The Rambler name was first used for a vehicle by the Thomas B. Jeffery Company in about 1900. “Rambler” is actually derived from a bicycle of the same name. The Jeffrey company was purchased by Charles Nash in 1916 but for many years the badge disappeared. Then in 1950, the Nash Rambler was introduced as a compact family vehicle. Utilizing the Airflyte design, with long fender skirting and a rounded body, this car was on a 100-inch wheelbase. In the 1950s, Pinin Farina was consulted about redesigning the larger Nash cars, and his ideas were used to give a facelift to the 1953 Nash Rambler. The car did not lose its dumpling styling but gained slightly elongated front fenders and a cleaner grille. It also acquired the iconic “Flying Goddess” hood ornament. Here on craigslist, is a 1953 Nash Rambler Custom convertible project, with an asking price of $6,500. The car is located in Beaverton, Oregon. Thanks to T.J. for the tip!
Only about 3,300 Nash Rambler convertibles were made in 1953, and far fewer survive. The Rambler’s convertible top slid down along fixed window frames, a design that Nash touted as the “safest convertible in the world”. The seller indicates that this car comes with all its convertible parts as well as a new cloth top in the box. The continental kit, carrying the spare outside the trunk, was all the rage in the 1950s. In fact, it was a sacrifice of convenience for glamour as it added several inches to the tail but made accessing the trunk more difficult.
The original seat fabrics were colorful and textured. This entire interior needs refurbishment; I daresay the driver’s seat cushion is not original. The dash looks clean. By now the Uniscope that was on the steering wheel in the 1950 Ambassador is replaced by a gauge cluster inset into the dash. Though the floor looks rusty, the seller indicates there is only one small spot of rust on the passenger’s floor pan.
This car is a manual, so it received a flathead six-cylinder 184 cu. in. engine good for about 82 bhp. The thrifty engine was a hallmark of Charles Nash’s theory that his market niche was the middle market customer who cared about style but wanted economy. This motor got about 16 to 17 mpg – good for the day. The seller states that the car ran before it was stored – which was thirty years ago. Nash bathtub styling isn’t for everyone, but the convertible is compellingly quirky.
Complete with Petty Girl.
Lois Lane, your car is ready.
Lois replies: “How can you have my car? It’s sitting in my garage right now.”
So glad you mentioned that! I love looking at those old Soupy tv shows with the great cars.
The car did not lose its ‘ugly dumpling’ styling.
I always thought the ‘bathtub’ design of these early ’50s Nashes was hideous because the frames went in front of the wheels, not behind them.
Had one of this vintage. Cute little cars that I realized were somewhat designed to be looked at from the inside out the windshield, where they were very COOL. Mine had “Farina” emblems on the front fenders, low behind the wheel wells. :-) Terry J
Unique and quirky car, but would draw a crowd at the car show. Needs a lot of work & money to bring it back to life!
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/this-tv-commercial-shows-the-convertible-top-on-the-nash-news-footage/169139553?adppopup=true
Thanks Todd; WAY cool!
My first car at age 16 was a ’60 American. The style was very much the same. I remember paying just $125 and drove many economical, dependable miles with it. As I recall, the only repair we did was ball joint replacement.
This cars got more like 30 to 35 mpg. I own one so I can atest to the fact. Also those all had a flat head engine weather manual or automatic.
This is called an “envelope body”.
There are no skirted fenders involved. The wheel wells are short, not “skirted”. Skirts are removable items.
Good bones on this.
Where’s the spark plug wires? “It ran before it was stored”. Really?
The plug wires are all there to the right. Just not attached to plugs
Looks like a collector car should. It’s in solid shape and looks to be taken care of. It is certainly cheap enough. For how unique it is
I would think it would be worth more considering the fun one could have with the top rolled back and enjoying the sky on a cool evening. Getting great fuel economy while doing so.
Hopefully some idiot won’t purchase to put an LS in it. Keep it as Charles Nash built it.
Just got off the phone with the seller and it’s coming to Connecticut to join my collection!! Can’t wait to get it running and driving again!!!!
Congrats! Very cool car!
Glad you got it. The more I looked the more I wanted to pull the trigger. I certainly don’t need another car…… but this isn’t just another car.
This is the one car that if in a garage would light it up. It would certainly evoke many smiles when tooling around.
Fabulous! This is a super stylish car. Congratulations.
Many congrats, jmolsn! I totally agree with the comments; VERY cool car. And yes, I’m old enough to remember Lois Lane driving one! Enjoy!