About one minute before Nash combined with Hudson to form American Motors Corporation, Nash brought out its Cross Country wagon for 1954. Riding on a 108″ wheelbase, the styling of the new four-door wagon represented a mild update to Nash’s Airflyte design. When the merger was completed, the sheet metal was facelifted, gaining wheel arches in the front and an updated grille. Now that the wheel arches were cleared of metal, the turning radius improved. A hint of that ole “woody” feeling was introduced, using Di-Noc decals around the rear windows and across the tailgate. (Later, that “woody” panel flashed all the way down the side of the car from the rear forward.) The new wagons were badged Nash or Hudson depending on which dealership sold the car. Here on facebook Marketplace is a rare 1955 Hudson Rambler Cross Country wagon with an asking price of $25,500. It drives well, so you can probably toddle it home from Mt Clemens, Michigan, but I’d bring a tool kit. JimA pitched us this tip – thanks!
The Rambler was marketed as a family-friendly economy car. The standard engine was a 196 cu. in. flathead in-line six-cylinder with about 90 hp and for the first time, a Hydra-Matic automatic was offered alongside the three-speed manual transmissions. This one is an automatic: remember, ticking that box would have cost a pretty penny in those days! On the other hand, with the auto and only 90 horses on tap, rolling up to sixty from zero took well over 20 seconds. This car has new brakes, new tires, and new “front end parts”.
The interiors were designed by Helene Rother, and boasted a variety of “premium” fabrics and colors. But Rambler’s pride and joy was the new Weather Eye heating/air conditioning system. In this example, the interior controls for the unit remain intact, but the underhood unit is missing. That’s a new-ish Kenwood stereo below the dash. These wagons had no glove box; instead, the passenger was supplied with a slide-out tray located below the “Rambler” badging. Famously, the seats fold down completely to make a bed.
This wagon’s Custom trim level was top-shelf for the year; lucky buyers enjoyed George Petty’s Flying Goddess hood ornament. Though early Nash Ramblers were designed by Pinin Farina – and this one bears “Farina” badging – the master’s influence had faded by the mid-1950s. In fact, the real styling breakthrough came about only because George Mason, head of Nash, passed away in 1954. He was extremely fond of the Airflyte bathtub look and staunchly opposed any changes to its lines. Without his objections to contend with, Rambler’s Edmund Anderson quickly redesigned the car’s front fenders, opening up those wheel arches. It took another year for a more elaborate facelift to create the better-selling 1956 Rambler Cross Country. Researching values reveals that as nice as this example is, the seller’s pricing is aggressive. I’d be much more excited at the $20k level; what do you think?
I wonder if the makers of those horns business spiked when that song came out, “Beep, beep”, especially Nash/Rambler owners. Seems another Nash a while back had those too. One thing for sure, it will need an update in power, ANY update. I knew a guy with an American with this motor and automatic, it remains the absolute slowest car I ever rode in. Mashing the bent gas pedal changed the motor pitch, but no increase in speed. Like most of these older cars, they need some sort of modern driveline, within reason, of course. I say the good old 4.3 GM V6 would work in a slew of situations and would make this car fun to drive instead of a bummer on the first hill. I think the seller a bit optimistic here.
I would never take a classic like this and bastardize it with a different motor. If it’s slow, so what? That’s how it was made. Outside of missing the AC, this thing is beautiful.
Agreed! But AMC surely made a mess with Hornet, Gremlin and Pacer! Then merger with Renault put the final nail in the coffin. Sad end for once great automobiles.
Why not a more modern AMC 6? Why put that garbage engine in a Nash?
They’re only original once. L- Head (Flat Head) engines where still common st that time. Get over it. There’s enough “Resto – mods out there already.
They’re only original once. L- Head (Flat Head) engines where still common at that time. Get over it. There’s enough “Resto – mods” out there already.
Yep, another stinking bellybutton.
My Grand father had an old one like that he finally junked when I was 16.
I took the long horns and painted them and mounted them on the hood of my 65 Cadillac.
Instant “pimpmobile”, especially with all my shag fur.
A very unusual find this 1955 Hudson Nash . I would think , that sales were rather poor since it was still an old body style with a dressed up look and new name ! If I was shopping for one , I would certainly consider the all new ’56 Rambler crosscountry . A much better looking design etc. Sales , were higher as well . Happy Motoring !
First family car I remember was a 1950 Nash AMBASSADOR. Great car. Bought new and kept until 59 when Mom’s arthritis made parking difficult. Only routine maintenance kept it running. In 57, Dad bought a 55 Hudson Rambler for a second car. Used it to drive to work. Never rode in it much, but remember styling was similar to 53 and up full size Nash. Believe this body styling continued until completely redesign in 61? Nash and Hudson both built great cars. Sad that 57 saw the last of both Marques. Although 58 did see the AMBASSADOR (by Rambler) name live on for several years.
I had this exact copy in a medium beige with a cream top. The car came to me with bunches of nos items and had been well loved. I remember it needed a rear drum and took one from a 71 Hornet. I sold it regrettably but it went across the pond to a good home, however I did keep the nos signed Pettygirl which is on my garage wall with other neat automobilia. A real beauty here but I think it is a bit high on the price.
“ New breaks, new Radio tires…” That says it all.
Atleast it doesn’t have the cadillatic converter on it…..lol. There are also radar tires in some instances.
Maybe a Cadillac converter and “radio” tires?
Rosanna Rosanna Danna.
LOL
Please explain what radar tires are?? Were they a new experimental type tyre that never made it to market that year?? L O L !
Always wanting the best, even for my pets, my cat 🐈 car
Always wanting the best, even for my pets, my cat 🐈 carrier (sky blue) has CATILLAC in script on the back and Coupe de Kitty on either side. Unfortunately not room for a crystal chandelier. LOL 😹 🐈! Guess maybe I’m being a bit CATTY 😅 🙃
Fit and finish outclassed any Chevy, Ford, or Plymouth of the day. But turtle slow.
I’d like to have the George Petty’s Flying Goddess hood ornament!
My Dad bought a ’55 Rambler Custom 4-door sedan with the Flying Goddess ornament, a $12 option.
And the 90HP Flying Scot 6 kept up with highway traffic just fine.
Is that rust on the roof by the luggage rack? What a great wagon!
glad Rother & pininifarina were mentioned cuz as a system, vehicles are not one demential, but an enormous number of subsystems. Both teams involved here. An important note.
I think the chevron @ ‘C’ post diminish this model as well as loss os some Airflytes notes. Not quite the ’58/60 rambler american or the AirFlyte(’50/2) a fish out of water to me.
Who are you talking to?
Airflyte design, as in airplanes. Take a look at the airliners of the 1940s and 50s and you’ll see what they mean by “Airflyte,” and it ain’t ‘bathtub.’
This car has as much to do with a bathtub as a mid 50s Chevy.
First family car I remember was a 1950 AMBASSADOR. Fantastic comfortable, and definitely an Airflite. 7 main bearing six cylinder motor sent it cruising in flight. Ran beautiful with only routine maintenance until fall of 59, when Mom’s arthritis made it difficult to drive without power steering. Next car was a DeSoto Firedome with Powerflite transmission. Dad had a 55 Hudson Rambler wagon. Nice smaller version of Airflite design.
Those horns look bigger than the engine!
Just funny looking.
Cadillac kid, please tell me you didn’t do that to an otherwise beautiful ’65 Cadillac.
Back in 1972 I had a bf who bought a 1965 Sedan de Ville in medium gray, and he put gangsta white walls on it. Not even the real ww, but overlays. I refused to ride in it.
Of course I did. And a crystal Chandelier and Sconces. I had 3 batteries, 2 Alternators and 186 lights.
Big switch panel in the ceiling, 7 tachs on the dash(all different). It was my car and my car only. That was my first one. Had it 15 years. The last one I had,I did the chandelier thing and Chrome air horns. That was my last baby. Had her for 12 years but lost it in a flood a few years ago plus several other Cadillacs.
Sounds like my kind of OTT excess! But also add an Imperial Eagle hood ornament on the instrument panel. YEAH!
You are the Duke of New York, you are A-Number One!! 😁
In 70s I saw a 73 Series 75 LIMO with blacked out windows, Statue of Liberty hood ornament above ROLLS-ROYCE type grille. Front license plate MAFIA STAFF CAR, you toucha my car, I breaka you face. Parked in NO PARKING zone in CHICAGO. Wish I’d had a camera, but maybe my face and more would have suffered! 🤔 Always loved OTT Cadillacs, this was OTT of OTT! 🏆
That sounds like grounds to breakup with the bf!
Station wagons are hot right now but not so much this style. It’s a beautiful car and appears well taken care of but I believe the price is optimistic. It can’t hurt to try, though.
Missing some “wood” on on the sides of the roof … https://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/AMC/1955_AMC/1955_Rambler_Brochure/1955%20Rambler-07.html
Is that rust on the roof by the luggage rack? What a great wagon!