1949 Nash 600 - Airflyte Super Special 4-Door Sedan

The Nash Airflyte was the first attempt by Nash Motors in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to produce a streamlined passenger car. It was also the car manufacturer’s first completely new design following the Second World War. Based on the theories of Nils Wahlberg, an aerodynamic pontoon body was developed in the wind tunnel. It featured rounded shapes and integrated front wings, and was significantly wider and lower than the bodies of the cars produced up to that point. Even the wheel arches were omitted so as not to present any edges to the oncoming air that might cause turbulence. The Nash 600 was the first model to be fitted with this fastback body from 1949 onwards. Compared with the previous year’s model, the new car offered much more space and had a windscreen without a central pillar. All four doors were front-hinged. The larger Ambassador was also fitted with the innovative body. Due to their rounded shapes, which were strongly reminiscent of an upturned bathtub, the vehicles were also popularly known as the ‘Nash Bathtub’. In 1950, the Type 600 was renamed the Statesman. The Nash 600 Airflyte in ‘Super Special’ specification offered here was originally delivered to Switzerland and – as the original customs clearance certificate tells us – was cleared through customs in Zurich on 7 May 1949 and handed over to the first owner by Automobilwerke Franz AG. For its time, the Nash was not only advanced due to its aerodynamic bodywork; it also featured a 3-speed gearbox with overdrive and freewheel, a radio and an innovative hot-air heating system with a fresh-air function – proudly termed ‘air conditioning’ by Nash. After a few years with its first owner in Arosa, the history of this curious American car is lost, until it was added to the last owner’s collection a good 30 years ago. In the meantime, the bodywork had been repainted from the original light green to its current dark red. After taking ownership, the new owner had the interior restored using fabric specially sourced from the USA. In addition, the Airflyte underwent a restoration of the underbody and chassis, including sealing, and was fitted with an additional electric fuel pump to make starting easier after prolonged periods of inactivity. For the last 21 years, the Nash has been parked mainly in a dry shed and – as a logbook compiled in 2005 reveals – has covered just under 300 km. Currently, the bodywork and interior are in good condition, and the car still has its original matching-numbers engine. Due to the extended period of inactivity, it requires a new battery as well as a thorough recommissioning, including a general inspection and service. The last veteran MOT took place in May 2016.