HomePick of the DayPick of the Day: Oh to know this car’s full history

Pick of the Day: Oh to know this car’s full history

1951 Nash Statesman Custom Line 2-door Brougham is one of only 38 produced

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This Pick of the Day has been selected for at least two reasons: (1) the beauty and rarity of the vehicle, a 1951 Nash Statesman Custom Line 2-door Brougham, of which only 38 were produced, and (2) to plead with private sellers advertising their vehicles on ClassicCars.com to include more information in their listings.

This car is advertised by a private owner/seller in Kingston, New Hampshire, and except for a short list of such things as “184 CI inline 6-cylinder engine” and “Plastic seat coverings,” all we’re told in the text about the car is this:

“Very rare 1951 Nash statesman custom 1 of 38 built that year. Very rare drive-in movie theater seats in rear. Odometer reads 62,000 miles. Car is in absolutely beautiful shape, solid and runs strong. Will not find another statesman in this condition anywhere for sale.”

Later, in the “Vehicle Details” section of the ad, we learn that the car shows 62,000 miles on its odometer and has been partially restored and retains its original engine.”

The advertisement also includes 11 photos that show what appears to be a car preserved in factory condition and with clear plastic covers on its seats — a bench in front and a pair of limousine-style lounges chairs at the rear.

It’s a car that needs to have its history researched and shared, including how long the current owner has had the car and any work he or she has done to it.

According to The Standard Catalog of American Cars, Nash resumed post-war passenger car production for 1946 with an updated version of its pre-war designs. For Nash, that meant offering both 600 and Ambassador models. 

For 1950, the 600 was rechristened as the Statesman, which was available in Deluxe, Super and Custom trim. Of some 14,000 Custom Line cars, only 132 were 2-door Broughams. 

For the 1951 model year, the Statesman cars got General Motors-sourced Hydra-Matic automatic transmission and some cosmetic and interior updates, including rear seats with armrests. Of around 17,000 Custom line cars, only 38 were 2-door Broughams such as the Pick of the Day. The Brougham body style was not offered by Nash after 1951.

The Standard Catalog also notes that for 1951, the car’s 184cid inline-6 engine was rated at 85 horsepower.

The car is being offered for sale for $25,499. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Larry Edsall
Larry Edsall
A former daily newspaper sports editor, Larry Edsall spent a dozen years as an editor at AutoWeek magazine before making the transition to writing for the web and becoming the author of more than 15 automotive books. In addition to being founding editor at ClassicCars.com, Larry has written for The New York Times and The Detroit News and was an adjunct honors professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

11 COMMENTS

  1. What a car! Beautiful and rare. I clearly remember those plastic seat covers that people used in cars and furniture back in the day. Larry, I agree that more information on the story of this car would be great.

  2. I remember vividly that grille and bumper. Got run over when I darted out into traffic and got run over with my tricycle on Downing street. I am still brain damaged but not from that. I am a political hobbyist. Worse still I am a hot rodder.

  3. A lifelong car collector and restorer, and retired in nearby Rye, NH, I’m interested in discussing purchase of this beautiful Nash. I expect to be in Kingston, NH tomorrow morning (Saturday, Sept 12) for an old car rally and veterans benefit. If possible, kindly provide a phone and street address soonest, so I can see and drive the car while there in Kingston tomorrow. Thank you, Bruce Valley, US Navy, Ret (H Tel : 603-964-1404)

  4. In today’s world, it’s not inconceivable to believe that the owner(s) may not know the back story. Sometimes the story dies with the owner. Anyway, a car that I will keep an eye on and will check on during my next trip.

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