Nash Statesman

Nash Statesman
1951 Nash Statesman Two-Door Sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Nash Motors (1949–1954) American Motors (1954–1956)
Production	1950 to 1956 (model years)
Chronology
Predecessor	Nash 600
Successor	None

The Nash Statesman is a full-sized automobile that was built by Nash Motors for the 1950-56 model years. The Statesman was the lower-priced version of the two main Nash Motors' automobile series and was positioned below the top-line Nash Ambassador.

First generation (1950 to 1951)

First generation
1951 Nash Statesman Super Four-Door Sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Nash Motors
Production	1950 to 1951 (model years)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupe
Powertrain
Engine	184 cu in (3.0 L) I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112.0 in (2,845 mm)

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.^[1]

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.^[2]

Second generation (1952 to 1956)

Second generation
1954 Nash Statesman Custom 4-Door Sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Nash Motors (1952–1954) American Motors (1954–1956)
Production	1952 to 1956 (model years)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door hardtop coupe
Powertrain
Engine	195.6 cu in (3.2 L) I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114.25 in (2,902 mm)

A new design was introduced for the 1952 model year featuring a large "envelope-bodied" sedan with enclosed wheels that were characteristic for Nash.^[3] The all-new notchback Statesman design coincided with Nash's 50th anniversary and included styling by Pininfarina, the Italian designer.^[4]

The 1954 models included the outside mounted "continental" spare tire increasing trunk space and making emergency tire changes easier.^[5]

The 1956 models received larger and slanted front parking lights, as well as larger tail lamps.^[6]

The final Nash Statesman models were built in August, 1956. Starting in 1957 all full-size Nash models were Ambassadors.

Notes

1. John Gunnell, Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975, Revised 4th Edition, page 554
2. Auto Editors of Consumer Guide (13 September 2007). "1952-1954 Nash Ambassador and Statesman". Retrieved 24 September 2015.
3. Auto Editors of Consumer Guide (13 September 2007). "1952 Nash Design". Retrieved 24 September 2015.
4. Flory, Jr., J. Kelly (2008). American Cars, 1946-1959: Every Model, Year by Year. McFarland. pp. 444–447. ISBN 9780786452309. Retrieved 24 September 2015.
5. Shaw, Wilbur (December 1953). "Nash Hikes Compression, Puts spare Tire Outdoors". Popular Science 163 (6): 152–155. Retrieved 24 September 2015.
6. "Nash". Popular Mechanics 105 (2): 179. February 1956. Retrieved 24 September 2015.

References

• Conde, John A. (1987). The American Motors Family Album. American Motors Corporation. OCLC 3185581.
• Gunnell, John, ed. (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Krause Publications. ISBN 978-0-87341-096-0.

External links

• Statesman at The Crittenden Automotive Library, including detailed pictures of a 1950 Statesman Super
• Nash Car Club
• Nash Statesman at the Internet Movie Cars Database