LOT 7

1948 Nash Ambassador Custom Convertible Chassis no. 495398 Engine no. A59902

Sold for US$25,760 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 7

1948 Nash Ambassador Custom Convertible

The Scottsdale Auction|16 January 2020, 11:00 MST|Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

1948 Nash Ambassador Custom Convertible
Chassis no. 495398
Engine no. A59902

235ci OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Carter Carburetor
112bhp at 3,400rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Beautifully presented, Top-of-the-Line Custom Convertible
*One of only 1,000 examples built
*Well preserved older restoration in elegant and period-correct livery
*Complete with period paraphernalia, maintenance and service records

THE NASH AMBASSADOR

1948 is an important year in the history of Nash, as it marked the final year before Nash became the first American auto maker to commit to full line production of unit body automobiles. The early postwar Nashes were solid, quality automobiles which, along with a still tight postwar new car market, propelled Nash to an equally solid tenth place among U.S. marques. Styling and design also distinguished the '48 Nash, particularly the top of the line Ambassador Custom. Built on a 121 inch wheelbase, they were roomy automobiles distinguished by tasteful, modern design details like the full width horizontal bar grille, rectangular parking lights in the front fender catwalks, doors that dropped to the bottom of the body sills, rear fender chrome gravel shields, thin chrome bumpers and raked vee windshield.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This top-of-the-line Nash Ambassador Custom Convertible carried a staggering $2,355 price tag when new and is one of just 1,000 examples built. Although the early history remains unknown, the Nash is known to have been owned by a Fontana, CA-based and avid Nash enthusiast, Mr. William 'Bill' Albright by the early 1980s. Mr. Albright would carry out a comprehensive restoration, using only NOS parts, while retaining the originality and correctness. The car was later purchased by Mr. Bill Lauer, owner of Custom Auto Service in Santa Ana, before joining the Michael Porto Collection in 1989. In 1991, the stunning Nash Custom Convertible was awarded Best in Show at the Desert Car Classic in Palm Springs, CA.

The rare convertible is finished in the period correct Newfoundland Grey exterior color, while the interior is neatly trimmed in two-tone medium green and taupe vinyl and cloth, as is factory correct. Outside, the elegant chrome work is in good order, and the appropriate color pallet is neatly contrasted by the green wheels shod on white-wall tires. The car carries a long list of optional extras including driving lights, fender skirts, a Weather Eye Conditioned Air system, radio, tissue dispenser, and the very cool 'Pres-A-Lite' cigarette dispenser/lighter, which will prepare you a lit cigarette! Just over 70,000 miles are recorded on the odometer, which is indeed believed to be actual. This is a rare automobile, emblematic of the quality engineering and design championed by Charles Nash.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.

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