Nash Statesman

First generation (1950 and 1951)

4-door sedan 2-door coupe

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. The cars were available as a two- or four-door sedan. A distinguishing feature of all Nashes 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 while the rear track is 60.5 in. The base Nash 600 was renamed Nash Statesman for the 1950 model year.

The wheelbase of the Statesman was 9.0 in 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. Statesman and Ambassador hoods along with front fenders are not interchangeable. From the cowl rearward, the two series' dimensions were identical. Two-door models included Nash's exclusive "Airliner Reclining" front seat, which was optional on the four-door sedans. These seats could be converted to form a bed.

Statesman engine designs were based on the L-head Nash Light Six engine that was designed in the 1920s and continued into the 1940s in the Nash LaFayette and Nash 600. It is characterized by the lack of intake and exhaust manifolds. The Statesman models were comparatively lighter resulting in fuel efficiency as reported by owners and testers.

Nash Statesman models were offered in three trims, the top-line Statesman Custom and the entry-level Statesman Super as well as a base fleet-only model for commercial and institutional use.

The Statesman models, along with the Ambassador line, were the volume and profit leaders for Nash.

File:Nash Airflyte Statesman 1951 im Museum Öhringen (1).JPG|1950 Nash Statesman Super 4-Door Sedan File:Nash For Sale (5067927197).jpg|1950 Nash Statesman Super 2-door File:1951 Nash Statesman - Flickr - dave 7.jpg|1951 Nash Statesman 4-door Sedan

Second generation (1952 through 1956)

American Motors Corporation (1954–1956) 4-door sedan 2-door hardtop coupe

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 during August 1956. Starting in 1957 all full-size Nash models were Ambassadors.

File:1954 Nash Statesman Custom sedan at 2015 Macungie show 2of7.jpg|1954 Nash Statesman Custom 4-Door Sedan File:Flickr - Hugo90 - 1956 Nash Statesman Super.jpg|1956 Nash Statesman Super

Notes

References

References

1. John Gunnell, ''Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946–1975'', Revised 4th Edition, page 554
2. (13 September 2007). "1952-1954 Nash Ambassador and Statesman".
3. (13 September 2007). "1952 Nash Design".
4. Flory, J. Kelly Jr. (2008). "American Cars, 1946-1959: Every Model, Year by Year". McFarland.
5. Shaw, Wilbur. (December 1953). "Nash Hikes Compression, Puts spare Tire Outdoors". Popular Science.
6. (February 1956). "Nash". Popular Mechanics.