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Solid 600: 1948 Nash 600 Sedan

After spending 30+ years in a barn being pretty well protected from the element, this beautiful 1948 Nash 600 is ready to be resurrected.  Offered here on craigslist near Genesee Depot, Wisconsin for $1,500, this Nash is a solid and mostly complete foundation for a full restoration or rat-rod build.  Personally I think a 69 year old car that has managed to stay rot free (as the seller describes it) should be restored to roadworthy condition and driven regularly, but all that is up to the new owner!

Per the seller’s description, there is no rot to be seen nor does there appear to be any trim, lights, or glass missing or damaged.  There is evidence of a decades-old fender bender that effectively destroyed the rear bumper, but does not seem to have damaged the rear fender.  Even if there is body damage that cannot be seen in the pictures, this Nash includes extra fenders, bumpers, grill and miscellaneous trim pieces along with the service manual to outline to assist you with making any necessary repairs.

Even the stylish interior of this Nash has held up well.  It is hard to tell just from a picture, but it almost seems as if the plaid inserts of the seats might be able to be saved and reused.  You can also see the original Nash service manuals laying on the front seat that the seller includes with the car.  From this angle you can see how solid and rot free the floors, rockers and door jambs are.  The elegant dash and steering wheel have stood the test of time and still shine in the sunlight.

This 600 Sedan is equipped with Nash’s 172 cubic inch flathead inline six that is said to be complete and turns over freely.  Combined with the low weight of the Nash unitized body and frame construction, this thrifty little engine was said to achieve upwards of 25 miles per gallon.  If this particular example is backed up by the three speed plus overdrive transmission, fuel economy in the mid-20s should be more than feasible.

I know what I would do if this Nash wound up in my garage–it would receive whatever mechanical refurbishment necessary to be reliable, and a simple driver quality paint job in the original maroon color then get driven.  However, there are many possibilities with this car. What would you do with it?

Comments

  1. Avatar DrinkinGasoline

    These had a terrific art deco design. Speaking only for myself, I’m sick to death of rat rods and so-called patina. This one should be restored. Yes, it would take a hefty wallet and time but, the end result could be beautiful.

    Like 3
    • Avatar TouringFordor

      DrinkinGasoline, you are speaking for me, also.

      Like 2
  2. Avatar Unclehotrod13

    Way back i had a 46 “600” learned alot on this car… had a button on the floor to change radio stations and a vacuum operated antenna…would like to get one again, not mint, rough is good too… adds character.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar King Al

    With the passing years, these old Nashes just seem to be gaining respect and appreciation. Hope it finds a nice new owner that sees fit to restore it.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Gary Fogg

    Same car my dad had two of and my grandfather had this ones maroon twin, its still in the woods behind the house I inherited from him, Nash parts in the garages here and at my dads former home, oh what I could do with this one….

    Like 0
  5. HoA Howard A Member

    Does anybody know what the truck is next to the Nash? Has an unusual shape hood, Packard?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Ethan Branfort Member

      @Howard A., it is actually a 1929 Gramm Bernstein “Pioneer”-which I had never heard of until seeing an ad for it and realizing it was the same seller. I am in the process of doing a write up on as we speak :)

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Bruce Fischer

    I would get it road ready , paint her and drive it.Bruce.

    Like 1

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