1934 Nash Ambassador

A conflict with Bill Durant prompted Charles Nash to step down from his role as president of General Motors, subsequently establishing Nash Motors in 1916. Mr. Nash had taken over the Thomas B. Jeffery Company located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a firm recognized for its strong reputation and the production of the Rambler, which began manufacturing in 1902.

The medium-priced Nash automobiles were well-engineered, innovative, and attractively styled. The firm expanded during the 1920s and 1930s, as buyers flocked to its series of advanced six-cylinder cars of various sizes, equipped with seven main bearing crankshafts, which resulted in smooth operation.

As the 1930s came into view, the eight-cylinder engine had become essential for nearly all sectors of the automotive industry, with the exception of the economy segment. The eight-cylinder unit offered by Nash was among the finest in the industry, with a nine-main-bearing crank, Bohnalite aluminum pistons, and aluminum connecting rods. The dual ignition system used two complete sets of spark plugs and ignition coils. Initially, the 298.6 cubic-inch engine produced 100 horsepower; by 1932, displacement had grown to 322 cubic inches, and output increased by an additional 25 horsepower.

Mechanical sophistication was a theme used throughout their vehicles, including the Bijur automatic chassis lubrication system, thermostatically controlled radiator shutters, Gemmer steering box, Timken worm drive rear axle, and Delco adjustable shock absorbers.

Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky
Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky was an industrial designer who gained a reputation for his streamlined designs applied to automobiles. While employed at the Hayes Body Corporation during the late 1920s, he penned designs for several Hayes customers, including Auburn, Cord, and American Austin. He worked with Packard during the early 1930s, and after World War II, he assisted in the design of the Tucker 48.

Nash lent his talents to the designs of the 1933 Nash models.

The 1934 Nash
The 1934 Nash could be purchased with either six- or eight-cylinder power on various wheelbase sizes and in numerous 2- and 4-door body styles. The transmission was a three-speed sliding gear unit with a single dry plate clutch and floor shift controls. Mechanical brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power. The range-topping Ambassador had a spiral bevel drive while the Advanced and the Big Six received a semi-floating rear axle. All models had draft-free ventilation.

The Nash Ambassador 'Eight' (Series 1290) was powered by a 322 cubic-inch, overhead valve straight-eight engine that produced 125 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. Most examples rested on a 133-inch wheelbase platform, with a longer wheelbase version of 142 inches available for large and stately coachwork. Styling features courtesy of De Sakhoffsky included the deep-skirted fenders, horizontal door ventilators on the side of the hood, and bullet-shaped headlamps.

The Nash Advanced Eight (Series 1280) was similarly styled to the Ambassador but built atop a shorter, 121-inch wheelbase. The 260.8 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine had 100 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque.

Prices for the Advanced ranged from $765 to $1,145; the Ambassador was priced from $1,575 to $2,055.

In response to the economic challenges posed by the Great Depression, Nash's portfolio included the 'La Fayette' and 'Big Six,' both were more affordable alternatives for customers in need of a budget-friendly option. Prices began at $600 and rose to nearly $900. Styling was similar to the larger and more expensive siblings, but in a smaller package with wheelbase sizes of 113 inches for the La Fayette and 116 inches for the Big Six. The Big Six had more ornamentation, including chrome headlamps, while the La Fayette had painted headlamp shells. The six-cylinder engine powering the Big Six displaced 234.8 cubic inches and had seven main bearings, solid valve lifters, and produced 88 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The LaFayette used an L-head six-cylinder unit with a 217.8 cubic-inch displacement, seven main bearings, solid valve lifters, and offered 75 horsepower at 3,200 RPM.

1934 was the first year of the LaFayette.

Nash Ambassador
Body Styles
All of the Nash Ambassador body styles had four doors and closed configuration. The sedan was priced at $1,575, which was approximately $500 higher than the Advanced Eight Sedan. The Brougham listed at $1,625, the seven-passenger sedan and long-wheelbase five-passenger sedan were $1,955, and the long-wheelbase Brougham was $1,820. The most expensive body style in the 1934 Nash lineup was the seven-passenger limousine which was $2,055.

Engine
The 322 cubic-inch straight-eight engine had a cast iron block, overhead valves, a 3.3-inch bore, a 4.5-inch stroke, and a compression ratio of 5.25:1. It had solid valve lifters, nine main bearings, a Stromberg carburetor, and produced 125 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 115 lb-ft of torque at 4,0000 RPM.

Dimensions
The Ambassador Eight had a 133-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 214.25 inches. A longer wheelbase option measured 142 inches.

Production
Nash produced 28,664 automobiles during the 1934 calendar year, an increase over the 14,973 produced the previous year (calendar year production).

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2024