Nash Motors was founded in 1916 by Charles Nash, a former General Motors President, and produced the highly successful 'quad' (four-wheel drive) trucks used during World War I. The firm expanded during the 1920s and 1930s, building a series of advanced 6-cylinder cars of varying size, using engines with seven main bearing crankshafts, which made them very smooth running. The company's slogan from the late 1920s and 1930s was 'Give the customer more than he has paid for.'
In 1937, the company amalgamated with the giant 'Kelvinator' group of domestic appliance fame, after which car production declined. Dubbed Nash-Kelvinator, the company acquired the Hudson Motor Car Company in 1954 via merger and became the American Motors Corporation.
Among the 'firsts' for Nash and Nash-Kelvinator were overhead valves in 1917, a 'bed-in-a-car' feature in 1936, flow-through ventilation in 1938, unibody construction in 1941, seat belts in 1950, and a US-built compact car in 1950.
The 1929 Nash Standard Six
The Model 420 Standard Six was the smallest of the 1929 400-Series Nash models, with a 112.25-inch wheelbase and pricing that ranged from $885 to $995. Period sales literature stated, 'Though measurably lower priced than the two larger 400 Series, the Standard 6 models reflect the same quality and decorative beauty.' Like many other automakers, Nash began using chrome plating in 1929, with the clear chrome plating over nickel plating preserving the high luster of external trim from tarnish or corrosion.
The Advanced Six and Special Six were powered by overhead-valve six-cylinder engines and 1929 was the first year for the 'Twin Ignition' on these OHV powerplants, with two spark plugs firing each cylinder. The Standard Six received an L-ehad inline-6 with a smaller displacement size than its two siblings, measuring 183.1 cubic inches. It had a 5.0:1 compression ratio, a cast iron block, seven main bearings, solid valve lifters, a Carter updraft carburetor, and delivered 50 horsepower at 2,800 RPM. All engines were paired with a three-speed selective, sliding gear transmission with a single dry plate clutch and floor shift controls. The Standard Six had a 4.7:1 rear axle ratio. Mechanical brakes on all four corners provided the stopping power.
Body styles on the Standard Six included a two-door sedan ($885), a four-door sedan ($955), a coupe ($885), a phaeton ($935), a cabriolet ($955), and a Landau Sedan ($995).
by Dan Vaughan