I bought this 4 door sedan 5 years ago as my "next project" and so it remains. I guess I must face reality.
I bought this car on eBay from Southern California as a rust free example and so it is. There is plenty of surface rust underneath, but that's it. The frame and floors are solid as is the trunk. I admit I have not gone over every square inch, but this car reeks of solid. I bought the car for the paint as well. The paint is not original and is very presentable. I believe a little compound and a little wax and a lot of elbow grease will yield dramatic results on an already "better than anyone could expect" paint job. This is a Statesman and the only difference of note between a Statesman and an Ambassador is that the Ambassador had a longer hood and an ohv 6 with a tiny bit more horsepower. The cars are identical from the cowl back to the rear.
Engine and Transmission: Flathead straight 6 with 3 speed overdrive. Engine is seized and was when I bought it. I pulled engine and trans from car and so they remain. If you want to drop a small block in the car, some of your work is done. I have no idea of the condition of the transmission or what it would take to free the engine.
Steering and Brakes: Since the car does not run I cannot say too much. The steering does work and seems fine. I have removed the brake hardware from all four wheels and they are sorted and bagged and with car.
Trim: All of the trim and chrome is pitted, even inside the car. Some of the pitting is not too bad, some, particularly the door handles, is pretty deep. I was going to get the car running and replace the trim and chrome pieces a little at a time. Most of the old trim is dented up as well and will be cheaper to replace than fix. I have some new trim pieces as well as parking light doors and lenses that go with the car. The bumpers and grill are useable as is, but rechroming should be in their future.
Interior: Interior is all there, but shot. There is plenty of material to make patterns. The dash looks great, but again, the trim is pitted. Gauges are bright and paint is good. There is a push button AM radio and hydraulic antenna as well as Nash's famous "weathereye" heating system. Nash seats recline to make a bed and this car is no exception. Custom trim line was Nash's best. Every window, including vent windows, have been pellet gunned. I believe this happened when I had it shipped on an open carrier, but I may not have noticed it when I bought it. Windshield and back glass are fine.
Car is offered without reserve and my heart is heavy to see it go. My wife guarantees it will be heavier if it stays. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Good Bidding and Good Luck!
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