Pick of the Day: 1955 Nash Ambassador Super

When Nash and Hudson merged to form American Motors Corporation in 1954, it was decided that Hudsons would be built at Nash’s Kenosha, Wisconsin factory, meaning they would be based on Nashes. We showed you one of these unusual “Hashes” several days ago, but what were Nashes like post-merger? Our Pick of the Day, a 1955 Nash Ambassador Super, demonstrates this distinction. It is for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Palmetto, Florida. (Click on the link to view the listing)

Using a restyled version of the body that was introduced for 1952, the 1955 Nash adopted styling that was influenced by the 1952 Nash-Healey, which had been restyled by Carrozzeria Pinin Farina with inboard headlights at the outer edges of the grille — a look that was somewhat ahead of its time.

There were two models: the Statesman and the Ambassador. The Statesman was Nash’s entry-level model, built on a 114¼-inch wheelbase and available with the Powerflyte L-head 195.6cid six in two states of tune. The Ambassador was built on a 121¼-inch wheelbase and was available with the OHV Super Jetfire 252.6cid six with 130 horsepower (140 with Dual Jetfire twin carbs) or Nash’s first V8, which was sourced from Packard. Measuring 320cid, this OHV V8 offered 208 horsepower and required Packard’s Twin Ultramatic Drive.

Within the Statesman and Ambassador were two trim levels: Super and Custom. Custom models added a Continental rear tire mount, foam cushions, twotone upholstery combinations, rear seat arm rest, electric clock, map light, glove box light, automatic done light, directional signals, cigarette lighter, chrome wheel discs, vinyl covered rubber crash pad, and plastic sun visors; the Ambassador Custom also included a Handi-Pak net carrier.

This tri-tone 1955 Nash Ambassador Super features the Packard engine and transmission with two-barrel carburetor. “It has the red painted engine block, heads, intake and the valve covers which wear Nash Ambassador logos, air conditioning, and the engine in this Super is said to be original to the car and to have been rebuilt under previous ownership,” says the seller. The “opulent green-painted dash with a complement of factory gauges … are enclosed in the plastic seat covers reminiscent of the days and show no wear.”

The odometer of this 1955 Nash Ambassador Super shows “a tad” over 59,000 miles, which suggests it has lived the good life over the years. At $14,997, this AMC product offers middle-class refinement, Nash Weather Eye air conditioning from the company that originated it, and Italian pedigree with solid Nash Double Strength Single Unit Construction. Can you find a more feature-laden sedan from the mid-1950s?

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.