1951 Nash Rambler Country Club Custom

Lot details
Registration No: EU-Reg
Chassis No: D53182
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Potentially eligible for the Tour Auto

- A ground breaking 'compact' design for Nash with distinctive Airflyte styling

- 2.8-litre straight-six engine, three-speed manual transmission

- An older restoration that would benefit from further recommissioning / repairs

Estimate: £6,000 - £10,000 (Without Reserve)

Commissioned by Nash-Kelvinator President George W. Mason, the Nash Rambler was introduced in 1950. Widely acknowledged as America's first compact car, it proved lighter and more fuel efficient than anything the `Big Three' (GM, Ford and Chrysler) had to offer. Chief engineer Meade Moore led the design team, while Theodore Ulrich was responsible for the `Airflyte' styling and body (including the distinctively skirted front / rear wheels). Able to accommodate five in comfort despite sitting on a 100-inch wheelbase, the newcomer featured a two-door monocoque chassis equipped with independent front suspension, worm and roller steering and Bendix four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Powered by a 172.6ci (2.8 litre), L-head straight-six engine allied to three-speed manual transmission, the model was reputedly capable of over 80mph and 25mpg. Joining the range for 1951, the Country Club was a pillarless hardtop that could be had in Super or more luxurious Custom trims. Costing $1,968, it accounted for 19,317 sales during its first season. On July 13th 1951 Tony Bonadies drove one to victory at the 400-lap NASCAR sanctioned Short Track Late Model Division race in Lanham, Maryland. Another Country Club contested the prestigious Tour de France event.

Entering the current ownership via the Frankman Motor Company of South Dakota for $19,000 in November 2015, chassis D53182 was purchased with a view to contesting the Tour Auto (a modern re-running of the Tour de France). Accepted for the event, ill health prevented the vendor's participation. An older restoration which has been running of late, we are informed that the Nash Rambler will require recommissioning / repair before being returned to road use. Offered for sale with French Certificat d'Immatriculation (Carte Grise), FIVA Identity Card and sundry invoices. Interested parties might like to know that Peter Anderson of www.importedvehicleregistration.co.uk has quoted £300 (inclusive of all DVLA fees) to UK register the car.