take a few. It could be worth the price if the engine didn’t need a rebuild
or major work. The car looks well otherwise. Who will ask the owner?
I will..
@ Dave
Pahrump is hardly a “suburb” of Las Vegas as it’s on the other side of the mountains and about a hour away.
It’s just a small town, a lot of dirt roads and wild burrows. Lots of old cars, too.
Art Bell made Pahrump famous. I listened to him late at night while trucking, and kept me awake on several occasions. His show “Coast to Coast AM” dealt with the paranormal, some of his callers may have been a bit off, but he supported them all. Ironically, he died on Friday the 13th, 2018.
cool old car price is fair
Have mercy! This is one ugly beast!
I agree, it’s not the most handsome thing, but certainly not as ugly as all of the Virgil Exner designs, imo
You’ve never seen a ’58 DeSoto Adventurer convertible, I assume.
Every time I see one of these I want to get out the soap and wash cloth.
Jack – do you consider todays SUVs beautiful? This Nash is drop dead gorgeous compared to the rolling dumb looking jelly beans made today. I love it and would buy it if I had the money time and room – engine rebuild or not.
I now know where I’ll market my Nash.
1949 Nash 600 Super w/overdrive and very optioned out car.
18, 9xx miles. It has the oil change stickers dating way back. The Nash Club and founder agree with my assessment. In near perfect condition. A real survivor.
It should be listed on here after the Lake Mirror Classic in Lakeland next month.
I’m gonna guess that contacting the owner could shed more light on why it’s a non-runner. From what can be seen in the photos; the car appears to be in good condition. If I remember correctly this is the second bathtub Nash featured in BF in as many weeks. This is one of those vehicles that is either pleasing to the eye or not depending on individual taste. I personally think that these Nash cars with their aerodynamic look are maybe not pretty but they sure are unique. They didn’t look like anything else on the road when they were new. And this will definitely turn heads today. If this turned up at a show plenty of people would be giving it some viewing. GLWTS.
So what does a “jelly bean”mean?
Also do I see 2 Cadillac crests on that Nash?
@TCK
Nash had a coat of arms very similar to Cadillac. Even the top had the kings crown. Put a “V” under it and it would be hard not to mistake it for a Cadillac emblem.
Thank you, that’s interesting. In addition to all the Cadillacs my grandfather and I had, he did buy a Nash wagon, about a 51. I never noticed the emblem but I never liked the car because the speedometer only went up to 9.
No zeros on it. He o my drove it twice then it sat in the back yard for 20 some years. My Alaskan Malamute dug under it and came up inside and would sit in the drivers seat many times.
CADILLAC KID…to me a melted jelly bean refers to generic blob like styling on virtually every current sedan. To NORMA…Our 50 AMBASSADOR was ALMOST a CADILLAC in size, power and comfort. The 50 AMBASSADOR featured a flying lady hood ornament that may have surpassed CADILLAC!
Thank you and yes, I know, it’s always almost a Cadillac, almost.
I don`t agree with your (the writer) suggestion that the Nash Hudson merger to create AMC was a bad thing. What do you have against American Motors?
Where did I say it was a bad thing?
good looking tub. Definitely would make a cool restomod with an LS swap, although I dont know if there is really a market for that sort of thing……..
Is there a reason my comments are not being posted?
ANGEL…the BOTS seem to be going 🤪. I think the edit time is part of the problem. I can’t add a thumbs up to a comment. I tried posting a similar reply and was told only approved comments could get a reply! We’ll see if THIS goes through!??
@ Rick
As I don’t have a computer i read Barn Finds on my phone. At first I thought it was my phone as it’s quite past its prime, kinda like me. I don’t get messages saying what’s wrong, my comments just weren’t showing up. They are there now, must have been a glitch.
I have received one message a couple of times. Something about I’m messaging too fast. (????)
Everything electronic sucks in my opinion. Mechanical was always better.
Hope you’re doing well.
I have received that message about replying too fast as well. Also I am alerted to other replies but when I get here, no replies.
To ANGEL and Cadillac Kid…earlier today I posted a response to ANGEL. I’m using a tablet. Made a comment about long life of my refrigerator. The response apparently never posted. Also now more ads are popping up between posts. PLEASE FIND a way to keep the BARN open 🙏
RICK,
Sounds like IT needs to get on the ball. No point closing the barn door after the ads get out.
IT what do you say?
We are aware of the issues. It’s a problem with the ad network we use. They have been working on it for a while and just implemented an update to how their system works, but we are still testing it. Hopefully, it’s resolved now, but it will take a few days to know. If you have it happen again, please email us at mail@barnfinds.com so we know right away.