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After the American Motors Corporation merged with the Nash Company, CEO of Nash-Kelvinator George Mason hired Batista Farina at Pinin Farina as a consultant to the new in-house styling department.
Pinin Farina had creative input on the full range of Nash cars while also handling design work for the 1952-1954 Nash-Healey sports cars. His most eye-catching concept is the two-seat Rambler Coupe called the Palm Beach introduced in 1957 but never put into production.
The Rambler-based 2-seater coupe exemplifies the idea that might have directed American Motors to greater success in 1956. Alas, the advanced, one-of-a-kind Italian dream car was unfortunately never considered for production. All of the major mechanical components including the clutch pedal starting system came from the 100-inch wheelbase Rambler. The flathead straight-six produces 82 horsepower and features a side-draft carburetor required by the low hood. The floor-mounted gearshift operates a three-speed transmission.
By the time the Palm Beach was completed, American Motors no longer had an interest in adding a sports car to their lineup.
Having been exhibited at many auto shows by Pinin Farina, the car was owned by the then-president of the Nash Motor Car Company, Roy Chapin, and it stayed in his family for several years. Bought by Jacques Harguindeguy in 2007, it was shown at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours by his family in his memory. The car was placed in the competitive Postwar Touring class (O-2). After the show, the car was shown at the 2009 Niello Concours at Serrano where it was awarded the 'Hot Italian Award.'
Pinin Farina had creative input on the full range of Nash cars while also handling design work for the 1952-1954 Nash-Healey sports cars. His most eye-catching concept is the two-seat Rambler Coupe called the Palm Beach introduced in 1957 but never put into production.
The Rambler-based 2-seater coupe exemplifies the idea that might have directed American Motors to greater success in 1956. Alas, the advanced, one-of-a-kind Italian dream car was unfortunately never considered for production. All of the major mechanical components including the clutch pedal starting system came from the 100-inch wheelbase Rambler. The flathead straight-six produces 82 horsepower and features a side-draft carburetor required by the low hood. The floor-mounted gearshift operates a three-speed transmission.
By the time the Palm Beach was completed, American Motors no longer had an interest in adding a sports car to their lineup.
Having been exhibited at many auto shows by Pinin Farina, the car was owned by the then-president of the Nash Motor Car Company, Roy Chapin, and it stayed in his family for several years. Bought by Jacques Harguindeguy in 2007, it was shown at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours by his family in his memory. The car was placed in the competitive Postwar Touring class (O-2). After the show, the car was shown at the 2009 Niello Concours at Serrano where it was awarded the 'Hot Italian Award.'
2011 The Scottsdale Auction - Gooding & Company
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $550,000-USD $650,000
Sale Price :
USD $528,000
2010 Gooding and Company : The Amelia Island Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $700,000-USD $900,000
Lot was not sold
Recent Sales of the Nash Rambler Palm Beach Concept
(Data based on Model Year 1956 sales)
1956 Nash Rambler 'Palm Beach' Coupe Speciale Chassis#: D-12575 Sold for USD$528,000 2011 The Scottsdale Auction - Gooding & Company |
Nash Rambler Palm Beach Concepts That Failed To Sell At Auction
1956 Nash Rambler Palm Beach Concept's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1956 Nash Rambler Palm Beach Coupe Special | D-12575 | 2010 Gooding and Company : The Amelia Island Auction | $700,000 | $900,000 |
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1956 Nash Rambler Palm Beach Concept
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