1948 Nash Ambassador Convertible

1948 Nash Ambassador Convertible

The Nash Ambassador is a luxury automobile that was produced by Nash Motors from 1927 until 1957. For the first five years it was a top trim level, then from 1932 on a standalone model. Ambassadors were lavishly equipped and beautifully constructed, earning them the nickname "the Kenosha Duesenberg".

For consignment 1 of approximately 1000 produced as a 1948 1 year only convertible model. This stunning car was completely restored in 2018 which included a seat upholstered interior, body work and a complete respray, a new convertible top, and an engine rebuild by Chip Vollmer from the Pittsburgh area.

ExteriorA slipstream smoothed over body design for this model features pontoon fenders and wonderfully curved lines for the body panels. These panels are very straight and have well minded gaps throughout. A nice mixture of added on chrome can be seen throughout the exterior with 2 grilles, a smaller upper one, and a longer lower one with a bumper framing its bottom. Above a bulbous hood features a large front can center badge, and a winged female art deco inspired form. A stainless trimming runs through the center of the hood and takes us rearward visually to the split windshield. Big rounded fenders have a single headlight with an attached turn signal all surrounded by nice chrome bezels. A wide straight access door, and a smaller rounded rear fender which matches the curvature of the back of the car which is trimmed on the bottom with a dual bumper and more tail lighting with near perfect bezels. The rockers are solid and have just a hint of rubber running board at their tops. This rubber also adorns the fronts of the rear fenders curving along with their design. Deep red painted wheels with a chromed trim ring on the outside and a shiny mood cap badged with NASH in the centers are all wrapped with wide white radials completing the awesomized aero look.

InteriorA swing of the doors, and we are greeted with a near perfect oxblood colored bench stretching from door to door. The doors are also covered in the oxblood vinyl and are in excellent condition. Upfront an art deco styled dash with horizontal ribbing which runs the length of the dash which is painted gray metal, and the horizontal bands are chromed. In the center is a white bakelite "weather eye" and a radio just below with nicely aged bakelite knobs and wide buttons. In front of the driver is a trio of circular gauges with the 2 smaller outlying gauges in gold, and the center larger speedo in bronze. Fronting this beautiful dash is a near perfect white bakelite big round steering wheel with a chromed horn ring inside. In the back we can slide into a wide rear bench which is framed above by the black canvas convertible top which is new. Gray carpeting covers the rear floors, and front floors which sport wool stitched black floor mats. A shout to the trunk where it has also been completely restored and has a nice spare tire that matches the exterior 4 setup.

DrivetrainA lift of the heavy hood and underneath in a completely restored engine bay sits the original to this car 235ci inline 6-cylinder engine. It is topped with a 1-barrel carburetor that has a big and black painted air cleaner system on top. On the back is a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The rear axle weighs in at 4.11. All in shades of gray with new wiring, belts and hoses.

UndercarriageCompletely up to snuff underneath with nary even a hint of road splatter, just some dust. Straight black painted steel with front independent coil springs suspension and leaf springs on the back. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners.

Drive-AbilityA quick starter and very smooth runner with near perfect handling and good solid braking. A lovely comfy interior, with all working controls. We noticed the taillights were not lighting up when braking, and the consignor states that there is a new hydraulic pump for the convertible top, but it is not currently installed.

A beautiful overall job for every aspect of this 1 year produced convertible slipstream art deco styled beauty. A show winner, and a wonderful cruiser right out of 1948! Amazing.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.