Pick of the Day: The big Nash

“Many people will do a double take when they see this ad,” notes the seller of the Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com. “Most people think of the Nash line as being small to a midsize classic before the war. 

“So they are usually surprised to see that in 1934, Nash made the Ambassador under their new ‘Speedstream’ styling, cars that were the size of a Cadillac or Lincoln in 1934.”

The Pick of the Day is, indeed, a 1934 Nash 1290 Ambassador Sedan 8, a car designed by a Russian count and presented in bright red paint by the private seller in Portage, Wisconsin.

“One of the most famous designers during the classic car era was Russian Count Alexis de Sakhoffsky; he designed many of the European and American iconic classic car custom bodies and also did much of the styling on the Ambassador,” the seller reports.

“This model was known for its extra-long wheelbase and its highly stylized body and one of the most-roomy interiors of the classic car period. This 1934 Ambassador is the largest classic Nash produced.”

The seller adds that the car has been restored over a 5-year period.

“Exterior paint and chrome and mechanical rebuild of engine, suspension, undercarriage, etc., approximately five to ten years ago,” the advertisement reports. “The interior was redone in correct wool broadcloth approximately 5 years ago.  

“The car has been used sparingly over the years primarily to compete in car shows and concours meets with occasional driving to keep the car in good condition. It has always been stored indoors in air-conditioned storage, and the cosmetics appear fresh.”

In 1934, the Nash Ambassador came with a straight-8 engine displacing 322cid and rated at 125 horsepower. The seller reports that engine in this car has been rebuilt and is linked to a 3-speed manual transmission.

This Ambassador “accelerates faster than most other classics” and cruises at more than 75 mph “all day long.”

The seller adds that the car “is certified as a full classic for the Classic Car Club of America” and has won awards at the Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance and at other shows as well.

“This car is believed to be one of three so you are not likely to see yourself coming and going at any car shows,” the seller adds.

The big Nash is offered for $59,500. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.