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1930 Nash Series 490

Sedan

The Nash 490 series was the company's top-of-the-line offering for 1930. It was powered by the company's first eight-cylinder motor - a twin-ignition eight, that developed 100 horsepower.

For 1930 the wheelbase of the senior series Nash automobiles was lengthened to 124 and 133 inches - the largest Nashes built to date. Standard equipment included: automatic radiator shutters, central lubrication system, electric clock, safety glass, oil filter and automatic fan clutch. Optional equipment on this car included dual side-mounted spares, 6.50 x 19 wire wheels and a rear-mounted trunk.

This car was rescued from an Iowa field in the early 1970s and stored until purchased by the current owners. The husband and wife team did most of the restoration themselves over a five-year period.

Charles W. Nash became a manager of the Durant-Dort Carriage Company in 1895, and by 1910 he was heading the Buick Motor Car Company. Two years later he was the president of General Motors. He resigned from GM in 1916 following a policy dispute with Mr. Durant. Along with James Storrow, Nash traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin and acquired the Thomas B. Jeffery Company for roughly $9 million. The Jeffery company was one of the oldest and largest automobile companies in the industry, and were former producers of the Ramblers, and now the Jeffery. Thus, on July 29th of 1916, the Nash Motors Company was born, and the first Nash automobiles appeared on April 18th of 1918.

The six-cylinder engine was designed by Erik Wahlberg, who had been recruited from Oakland and given the title of chief engineer. The engine was an overhead valve unit that was installed in a chassis which featured Hotchkiss drive and a semi-elliptic suspension at the front and rear. The body featured a low hood line, vertical hood louvres, and a slanted windshield on open models.

By 1930, Nash models included the Series 450 'Single Six', the Series 480 'Twin-Ignition Six', and the Series 490 'Twin-Ignition Eight.' The Series 490 was similar in design to the prior year's Series 460, but had a narrower chrome band at the top of the radiator show. The engine was an overhead valve straight eight with a displacement size of 298.6 cubic-inches and offering 100 horsepower. It had nine main bearings and a twin ignition system using two complete sets of spark plugs and ignition coils. The engine was backed by a three-speed transmission and the wheelbase measured 124- and 133- inches. Prices ranged from $1,845 to $2,660, placing them within competition of the Packard Standard Eight.

The Nash 490 was introduced on October 1st of 1929 and were the largest Nash car built at the time.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 506188

This 1930 Nash Series 490 Twin Ignition Eight Five-Passenger Sedan was acquired by the Merrick Auto Museum in 1996. Past owners include Patrick Duggan of Engelwood, Colorado.

This Nash has been given a restoration and finished in green with black fenders, cream wire wheels and belt moldings. The wheels are mounted with whitewall tires, and there is a side-mount spare on each side.

by Dan Vaughan