Thanks! Great to see that car. The detail under the windows first appeared on the 52 models and was adapted to the Metropolitan when it was introduced in 1954. Nash did extraodinarily well at Le Mans for a couple of years. The 54 Nash is credited with being the first with A/C all up front. (Pontiac is said to have a similar design that year - I have never seen one). The car was styled by in house designer Ed Anderson and his crew with consultation on the design from Battiste "Pinin" Farina. All Weather Eye refers to the Weather Eye system with the A/C included.
Back in those days Nash and Hudson were definitely higher end cars. They could compete directly with Chrysler, Oldsmobile, and Buick. The sad part is that very few realized how really great they were. Only now in these awesome videos do we see that greatness and quality. 🥰
The Ambassadors, whether they were Nash, Rambler or AMC were always medium priced cars that could go head to head with Chrysler, Buick or Olds. They may have been smaller, but price and quality, they were built to be a medium priced car. The Rambler name was removed from the car in 1965 just to make sure people knew it wasn't an economy car.
Ditto! When I was 11, my parents bought a brand new 1952 Nash Statesman Country Club (2-door hardtop), yellow with a black top. I would love to have it now!
When I was a child I had a 1/4 scale model car just like that one only it was light blue. Loved that toy to death. It was all plactic and did not survive being played with. Wish I still had it.
This Nash is so beautiful, made in Kenosha, Wi, by workers who took great pride in detail. Those ropes behind the front seats were for blankets and/or coats. The ribbed window trim is extruded aluminum.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I grew up with our family car, a 1953 Nash Statesman. Same Pinafarina designed body as the ambassador slightly less appointed as the next model down. When we went on vacation, my brother and I often slept in the car, my parents got the cabin or motel room, my father made some arrangement with the cabin court owner which saved us some money, but allowed us to stay longer. In 1959 I learned to drive the car and took my state drivers exam with a state trooper in the passenger seat. On snow and ice, 3 speed stick on the column, 4th overdrive accelerator engaged. Bigger than the Cadillacs of 53 & 54, with those Farina front wheel skirts the Statesman and Ambassadors had the turning radius of a fire truck. Thank You so much.
My younger years were with a 53 Statesman also, straight shift. I learned to drive in it also and took my driver's license test in it. When my Daddy traded it in, 1960, I think, I took the flying Lady hood ornament off before the car left,..I still have that hood ornament.
@@MrSelf-pg2kt Wow what a classic hood ornament glad you still.have it. If my flaky memory serves I believe the ornament was designed by renounced pinup artist Alberto Vargas. If so his signature is somewhere cast into the ornament or bracket.
@@MrSelf-pg2kt Me too, many times paste waxing the Statesman gave me a chance to know the lady well. Thanks for the correction I do remember the name cast, just remembered the wrong name.
It's interesting to read the history of Nash and other smaller manufacturers. They all had to be unique in some fashion in order to distinguish themselves from their larger competitors.... sometimes comically so; but this model seems to have been beautifully executed. Thanks for sharing this one.
I remember when dealers covered their windows with brown paper until the 'unveiling' of the new models and on the advertised date, with people waiting on the sidewalk, the paper would come down and we got the first view of the new cars.
My Grand Dad liberated a 53 in the same color from a farmer’s barn. Paid $50 for it. Back in 1971. Took me two days to clean all the bird crap off it. Shined up real good. No rust, nice interior. Had a standard 6 with a 3 speed OD. No AC, but otherwise a twin to this one including the color and hood ornament! It only had about 70,000 miles on it. Grand Dad drove it about 6 months before he passed away. Car got sold to someone and now it’s lost to the sands of time.
Engineering wise, the Nash seemed to be more advanced than many other cars of that era. The robust overhead valve 6-cylinder engine has been around, performance shops are still tinkering with it. Some shops are getting as much to 700 hp or better out of it.
Looks like a limo inside. Very impressive! I love the A/C vents, but wonder how well they worked. But A/C with a compressor in the engine compartment in a 1954 sedan? Way ahead of other manufacturers.
We had a 1952 plain Jane statesman six cylinder stick. We would dream of the Le Mans engine and white walls. We drove that car all through the winters with no problems . In my later years, I also had a 54 and a 57 and enough ramblers to start used car a lot. Had a 60 ambassador with a 327 AMC that would beat anyone back in 1962 and 1963. Known by all as rambler Joe.
The ribbing below the door windows began with the 1952 Statesman and Ambassador and continued onto the Metropolitans. The wire wheel covers were used on many makes of 1950s cars, including Plymouth and Pontiac (all that was switched out was the center cap!) And the LeMans option referred, as you mentioned, to dual carburetors such as used in the Nash-Healey sports car, "Weather Eye" was Nash's name for its modern heater system; "ALL-Weather Eye" was their name for their new air conditioning system, which was the first air conditioning system with all the components under the hood. Other makes still has the compressor in the trunk, which led to air being forced into the car through plastic tubes at the rear of the car!
I was a muscle car nut in the 60's and had zero interest in any Nash, they just didn't appeal to me at the time--but now I'm older and wiser and this car is excellent! I overlooked an interesting car because it didn't seem sexy or fast.
Wow that's a gorgeous Nash. Must be a top of the line model. Nash didn't hold anything back on this one. My car is not exciting and mostly plastic but it does have a cult following at least 😖😂
@@Mikesclassicautoworld Nashes with Hydra-Matics used the shift lever as the starter switch (rather like the clutch-pedal start used on manual-shift Nashes). You had to make sure the car was in neutral before you started off!
After the early 1930s, all Nash products were orphans when they left the assembly line. No trade-in value at all except on another Nash and to make a u-turn you needed the same space as a city bus.
@@Mikesclassicautoworld George Mason liked the enclosed front wheels; Nash made wind-tunnel tests proving the 1949 Airflytes were aerodynamically superior to contemporary models with exposed wheels--however, Nash never used it in their advertising!. Yet it made tire changing trickier and the turning circle was larger than a similar car with exposed front wheels. (You will notice that the 1957 Nash finally opened the front wheels and boasted easier steering than earlier models)
The skirt was built into the fenders. *LeMans is pronounced: Lay-Man. The last letter, an "s", is ALWAYS SILENT! &;...->See Below, Too: *A little more sporty; or, sportier; is correct;..."More Sportier", is NEVER correct!
@@jaydee4009 In any; &, every country, that it is said, it is said incorrectly. As from the French language, it is always silent; and, thus: NOT pronounced!
You are wrong. First of all, it's not even supposed to be one word. That's the Americanization of it. Secondly, we pronounce the "s" all the time - with a "z" sound. Think of the car by Pontiac it's pronounced "Luh-mahnz." In other words, this isn't France.
The owner is either bullshitting you or the guy that sold him the car. No way is that interior original. The carpeting is totally wrong and you can see it's in brand new condition. The upholstery is readily available and clearly it's been refinished. You can't have a car thats 70 years old with no wear or tear on the interior. Someone did a total restoration on this car.
Thanks! Great to see that car. The detail under the windows first appeared on the 52 models and was adapted to the Metropolitan when it was introduced in 1954. Nash did extraodinarily well at Le Mans for a couple of years.
The 54 Nash is credited with being the first with A/C all up front. (Pontiac is said to have a similar design that year - I have never seen one).
The car was styled by in house designer Ed Anderson and his crew with consultation on the design from Battiste "Pinin" Farina. All Weather Eye refers to the Weather Eye system with the A/C included.
Thanks for watching.
Back in those days Nash and Hudson were definitely higher end cars. They could compete directly with Chrysler, Oldsmobile, and Buick. The sad part is that very few realized how really great they were. Only now in these awesome videos do we see that greatness and quality. 🥰
Yep they were nice. Thanks for watching Ed.
The Ambassadors, whether they were Nash, Rambler or AMC were always medium priced cars that could go head to head with Chrysler, Buick or Olds. They may have been smaller, but price and quality, they were built to be a medium priced car. The Rambler name was removed from the car in 1965 just to make sure people knew it wasn't an economy car.
When I was a kid, I absolutely hated these cars. Mostly, old people drove them. Now that I'm old, I get it!
I like them to. Thanks for watching.
Ditto! When I was 11, my parents bought a brand new 1952 Nash Statesman Country Club (2-door hardtop), yellow with a black top. I would love to have it now!
@@raygeary8340 I bet. Thanks for watching Ray.
When I was a child I had a 1/4 scale model car just like that one only it was light blue. Loved that toy to death. It was all plactic and did not survive being played with. Wish I still had it.
Thats a nice toy! Thanks for watching Ted.
This Nash is so beautiful, made in Kenosha, Wi, by workers who took great pride in detail. Those ropes behind the front seats were for blankets and/or coats. The ribbed window trim is extruded aluminum.
Yep. Thanks for watching Mike.
A very special car. Incredible condition, solid and well detailed. Enjoyed the video very much!
It is nice. Glad you like the video. Thanks for watching John.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I grew up with our family car, a 1953 Nash Statesman. Same
Pinafarina designed body as the ambassador slightly less appointed as the next model down. When we went on vacation, my brother and I often slept in the car, my parents got the cabin or motel room, my father made some arrangement with the cabin court owner which saved us some money, but allowed us to stay longer. In 1959 I learned to drive the car and took my state drivers exam with a state trooper in the passenger seat. On snow and ice, 3 speed stick on the column, 4th overdrive accelerator engaged. Bigger than the Cadillacs of 53 & 54, with those Farina front wheel skirts the Statesman and Ambassadors had the turning radius of a fire truck. Thank You so much.
Wow great story. Now letting your kids sleep overnight in the car at the motels parking lot would get you sent to jail. Thanks for watching.
My younger years were with a 53 Statesman also, straight shift. I learned to drive in it also and took my driver's license test in it. When my Daddy traded it in, 1960, I think, I took the flying Lady hood ornament off before the car left,..I still have that hood ornament.
@@MrSelf-pg2kt Wow what a classic hood ornament glad you still.have it. If my flaky memory serves I believe the ornament was designed by renounced pinup artist Alberto Vargas. If so his signature is somewhere cast into the ornament or bracket.
@@alanpareis734 The Ladies were by "Petty" and the name is cast into the ornament itself. Even as a kid I was fascinated by the flying lady.
@@MrSelf-pg2kt Me too, many times paste waxing the Statesman gave me a chance to know the lady well. Thanks for the correction I do remember the name cast, just remembered the wrong name.
Gorgeous car with several rare options.
Thanks for watching Dan.
It's interesting to read the history of Nash and other smaller manufacturers. They all had to be unique in some fashion in order to distinguish themselves from their larger competitors.... sometimes comically so; but this model seems to have been beautifully executed. Thanks for sharing this one.
I agree Steve. Thanks for watching.
What a rare beauty to be treasured for all time.
For sure. Thanks for watching.
I remember when dealers covered their windows with brown paper until the 'unveiling' of the new models and on the
advertised date, with people waiting on the sidewalk, the paper would come down and we got the first view of the new cars.
Wow! Very cool. What a memory. Thanks for watching.
That’s an amazing Nash. Only one I saw of this caliber with all the options.
👍Thanks for watching.
My Grand Dad liberated a 53 in the same color from a farmer’s barn. Paid $50 for it. Back in 1971. Took me two days to clean all the bird crap off it. Shined up real good. No rust, nice interior. Had a standard 6 with a 3 speed OD. No AC, but otherwise a twin to this one including the color and hood ornament! It only had about 70,000 miles on it. Grand Dad drove it about 6 months before he passed away. Car got sold to someone and now it’s lost to the sands of time.
Wow neat story and you'll have the memories forever. Thanks for watching Bryan.
Outstanding ...quality built car.
Thanks for watching Baxter.
“Speaker vents” - for really HOT hit tunes!
On the back of the front seats are robe cords for lap robes or blankets.
😅👍Thanks for watching.
Duo-Sonic front speakers (seen on most all 1952-57 Nashes)
Engineering wise, the Nash seemed to be more advanced than many other cars of that era. The robust overhead valve 6-cylinder engine has been around, performance shops are still tinkering with it. Some shops are getting as much to 700 hp or better out of it.
Wow. 👍Thanks for watching.
Outstanding condition for its age.
Sure is. Thanks for watching.
That would be cool to have! Gorgeous!
For sure. Thanks for watching Aaron.
The hood mascots were handmade and signed by the artist.
Thanks for watching Jerry.
Looks like a limo inside. Very impressive! I love the A/C vents, but wonder how well they worked. But A/C with a compressor in the engine compartment in a 1954 sedan? Way ahead of other manufacturers.
Thanks for watching Gary.
We had a 1952 plain Jane statesman six cylinder stick. We would dream of the Le Mans engine and white walls. We drove that car all through the winters with no problems . In my later years, I also had a 54 and a 57 and enough ramblers to start used car a lot. Had a 60 ambassador with a 327 AMC that would beat anyone back in 1962 and 1963. Known by all as rambler Joe.
Wow cool story Joe.❤👍 Thanks for watching.
The ribbing below the door windows began with the 1952 Statesman and Ambassador and continued onto the Metropolitans. The wire wheel covers were used on many makes of 1950s cars, including Plymouth and Pontiac (all that was switched out was the center cap!) And the LeMans option referred, as you mentioned, to dual carburetors such as used in the Nash-Healey sports car, "Weather Eye" was Nash's name for its modern heater system; "ALL-Weather Eye" was their name for their new air conditioning system, which was the first air conditioning system with all the components under the hood. Other makes still has the compressor in the trunk, which led to air being forced into the car through plastic tubes at the rear of the car!
Thanks for the info and thanks for watching.
Unique,beautiful,I want one. Very nice car.
Thanks for watching Steve.
very nice, thank you
Thanks for watching.
This is a dream car!!!!
Thanks for watching Todd.
Simply Deluxe. 💋
Yep. Thanks for watching.
I was a muscle car nut in the 60's and had zero interest in any Nash, they just didn't appeal to me at the time--but now I'm older and wiser and this car is excellent! I overlooked an interesting car because it didn't seem sexy or fast.
Glad you like it. Thanks for watching.
Wow that's a gorgeous Nash. Must be a top of the line model. Nash didn't hold anything back on this one. My car is not exciting and mostly plastic but it does have a cult following at least 😖😂
For sure an upper level Nash. Thanks for watching Dave.
These cars had class. Today your lucky if you can think of one.
@@garysmith8276 Yep. Thanks for watching.
Do you lift she shift lever to start it? Doesn't say "Lift To Start" in the shift knob.Maybe these were key start?
Not sure. Thanks for watching.
@@Mikesclassicautoworld Nashes with Hydra-Matics used the shift lever as the starter switch (rather like the clutch-pedal start used on manual-shift Nashes). You had to make sure the car was in neutral before you started off!
7 main bearings----SUWEET!
Thanks for watching.
Fully counterbalanced crank, too! They did well racing at LeMans as those engines did not break.
@@edarcuri182 Thanks for watching.
The owner said it's a 235 cubic inch six? I believe it's a 252.6 cubic inch six.
Thanks for watching.
After the early 1930s, all Nash products were orphans when they left the assembly line. No trade-in value at all except on another Nash and to make a u-turn you needed the same space as a city bus.
Thanks for watching.
it's great
Thanks for watching.
It’s quite beautiful now but I never really cared much for Nash vehicles. Just a personal preference.
I never did either,but I like these. I'd like to drive one just so see what it's like.
👍Thanks for watching.
The LeMans was the Nash equivalent of the Hudson 'Twin H'
Packard was first with air conditioning in 1939.
Good point. Thanks for watching Jerry.
Doesn't look like it has much steering range in the front... How is that even functionable
Interesting point. I should have asked. Thanks for watching.
@@Mikesclassicautoworld George Mason liked the enclosed front wheels; Nash made wind-tunnel tests proving the 1949 Airflytes were aerodynamically superior to contemporary models with exposed wheels--however, Nash never used it in their advertising!. Yet it made tire changing trickier and the turning circle was larger than a similar car with exposed front wheels. (You will notice that the 1957 Nash finally opened the front wheels and boasted easier steering than earlier models)
@@gcfifthgear thanks for the info. 👍Thanks for watching.
.....and you wondered where Chevy got the gas cap idea for the '56 from.....i thought the Airflyte was a separate model !!
Thanks for watching.
When you had a date at the drive in fold the seat down
Those were the days. Thanks for watching.
...and Packard offered air conditioning in 1939.
Thanks for watching.
That back seat is big enough for drive in movies (if you know what I mean).
....I know what you mean. Thanks for watching.
How much is a car like this worth?
I'd say it isn't as hot as it once was but its worth more to those who are familiar with it. I know thats not the best answer but I think its true.
The skirt was built into the fenders.
*LeMans is pronounced: Lay-Man. The last letter, an "s", is ALWAYS SILENT! &;...->See Below, Too:
*A little more sporty; or, sportier; is correct;..."More Sportier", is NEVER correct!
Thanks for watching Andrew.
In America, we say the "s" (unless you're a Communist or a Pinko)!
@@jaydee4009
In any; &, every country, that it is said, it is said incorrectly.
As from the French language, it is always silent; and, thus: NOT pronounced!
You are wrong. First of all, it's not even supposed to be one word. That's the Americanization of it. Secondly, we pronounce the "s" all the time - with a "z" sound. Think of the car by Pontiac it's pronounced "Luh-mahnz." In other words, this isn't France.
@@jaydee4009
We DisAgree 100% again.
Having NO common grounds for any discussion, there is NO point in going ANY further w/: you.
The owner is either bullshitting you or the guy that sold him the car. No way is that interior original. The carpeting is totally wrong and you can see it's in brand new condition. The upholstery is readily available and clearly it's been refinished. You can't have a car thats 70 years old with no wear or tear on the interior. Someone did a total restoration on this car.
Thanks for watching.