1948 Nash 600

Like most other manufacturers, Nash began post-World War II production using designed based on prewar models with slight modifications and modernizations. The Series 600 line of vehicles included 2- and 4-door body styles with prices beginning at $1,300. Power was from a 172.6 cubic-inch L-head six-cylinder engine offering 82 horsepower at 3800 RPM. The wheelbase measured 112 inches, 9 inches shorter than its Ambassador sibling. Few changes followed in 1947 as the company continued to focus its efforts on meeting demand and creating new products. For 1948, the Nash 600 was devoid of the chrome molding that had traversed the bodyside below the beltline. The hoodside moldings were shortened and the hood badge design was new. The 172.6 CID engine continued to produce 82 horsepower and was backed by a three-speed manual type transmission with Warner Gear overdrive available at an additional cost.

New for 1948 was a three-passenger business coupe, and Custom versions of the two-door Brougham and four-door Slip Stream and Trunk sedan. The Business Coupe had the lowest price in the lineup, selling for $1,475 and just 925 examples were built. The most popular was the 4-door Trunk sedan which found 25,103 willing buyers. Nearly identical numbers of the fastback sedan were built at 25,044. 11,530 examples of the 2-door Brougham were built for 1948.

The following year, Nash would introduce its new, redesigned postwar designs on the 600 Series. Nash would become the first United States automobile manufacturer to mass-produce automobiles using the unitized single-unit construction method and was one of the first to use this technology.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020