The Nash Rambler, introduced in 1950, was seen as the first successful modern American compact car and established a new segment in their car market. It also represented the idea of a small but luxurious economy car. It was produced by the Nash Motors Division of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation from 1950 until 1954 and was available as a sedan, wagon and fixed-profile convertible. The Rambler was designed and styled by Nash’s Chief Engineer Meade Moor and Theodore Ulrich.
The Nash Rambler was designed to be lighter and with smaller dimensions than its contemporaries, leading to better fuel economy and production materials. It featured a 100in wheelbase with power train of 172.6 cu in (2.8L) flathead straight-6 cylinder engine producing 82 hp. Styling was rounded in shape with an envelope body – Nash’s signature styling with fender skirts that enclosed the front wheels. 1950, the first year of production, saw the launch of the up-market fully equipped 2-door fixed –profile convertible which was economical and easy to drive. Designated the ‘Landau’, the Rambler came without the weight of a roof and with a low wind resistant body design and optional automatic overdrive. The engine could deliver solid performance and great fuel economy. The technical design aspects also retained the bodywork’s doors and rear-side window frames and this structure served as the side guides or rails for the retractable waterproof canvas top. It also made the body very rigid for an open-top car without additional bracing. With a base price of $1,808 (approximately $22,806 in today’s market), buyers were also impressed by the inclusion of full wheel covers, an electric clock and even an AM push button radio. The first year of production saw 9,330 Rambler convertibles sold.
Oxford’s replica of the Nash Rambler replicates the real thing as a closed top version of the Landau convertible in an eye-catching brilliant blue with a black ‘canvas’ roof, complemented with lots of chrome exterior trim, registered in Missouri in 1950 as 202 280. The whitewall tyres have detailed silver hub caps with the Nash name printed in red, with a brilliant blue surround. The radiator grille intakes are finished in silver and black below the red and silver Nash name. The interior reveals the seating in grey with black steering wheel and bright blue dashboard. A further touch to this delightful Nash Rambler comprises the Rambler Custom and Nash Airflyte ‘signatures’ in silver across the back of the car.
