1932 Nash Series 980

At the age of twelve, Charles W. Nash ran away from home. In the 1890s, he became the fastest cushion stuffer at the Flint Road Car Company, owned by William C. Durant and Dallas Dort. By 1895, he was managing the company. By 1910, he was heading up the Buick Division and by 1912, he was president of General Motors. After a policy dispute with William Durant, Mr. Nash left General Motors. On July 29th of 1916, the Nash Motor Company of Kenosha, Wisconsin was born. The Nash quickly became an American favorite.

After building a solid reputation as a manufacturer of solid, medium priced automobiles, Nash decided to go 'up market' in 1930 with its 'Twin Ignition Eight' that developed 100 horsepower and rode on 124- and 133-inch wheelbase chassis.

Like many manufacturers faced with plunging sales after the 1929 crash, Nash produced a series of remarkably luxurious cars in an effort to add prestige and promote their brand. The 1930 to 1934 Nash twin-ignition Advanced Eights were the largest Nashes in a period of sumptuous, beautiful styling and boasted lots of special features. 1932 was a very difficult year for most manufacturers, and that list included Charles' namesake. Remarkably, Nash was the only car company other than General Motors to turn a profit that year, earning $1.3 million, or six times that of GM.

The 1922 Nash was the first American-built automobile to feature rubber engine mounts. Nash, led by the former General Motors president Charles W. Nash, claimed to manufacture more of its own components than any other American automobile manufacturer.

The 1932 Nash Series 980 model was priced, powered and designed to compete with the Buick 60 Series. In comparison, the Nash weighed 600 pounds less which gave it better acceleration and handling than its competitor.

This Nash Series 981 Convertible Sedan has been given a nut-and-bolt restoration. It has an overhead valve 260 cubic-inch inline-8 offering 100 horsepower. It has the Twin Ignition system, a 3-speed transmission, a gray exterior and red interior.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2014