LOT 35
1953 Nash Rambler Custom Convertible Chassis no. D-150863
Sold for US$21,280 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 35
'From the Maine Classic Car Museum Collection'
1953 Nash Rambler Custom Convertible
1953 Nash Rambler Custom Convertible
1953 Nash Rambler Custom Convertible
Chassis no. D-150863
Chassis no. D-150863
184ci L-head Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
Twin Downdraft Carburetors
85bhp at 3,800rpm (rated)
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Coil Spring Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle with Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*A charming and rarely seen "bathtub" Nash
*Uprated with finned cylinder head and twin carburetors
*Very well preserved and largely unrestored
THE NASH RAMBLER
In 1950, Nash-Kelvinator introduced the revolutionary Rambler, establishing a new segment in the American automotive landscape. The idea of a home-grown compact car was not necessarily new, but the Rambler was the first to be successful. There were two keys to the Rambler's traction in a difficult market: One was that it was billed as the ideal second car for the upwardly mobile middle class, and the other was that despite being classified as an economy car, Nash did not skimp on equipment and options. Lois Lane famously drove a Rambler in the Superman series, billed as "an Independent Woman in an Independent Car!" Under its unique "bathtub" styling lay an otherwise conventional chassis with independent front suspension and a robust, reliable L-head six. While certainly not a performance car, the Rambler was undoubtedly well-built and equipped to convey a sense value and quality to the famously fickle American car buyer.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1953 Nash Rambler is a rare convertible model, attractively finished Spanish Red over a black and white vinyl interior and a white vinyl top. The Rambler convertible utilized nearly all the same sheet metal as the 2-door sedan – including the full-frame doors and quarter windows making it essentially a large-scale roll-top with a bit of extra structure at the back. It was a clever solution to keep costs in check, and one that only adds to the Rambler's smile-inducing appeal. This car features options such as a continental spare wheel, full wheel covers, a factory radio, and a rare finned-alloy cylinder head with twin carburetors – adding a welcome extra punch to the compact 'six. This Nash is remarkably well preserved, and with some minor detailing would be a surefire hit in club events and AACA gatherings. Despite its humble origins, this charismatic little Rambler is quite significant as it represents America's first truly successful home-grown compact car.
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