Predecessor Nash 600 | Successor None | |
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Manufacturer Nash Motors (1949–1954)
American Motors (1954–1956) Production 1950 to 1956 (model years) Assembly Nash Factory (Kenosha, WI)
Danforth Avenue Plant, Toronto Canadian-built Statesman (1955) | ||
The Nash Statesman is a full-sized automobile that was built by Nash Motors for the 1950-56 model years. The Statesman was the mid-level product of Nash Motors' automobile series and was positioned below the top-line Nash Ambassador, but above the Nash Rambler.
Contents
First generation (1950 to 1951)
Nash developed its post-World War II automobiles using an advanced unit-body construction with fastback aerodynamic styling under the Airflyte name, reflecting a popular styling trend in the 1950s internationally called "ponton". The cars were available as a two- or four-door sedan. A distinguishing feature of all Nash's are the "skirted" fenders. Although the turning circle could be compromised, the front track is narrower by nearly three inches: the front is just under 55 in (1,397 mm) while the rear track is 60.5 in (1,537 mm). The base Nash 600 was renamed Nash Statesman for the 1950 model year.
The wheelbase of the Statesman was nine inches (228.6 mm) shorter than the companion Ambassador line. This was achieved by using a shorter front "clip" (the portion of a car from the cowl forward) than was installed on the Ambassador; therefore, Statesman and Ambassador hoods along with front fenders were not interchangeable. From the cowl rearward, however, the two series' dimensions were identical. Two-door models included Nash's exclusive "Airliner Reclining" front seat, that was optional on the four-door sedans and could be converted to form a bed.
Statesman engine designs were based on the sturdy and reliable decades-old L-head Nash Light Six engine designed in the 1920s and continuing into the 1940s in the Nash LaFayette and Nash 600, remarkable in itself for the lack of intake and exhaust manifolds. Because of the Statesman's lighter weight, high fuel efficiency was reported by owners and testers.
Nash Statesman models were offered in three sub-series - the top-line Statesman Custom and the entry-level Statesman Super and also a base fleet-only model built for commercial and institutional use.
The Statesman models, along with the Ambassador line, were the volume and profit leaders for Nash.
Second generation (1952 to 1956)
A new design was introduced for the 1952 model year featuring a large "envelope-bodied" sedan with enclosed wheels that were characteristic for Nash. The all-new notchback Statesman design coincided with Nash's 50th anniversary and included styling by Pininfarina, the Italian designer.
The 1954 models included the outside mounted "continental" spare tire increasing trunk space and making emergency tire changes easier.
The 1956 models received larger and slanted front parking lights, as well as larger tail lamps.
The final Nash Statesman models were built in August, 1956. Starting in 1957 all full-size Nash models were Ambassadors.