1951 Nash Statesman

1951 Nash Statesman Super Airflyte

The owner of this Nash Airflyte we have nicknamed The Foster Father of Orphan Cars as he's a collector of orphan brands such as Nash, Studebaker, AMC, DMC, etc.

He purchased this car as part of a package deal in order to get another car. After a few years of ownership, he's decided it time for this one to fly the coop.

In dealing with the widow who sold him the cars, she unfortunately didn't know any history on the car. It is apparent however, that the car was restored at some point. The seafoam green paint is in very good condition, it could use a good cut and buff but is very presentable as it sits. There are several imperfections throughout, called out in photos, however, at 10 feet most are indiscernible. The chrome shines very nicely, and again, up close, one will fine small faults/pitting. These may respond to the old tinfoil and Coke method of polishing.

The interior is the same. It's in too good condition for it to be original, but it is done in original fabrics so it appears original/stock. There are couple small holes in the back seat and a stain on the driver's seat, an attempt was made to remove it but I feel it needs a special oil stain remover and a steam cleaning. There is also some light staining on the rear seat. The glass is all in very condition, windows all open and close. A special feature of the Nash automobiles was the fully reclining front seats. The car was pitched as a traveling family's sedan. Drive during the day, recline the seats into a double bed and sleep at night, get up refreshed and hit the road again.

The oil pressure and temp gauges work, the fuel gauge is sporadic. The horn does not work, nor do the lights, blinkers or wipers. The overdrive was said to work, however, due to the lights and no registration, the car was not driven on the road to see if the OD does indeed operate correctly.

Turn the key , press the clutch pedal to the floor (the starter button is behind the pedal) and the engine fires right up, the big flat head inline 6 purring smoothly, making over 60 PSI oil pressure. It sat idling for over 20 minutes and didn't exhibit any overheat issues and the gauge sat solidly in the middle. The date code on the engine suggests this is the original engine, unknown as to if it's been rebuilt but 60 PSI oil pressure shows the internals are in very condition, the odometer shows 43000 miles, that may be correct.

The clutch grabs firmly and the 3 on the tree manual shifts easily.

Around the lot I was able to get the car into all three gears with ease, the car runs and drives well, brakes are solid and stop this big car as they should.

The 3 speed sends the torque to the 3 link, coil sprung rear which gives a very nice ride .. almost like you're flying.

Underneath, the Nash Specific Bonderite undercoating seems to have done it's job. While there is indeed some surface rust, there is no rot, no holes where they're not supposed to be. Some of it has peeled as seen in the photos.

When the current owner got the car, it wouldn't start. The fuel filter was replaced, the plugs were replaced and the 6V voltage regulator, new gas was added along with some BG gas additive. That seemed to do the trick.

Unfortunately what is seen throughout the car are the effects of sitting. The car sat for many years as part of the collection out west where the car came from.


However, what is now presented for sale is a solid, great running-driving automobile that will be the only one at your local cars and coffees, cruise nights and cars shows.

Track down the electrical issues, do some cleaning/polishing and take her out flyi - I mean driving.

These old Nash's despite being fairly rare, are not expensive cars and are an awesome, inexpensive way into the collector car world. 4 doors and big seats mean there's plenty of room for the entire family.

Asking price on this Statesman Super Airflyte is only $10,500.


Any questions, for several hundred additional photos and several videos, to arrange a time to see her in person or just to make an offer, please don't hesitate to contact me.


Thank you for the interest!