Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: 520925
Mot Expiry: None

Aside from General Motors, Nash was the sole American manufacturer to post a profit during 1932 thanks to its policy of only building cars to satisfy dealer orders. A tribute to the company's success, that year also saw the introduction of the mighty Nash Ambassador Eight range. Nicknamed the 'Kenosha Duesenbergs', these magnificent 1090 Series models have long been awarded 'Full Classic' status by the prestigious Classic Car Club of America. Based around a massive 'X-Dual Frame Chassis' equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, dashboard adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers and large-diameter drum brakes, the Ambassador Eight sat on an imposing 142-inch wheelbase (whereas its lesser Advanced Eight sibling utilized a 133-inch one). Boasting a nine-bearing crankshaft, overhead valvegear and 'Twin Ignition' system (two sets of plugs / points / condensers / coils operating from a single distributor), the newcomer's 322ci (5.3litre) straight-eight engine was quoted as developing some 125hp @ 3,600rpm. Allied to three-speed 'Synchro-Shift' manual transmission (incorporating a selective free-wheeling device) it provided effortlessly strong performance.

Clothed by the Seaman Body Corporation, the 1090 Series cars sported 'Slip Stream' styling, distinctive 'V' radiator grilles, letterbox windscreens and 'Beaver Tail Backs'. Decidedly elegant, their long and low stance was due in part to the adoption of an underslung worm-drive back axle. Beautifully built, they made liberal use of sound deadening materials and rubber insulating blocks for their spring shackles and hangers etc (a practice labelled 'Silenced Engineering' by the firm's copy writers). According to marque authority John Conde's research, of the 15,745 Nash cars made between March and December 1932, just 1,891 are held to have been Advanced or Ambassador Eights. For many the most desirable of the nine 1090 Series derivatives, the 1097 Ambassador Eight Brougham was a decidedly luxurious five-seater design. A rare car when new, survivors today are like the proverbial hen's teeth (though, somewhat better looking). With no fewer than five vents punched into each bonnet side (not to mention two scuttle ventilation ones), flowing wings, substantial running boards, a privacy inducing absence of rear quarter lights and high waistline, the Brougham did not want for road presence.

Finished in black with grey cloth upholstery, chassis 520925 is described by the vendor as follows: "This car is the best candidate for restoration I have seen (I have had over forty cars restored in the last twenty years) because it has (a) never been touched and (b) is in excellent original condition at the ripe age of seventy-five years! I am not doing the work because I have run out of 'steam'". While, he adds that: "I do not know of another example in Europe (many big Nash motor cars were bought by Swedish Royalty during the 1930s so there might be another one there) or any others listed with the Nash Club". Sourced from Arizona with the intention of treating it to a mechanical restoration but leaving the body 'as is', the Brougham appears fundamentally complete. Said to be "running and driving" but not capable of travelling any real distance, it sports an authentic albeit reproduction mascot. Quite possibly the most sought after closed Nash ever made and a real star among the 'Kenosha Duesenbergs', the 1932 1097 Ambassador Eight Brougham remains - to quote its brochure - "a treat for the eye of the motor connoisseur".

Please Note: Although, not road registered in the UK this car does possess French registration documents.