BF Auction: 1950 Nash Statesman Super Airflyte
Nash introduced its First Generation Statesman in 1950 with styling that set it apart from the competition. Its sleek and aerodynamic body made the Airflyte badge seem appropriate in an era when the public’s fascination with aviation was at an all-time high. This Statesman is a solid and complete classic that would be a satisfying restoration project. It runs and drives well, needing only one minor task completed before it is ready to ply our roads again. It could be the ideal candidate for a family project, and if that prospect proves irresistible, the owner has listed it exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions.
The Statesman Super Airflyte created a sensation when it was unveiled. While Ford’s 1949 “Shoebox” featured modern “ponton” styling, Nash pursued advanced aerodynamics courtesy of wind tunnel testing. The result was a swooping body and distinctive enclosed wheel arches. Nash made the Statesman lighter and more fuel-efficient than its competitors by utilizing unibody construction instead of the traditional body-on-frame method. Although it never sold in the volumes experienced by the Big Three manufacturers, the Statesman found 111,298 buyers across all model derivatives in 1950. This Airflyte is a restoration project requiring completion. It is a solid candidate, with only minor rust in the left-side floor and door sill. There is some present in the trunk floor, but all areas should respond positively to a few well-crafted patches. The rockers are rock-solid, as is the vehicle’s underside. The panels sport a few minor bumps and marks, but addressing those before applying a fresh coat of paint shouldn’t cause any headaches. The owner states the roll-up windows require work, while the door and trunk weatherstrips need replacing. The chrome is in excellent condition, and other than some streaks in the passenger side windshield there are no glass issues (the seller-provided photos of the windshield).
The owner has weaved some magic on this car’s interior, leaving the buyer to add the finishing touches. It features new seat covers and a headliner, with the remaining upholstered areas looking pretty clean for a vehicle of this vintage. The painted surfaces are fine for a survivor, although refreshing them while restoring the exterior would not be challenging. The wheel looks spotless, while the gauge pod is a work of art. The gauges work as they should, although the lack of active service means the speedometer isn’t tested. The factory radio is currently MIA, but the owner doesn’t rule out it appearing at some point. Otherwise, the interior is complete, offering plenty of room to accommodate the entire family.
I love it when an owner gives a car a pet name, and the owner’s decision to tag this Nash as “Slowsky” tells you it is unlikely to terrorize many muscle cars. It features a 184ci flathead six producing 85hp and 145 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive, and although it doesn’t sound like a recipe for excitement, the curb weight of a mere 3,140 lbs means the Airflyte is surprisingly sprightly. The power and torque delivery is this motor’s greatest strength. Most of both occur below 2,000 rpm, making the Nash capable of pulling from very low speeds with little effort or mechanical protest. The owner says this beauty is mechanically sound, with the engine receiving a refresh with a new head gasket and studs. The restored wheels wear new tires, and the car sports a replacement exhaust. The owner’s decision to install a new 16-gallon fuel tank should increase touring distances, while the fresh fuel hoses and brake lines are welcome additions. The car has a few minor needs, which could be tackled in a home workshop. It would benefit from carburetor tweaking and a tune-up, but it starts and runs well. If the winning bidder also installs the wiper motor, that will make this classic roadworthy and ready for some summer fun.
When an enthusiast’s attention turns to the candidates for a practical 1950s project car, they sometimes struggle to pick anything beyond models produced by the Big Three. However, American automotive history features some cars from smaller manufacturers that deserve a place on our roads. This 1950 Nash Statesman Super Airflyte is no exception, and the owner’s nickname for the car suggests it holds a special place in his heart. It is easy to understand because it is a vehicle with loads of character. How many survive today is unclear, but you will rarely see one on your daily travels. That makes it worthy of preservation, but could you be the person to do it?
- Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
- Mileage: 70,000
- Engine: 184ci flathead six-cylinder
- Transmission: Manual
- VIN: K 344911
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
Gdenn bid $2,650.00 2023-04-01 15:34:05
Fuelish.Pursuits bid $2,500.00 2023-04-01 14:38:14- Gdenn bid $2,200.00 2023-03-29 10:29:09
Karl Foster bid $125.00 2023-03-28 14:08:46
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Comments
“Sloski” is the right name for this one. The Statesman models with their flathead sixes were sadly lacking in power for such a big car. The Ambassadors with the OHV engines are the ones to have.
Where you goin’ in such a big hurry anyhow?
The air cleaner bandit strikes agin, and the “Uni-Pod”,,oh no, I’m freaking out,,,sci-fi movies a hit at the time. Many a hot rod builder robbed most junked Nashes of that. To be clear, yes, they were slow by todays standards, but not fair, really. Motoring along at any speed faster than a Model A was all that was required. Can you imagine a time when it didn’t matter how long it took? The V8 changed everything, but for many in 1950, a 6 cylinder Nash did just fine. They were comfy ( yeah, yeah, the front seats) had a good heater, economical, and looked great. It’s why Rambler/AMC was such a good car, it had Nash roots. Like all these, needs a mechanical update.
I think it could outrun a 1950 VW.
It was great to see this 1950 Nash ; It reminded me of the Tumble Bug ride at the amusement park. Thanks
I remember we had a similar car to this in 1954 and we 7 kids did not like it because it was way too crowded inside… plus it was an ugly car.
Nash for Cash!
Actually 1949 Models introduced the Airflyte styling.
“Nash introduced its First Generation Statesman in 1950 with styling that set it apart from the competition”
I love the nostalgia these bring me. In elementary school the “trip to the country” or “grandpas farm” was always in a car similar to these. Spot the dog was hanging out a rear side window with the kids’ faces plastered to the others. Dad was always driving wearing his tie and fedora hat. Smiles on everyone’s faces. Simpler times and loving families. Cell phones and video games be damned! Would love to have one of these for these reasons alone.
nostalgia isn’t what it used to be…
These have always spoken to me, but not since I started medication for that problem.
Seriously though I love them and I could see myself in this one for sure if it wasn’t on the other side of the country.
Something about these bathtub Nash cars always has interested me. I’m not sure exactly what but I can’t resist looking at them in depth. Nothing else like them on the road. Chances are you won’t see another at most car meets that you take it to. Seems like a good project if the acquisition cost remains reasonable. GLWTS.
Sure it may have been more aerodynamic than the competitors cars in the day, however what sets it all apart from them is that its ugly than sin…
Boy! Dont these just say “the years we were born”?
Love the wagon!
Sorry he (she?) gotta let it go.
My dad one of these when I was a kid. Worked at circle W in turtle creek pa. We had street cars that ran through the valley. Street parking was a problem. One day he parked next to the street car line, thought nothing was coming and threw open the door. Yep. The street car took the whole door off. Thank god he hadn’t tried to get out. I think we had a ford next.
Thankyou all for your interest and bids. I’m the seller if you have any questions.
Jay Leno says some good things about his Ambassador in his YouTube video. Slowsky also needs the light at the end of the directional like his.
Jimmy Olson drove one in the original Superman TV series, and many police departments employed them in the noir crime movies of the late 40s and early 50s. They mostly remind me of the old bumper cars at the amusement parks of the period.
TV series Superman drove a Nash-Healey and Lois Lane a Nash Rambler.
I had a 51 Statesman 2 door Super the last year for the bath tub Nash Called tubby. Different dash and tail lights were in the fenders Not on trunk lid.
My dad bought a new one in 51, thankfully he traded it in before I was born, so I never had to be seen in it lol. I guess he did like it though, he used to say the seats that made into a bed were nice on long trips
Had one as my first car. It was older than I was but it met my father’s rule if it hit a tree the tree loses. Would love to get one but this one is more than I can undertake at this point in life
These were the cars of the future in 1950. I think it was the sci-fi movie “From Earth to Moon” that showed only Nashes around the space ship. We loved them and thought they were beautiful. So different to the pedestrian Fords, Chevys, and Plymouths of the day.
Well, apparently they weren’t the cars of the future, although the bathtub has gone on to lead a successful life. I prefer a shower myself lol
Hey Steve, what would you sell Slowski for? Thanks