Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 109
1932 Nash 1080 Special Eight Convertible Sedan Coachwork by Seaman Chassis no. B69103L Engine no. B81753
Sold for US$29,120 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 109
1932 Nash 1080 Special Eight Convertible Sedan
1932 Nash 1080 Special Eight Convertible Sedan
Coachwork by Seaman
Chassis no. B69103L
Engine no. B81753
Coachwork by Seaman
Chassis no. B69103L
Engine no. B81753
260.8ci OHV Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Single Stromberg UUR-2 2-Barrel Carburetor
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 and Tupelo Automobile Museum
* Extremely rare survivor with handsome Seaman coachwork
* Older restoration in positively striking colors
* Mechanically recommissioned in the present ownership
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 CAR 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 subsequently purchased by the current owner when Bonhams sold the museum's collection in 2019. The restoration is well-preserved and still very attractive, with the interior, in particular, showing little wear and only light patina. In the current ownership, the Nash has received some mechanical recommissioning but limited use. It would 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!
Saleroom notices
Please note, the top bows were damaged in transport to the venue and will be repaired at the transport company's expense prior to collection by the buyer.
Additional information
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