After World War II, American automakers faced both a challenge and an opportunity. The market for new automobiles was at its peak as never before, but at the same time, competition was fiercer than ever. Virtually every automaker was returning to post-war production with dated 1942 designs making it crucial for companies like Nash Motors to introduce something innovative. Nash responded with the Ambassador Suburban, a car that, while not intended to sell in large quantities, was designed to attract customers to the showrooms with its distinctive style and luxury.
The Nash Ambassador, a long-running model produced from 1927 to 1957, evolved through multiple generations and various body styles, including two-door, four-door, convertible, and both long and short wheelbases. Among these, the 1947 Nash Ambassador Suburban stands out for its luxurious 'woodie' styling, a hallmark of its era. This four-door fastback sedan featured gorgeous two-tone stained ash framing and mahogany wood panels supplied by Mitchell-Bentley, making it the most expensive production car made by Nash at the time.
Nash built only 1,000 examples of the Suburban between 1946 and 1948. Discussions among the Nash fanbase community online estimate that there are fewer than twenty examples remaining. This generation of Ambassador is recognized as the Nash 600, earning its name from the advertised ability to travel 600 miles on one tank of gasoline. It debuted in 1941, but like other automakers of the time Nash was given orders by the Federal government to suspend passenger car production during World War II, from 1942 to 1945. When Nash was able to manufacture cars again, they continued with their popular 1940s slipstream design. Due to the scarcity of parts and the urgency to purchase new cars, many customers readily accepted prewar designs as the aging and neglected vehicles on the road needed replacement.
Unique and exceptionally well-presented, this 1947 Nash Ambassador Suburban has been meticulously restored; a true nut-and-bolt restoration in every sense of the term. The body is finished in a lovely period-correct shade of Arlington Light Gray with a maroon interior, a very handsome combination when combined with the beautifully restored two-tone wood. Panel fits are exemplary, and the woodwork has been lovingly refinished to a warm luster. Under the hood lies the robust 235-cid overhead valve 112-hp six-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Engine bay detailing is executed to the same high standard as the rest of this wonderful Nash. The car boasts five brand-new whitewall bias-ply tires mounted on its original 16” chrome-capped wheels.
Continuing with the thorough restoration of this Ambassador's interior, most of the car's original features have been retained, apart from the door panels, which have been converted to beautiful exposed stained wood. This alteration emphasizes and extends the woodie experience into the interior of the car. It still boasts its lovely maroon leather upholstery seats and wood grain finished trim, while the carpet has been modernized with a high-quality maroon colored loop material, enhancing durability, and giving it new life.
The engine-turned dash is original to the car, providing an authentic Art Deco influence, while surrounding the signature Weather Eye conditioned air system. This system, trademarked by Nash Motors, was the first mass-marketed conditioned air system to utilize hot engine coolant as a heat source. It is characterized by a cowl-mounted outside air receiver that passes fresh air through a heater core, providing warm air for the interior of the vehicle.
Another unique feature of the car is the novel fold-down rear seat, which allows occupants to tuck their legs into the trunk area, converting it into a sleeping area—an innovation exclusive to Nash at the time. Lastly, the car comes with the original owner’s manual and sales brochure, and has been registered by FIVA, with a registration code sticker on the windshield. FIVA is a worldwide organization dedicated to the protection, preservation, and promotion of historic vehicles. A FIVA registration code is issued to an owner who has provided detailed information on the history of their vehicle, technical information, any modifications made, and other crucial details. Once these details have been checked by the Authorized National Federation and the vehicle has been inspected to confirm the accuracy of the information, FIVA issues a registration number.
As one of the few remaining examples in existence, this 1947 Nash Ambassador Suburban stands as a testament to American automotive ingenuity and craftsmanship of its time. Meticulously restored to its original glory, this Ambassador Suburban continues to captivate audiences, ensuring that its legacy endures for generations to come.
Offers welcome and trades considered
$72,500
Stock number 7711
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