Airflyte Project: 1949 Nash 600 Super
You know one when you see one! Bathtub, blimp, submarine, capsule, however, you choose to describe it, a 1949 Nash is a definite attention-getter. I have always been fascinated by this new for ’49 design but in a perverse sense as I can’t imagine actually owning one – either back in the day or now. Still, it was a very interesting take on post-war automobile design and this subject car deserves a closer look. Located in San Angelo, Texas, this Nash project is available, here on craigslist for $5,500. T.J., once again, gets recognition for this neat find.
The listing for this car is super light and gives up nothing. The best guess is that this Nash is a model 600 Super, one of about 33K two-door sedans produced in ’49. In addition to the two-door sedan, there was a four-door model too, as well as, the larger, and better-heeled Ambassador offered in the same body styles. Total 1949 Nash production was about 135K units putting them in tenth place. For the sake of comparison, number one Ford knocked out 1.1 M copies that year.
So, what’s up with this really rounded design known as the “Airflyte”? It was all about improved aerodynamics and a lower drag coefficient, but the exclamation of the body’s radical appearance had a marketing component to it too. The Nash Airflyte wasn’t about to get confused with other marques and its uniqueness helped them to differentiate their cars apart from the competition in a similar way that number one Ford’s new-for-’49 design immensely benefited them. Anyway, this Nash has some serious Texas sunburn going on but the body still looks sound as there is no observable rot-through. And other than some missing trim, the exterior shows as complete. I’d say that there is a definite restoration possibility here.
While not being a runner, the seller does claim that the 82 HP, 172 CI, in-line six-cylinder engine turns over – good to know. Other than the missing, or removed, air cleaner, the engine compartment looks complete, original, and likely untouched for many moons. Gear changing is courtesy of a three-speed manual transmission. There was an overdrive option available but it is unknown if this Nash is so equipped.
The interior is pretty well in forget-about-it territory as the door panels are missing, the front seat appears to be just a cloth-covered frame, the back seat and rear upholstery panels are missing and there is a coating of surface rust everywhere – its condition will necessitate a complete redo, probably requiring parts sourcing. Clouded as it is, the central cyclops gauge is still present but some of the switch gear looks to be MIA.
A new owner could pursue many directions with this Nash. It’s probably not an exalted enough model that it “requires” restoration but that’s certainly one angle. Another is developing a hot-rod vibe, or more radically going the restomod route. Whichever direction is ultimately pursued, this Nash will forever have a certain visual standout quality, wouldn’t you agree?
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Comments
These unit-body Nash cars were apparently pretty tough. “Lucky” Lee Lott used Nashes exclusively for his Hell Drivers auto thrill show because they could take the punishment better than other makes.
Hello Todd,
Have you driven one of these? I am interested in an old Nash or Rambler.
I own a 49 nash ambassador runs and drives with new tires and rebuilt Inline 6 3 on tree.
My parents drove one just like this from Cleveland Ohio to Huntington W.Va. on Christmas eve in 1953. As my father told the story, it was snowing so bad there were only a few cars on the roads (pre-interstates). The ole’ Nash just kept going and they made it all the way with no problems.
“The ole’ Nash”….. remember the car was only 4 years old at the time.
He maintained it was one of the best cars he ever owned. R.I.P. dad.
This car reminds me of the toy cars we all had as kids, the kind that had a key in the roof. I know I am showing my age, but at this point I really don’t care. Not so crazy about the front view of this, but the roof line and the back end are very cool. Restomod for sure, crate motor and transmission, then paint it the deepest black you can find. The interior is so far gone it’s a blank canvas. If you have the green and the time, this could be a great ride.
IMHO, quite possibly the ugliest American-made car EVER!
Wait a minute. What about the Gremlin or the Pontiac Aztec. This car has personality and a smooth surface. The Gremlin looked like it had its backend chopped off. The Aztec was all hard angles and misshapen planes, i.e. butt ugly. Or the 61 Plymouth with it’s crazy eyebrows that looked like it was going when it was coming. Or the 61 Dodge that looked like a whale shark. There’s lots more ugly to choose from.
The AMC Gremlin (sub-compact now called a compact) was an AMC Hornet (compact now considered a midsize) with the backend chopped off so no wonder it looks like it had its back end chopped off, because it did! AMC deliberately chose this visually shocking chop job over other more “normal” length reduction alternatives such as the later AMC Spirit Hatchback which lacked the visual shock of the Gremlin.
Ever seen an Aztec?
Friends of mine had an Aztek.
I agree. No redeeming qualities!
My friend, Jack Q hates these.
To each his own, but mercy, these are ugly beasts!
It does look like a toy car! And as such, I’d be tempted to paint it a turquoise or banana yellow or something and convert it to electric (I bet there’s room enough for it). Could be a fun approach to bringing it back..
These are an “acquired taste” like Brussel sprouts or pickled pigs’ feet. But if you like them… you like them. Personally, I like these (the car not the other stuff) and would go resto-mod if given the chance. They remind me of simpler times and reading grade schoolbooks like “Run Spot Run” and “Going to the Farm”. You know, where the kids and the dog are hanging out the windows in gingham patterned clothes and red hair. Anyway, these epitomize the post war era and deserve their share of recognition.
I’m not a big fan of cars older than the 50s but this one would be fun to do a small block auto trans painted bright red
I’d have to put a big engine, auto transmission, Ford 9”, air bag the suspension, and tub the thing. This car is begging for those mods.
I wouldn’t tub the ‘tub. But I would put an LS in it.
World’s ugliest car! Cockroach of the highway!
Picture someone you know personally or from tv/movies so ugly they’re scary, this car is that someone but I think there’s potential for a 100% clean car in red or black with a fast engine that’s supercharged Nice leather buckets with wood and chrome accents interior.
This is not a bad price, but when compared to the 1955 Packard 400 hardtop for about $13,500, I would go for the Packard as it’s a nice running and looking car.
Best selling Nash of all time, over 150,000 in 1950
Ugly, yes. But after a refurb, this car pulling into a freeway rest stop would get more people poking their eyes into the glass than anything else made in the last thirty years. Get this one back on the road for sure!
When it comes to ugly cars, don’t forget the Chevette. While the looks may not have been the greatest, that car matched the Vega for problems. Rough gears in the tranny to misaligned doors and fenders engine problems out the yang yang etc. One of the worst cars I ever owned. This Nash looks like a baby tank, so ugly it’s cute.
Ahhh Yes, the Chevette.
When they were first displayed on the showroom floor, I was waiting in the showroom of the local Chevy dealer while my girlfriend was finishing up her purchase of a new Camaro SS.
I walked in front of a Chevette on the showroom floor & tripped on a power cord for lights around the new cars on display. To break my fall I put out my hand and it landed flat on the car’s hood. This resulted in a huge dent in that thin aluminum panel. They had to replace the hood, and paint it.
At first the sales manager was suggesting I would need to pay for the damages, so I went out to my truck, & returned with my 35mm Canon FB camera. I quickly took photos of the loose lighting cables running across the floor.
Putting my camera back in the truck, I went inside and let the sales manager know I had taken photos, and for him to send my attorney the request for payment, I would also visit the hospital that afternoon to have my hand and arm checked out. He quickly backed down in the request for payment.
That is the one and only time I ever touched a Chevette.
You could not be more wrong. The Vega had horrible problems engine and body being the most obvious , but the Chevette did not. The engines were extremely durable and could stand up to a lot of abuse; although horsepower was certainly low . I owned several years ago, and never had any body alignment issues , and the only areas that would rust out were the passenger floor pan caused by the location of the catalytic converter . They were cheap economy cars ; they didnt ride like a Caddy or have the power of a Camaro, but they did what they were intended top do
I love these done in pro-street form! I’d love to build it if I had the room.
One of my nieces had a Chevette back in the day with a bumper sticker that read “ Thank you for not laughing at this car.” It was perfect!
Hi I purchased this car fron SanAngelo . drove 7 hours both ways . Put a coil on it poured gas in carb and it fired up . 29 days later I drove it in my neighborhood . All new brakes I had to rewire it but used the 49 manuel and all works great. I hav had it through all gears . Truly a good buy It was a wonderful buy .I will post again I am 70 and a little slow . I have only spent about $400 on this car so far
Had a Chevette for over ten years and enjoyed the reliability. Ride comfort was of course less impressive. My brother bought a Vega from a showroom floor. Motor mount issues, a warping head, and who knows what else – all in the first thousand miles. A cute piece of true GM garbage.
Regarding the Nash, it’s a Super but I’m not sure what. My’ 50 Commodore does get more smiles.