Show-winning 1952 Nash Rambler custom

The cheerfully round and chunky Nash Rambler two-door wagon might seem like an unlikely candidate for serious customization, but there have been quite a few built over the years by those who see its unique possibilities.

The Pick of the Day is a 1952 Nash Rambler wagon that the seller describes as “a VERY intense custom” that was designed and built by professionals, featured in a wide number of magazines and was awarded top prizes at such national events as the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, Goodguys, National Street Rod Association and others.

Powered by a custom-built Chevrolet LT1 V8, this terrific wagon named “Nashtalgic” was envisioned by top designer Mark Jones and created at Randy’s Rods of Medford, Oregon, which completed it in 1999, according to the Charlotte, North Carolina, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.

“With the help of Randy’s Rods, 6-figures worth of build money and the official Mark Jones sketches included with our sale, the car was transformed from a cool classic into a national headliner,” according to the ad. “A big reason for that headlining status is a smooth profile that was bathed in custom Surf Green base, sealed in glossy clear and detailed with simulated wood accents – hand-painted by artist Don Tippit.

“Thanks to acute attention to detail, this trophy queen puts the ‘show’ in showstopper. At the front of the car, a polished grille hangs small parking lamps between a custom, stainless-trimmed valance and custom Mercedes E-Class headlights. At the sides of that grille, a stainless-trimmed fuselage levels cursive ‘Custom Rambler’ scripts between polished mirrors, unique door handles and coated exhaust dumps.

“At the top of that fuselage, a stainless-trimmed windshield and fresh greenhouse back a long hood, cool cowl vents and polished wipers. And at the back of that glass, a ‘Rambler’ branded tailgate anchors chrome hatch hardware and a billet Center High Mount Stop Lamp between factory taillights and a custom, stainless-trimmed roll pan.”

The seller goes on to describe the Rambler’s top-drawer performance, suspension and braking features, which make it drivable as well as totally cool. The leather-trimmed interior was also handcrafted from the highest-quality components, the dealer says. The car comes with loads of documentation about its build, as well as assorted magazines where it appeared.

The extensive photo gallery with the ad shows an imaginatively created custom wagon in apparently immaculate condition and built by customizers who turned the stylishly classic form into a very special representation of their craft.

The chubby craft is hunkered low, accentuating the fulsome fenders that make it look like it’s hovering over its staggered chrome wheels. OK, so maybe this isn’t to your taste in a custom car, but you gotta admit that it’s pretty awesome nonetheless. And masterfully done.

The asking price for this unique Nash Rambler street rod is $62,900, which seems cheap considering all that went into it and the many accolades the car has garnered over the years. You couldn’t even begin to duplicate this incredible street rod for that amount.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day