1932 Nash 1080 Special Eight Convertible Sedan

Coachwork by Seaman

260.8ci OHV Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
100bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptical Front Leaf Springs and Semi-Floating Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Formerly part of Harrah's Automobile Collection
*Extremely rare survivor with handsome Seaman coachwork
*Older restoration in positively striking colors

THE NASH STRAIGHT EIGHT

The Nash eight-cylinder models of 1932 and 1933 are some of the most beautiful cars of their era, with graceful, lightly streamlined styling incorporating a subtly vee'd radiator shell, long and flowing fenders, and handsomely designed bodies, the most beautiful of which were provided by Milwaukee coachbuilder Seaman. Seaman's convertible sedan, in particular, recalled the fine bodies used by Auburn in the same era, with a prominent beltline molding that emphasized two-tone color schemes. Underneath were beautiful engines, known for their reliable engineering and silky smoothness.

While the best-known of the eight-cylinder Nashes were the larger 1090 series, the slightly smaller 1080 Special Eight boasted all of its beauty and an engine that was still no slouch, with 100hp on tap. Relatively few of these automobiles have survived, especially the Seaman convertible sedan, and the more is the pity.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Special Eight convertible sedan offered here was formerly part of the famed Harrah's Automobile Collection in Nevada at least since the late 1960s. It was sold from Harrah's in 1985 as a solid, intact older cosmetic restoration. A subsequent owner restored it in the present highly striking livery, a two-tone lilac combination with a matching soft blush pink interior and tan cloth top, which along with a rear-mounted spare and the subtle chrome accents give the car a truly stunning appearance.

In 1992 the car was acquired for the Tupelo Automobile Museum, and it has now resided in the collection's halls for over a quarter century. The restoration is well-preserved and still very attractive, with the interior, in particular, showing little wear and only light patina. With mechanical freshening, the Nash could be a superb and powerful choice for any number of national AACA and VMCCA tours, in the hands of a new owner.

It is widely considered that these cars are some of the best-engineered and most elegant "forgotten automobiles" of their era. For one owner, this striking convertible sedan is an opportunity to remember!