By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of the Stellantis Chrysler Archives
Published 10.1.2025
A 1949 Nash ad (Stellantis Chrysler Archives)
The newly designed 1949 Nash models were styled by Holden Koto and Ted Pietsch, along with engineer Nils Erik, the first new generation of vehicles produced after World War II. The Nash Motor Company was an American automaker based in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
1949 Nash cars on the assembly line (Stellantis Chrysler Archives)
For many years, some called the 1949 Nash a bathtub on wheels. They were totally different than any other automotive design on American roads at the time. Nash referred to their 1949 line as the “Airflyte” models, and they were received with mixed reviews from the public.
1949 Nash cars on display in the dealership (Stellantis Chrysler Archives)
Nash models for 1949 included the Ambassador, which featured single-unit construction of the body and frame. These cars were six inches lower than the previous year’s models. A feature offered in these cars was twin beds available for the driver and passenger when traveling. The 1949 Nash models also offered a one-piece curved windshield, and all four wheels were enclosed within its great-looking body design. The automotive interior was also different by design, offering the driver the “uniscope” cluster of instruments. Finally, the 1949s featured a three-speed manual gearbox, along with a hydraulic drum brake system for the front and the rear of the car.
Another Nash dealership shot (Stellantis Chrysler Archives)
The 1949 Nash 600 models featured three different body styles, including the Super Special, the Super and the Custom line. The 1949 “Airflyte” models could be driven up to 500 miles and achieve 25 miles per gallon, due in part to their aerodynamic design developed using wind tunnel testing during the early 1940s.
1949 Nash cars on display (Stellantis Chrysler Archives)
In 1949, Nash became one of the first American automakers to offer the driver and passenger seat belts as a factory option. They were installed in 40,000 automobiles, however, many consumers did not like the idea and had the seat belts removed.
The 1949 Nash offered twin beds for travel (Stellantis Chrysler Archives)
1949 Nash advertising trumpeted many great features about their new models, with slogans like “We Dare You to Drive It” or “If It’s New, It’s Nash.” Some automotive historians have said that the 1949 Nash models offered a cartoon-like styling, but others stated they offered comfort, room, and quiet rides. Some 1949 Nash cars had problems with early corrosion.
A 1949 Nash 600 Airflyte ad (Stellantis Chrysler Archives)
For the 1949 model year, Nash produced a total of 142,592 units for the American market. The base price for new 1949 Nash vehicles ranged between $2,170 and $2,363. Today, these cars are very rare and collectible to find or restore.
The 1949 Nash interior with the unicluster steering wheel (Stellantis Chysler Archives)
Bibliography
American Motors Corporation. “American Motors Family Album” Published by the Public Relations Department, First Edition, February 1969.
Langworth, Richard M. & Robson, Graham. “New Complete Book of Collectible Cars 1930-1980.” By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Publication International Ltd., 1987.
Mc Court, Mark J. “Airflyte Appeal - 1949 Nash 600 Super.” Hemmings Motor News, March 25, 2024.