NASH PASSION

A Beauty Transformed: The 1951 Nash Rambler’s Journey

It’s often been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder—and when you consider the total transformation of this ’51 Nash Rambler, this old saying proves to be true once again. After all, the starting point was anything but beautiful, and more to the point, some people remember these Nash wagons as downright ugly. But now the right mixture of elements has transformed this unusual and outstanding example, giving it an all-new character that’s easy to appreciate.

The Transformation Begins

Originally purchased through Hemmings Motor News, over four years have been spent transforming the visually challenged original into an eye-catching centerpiece that has been drawing crowds ever since it first turned a wheel. As much a product of good planning as quality craftsmanship, this Rambler wagon is right in step with everything we’ve come to know and love about new-age rodding.

Seth Stafford: A Youthful Visionary

While it might seem as if most 21-year-olds are focused on the highly visible import scene, Seth Stafford reminds us that street rodding is still very much a part of today’s youth-oriented automotive culture. And if you’re expecting neon lights, carbon wings and ground effects—think again. This Nash is right in line with the latest trends of rodding, blending subtle details and radical treatments to achieve an appeal that most will appreciate.

Crafting the Perfect Chassis

The original chassis was scrapped in favor of an entirely new creation. A 2×4-inch rectangular tube frame from Art Morrison Enterprises was mandrel-bent to the contours of the Rambler body using custom body mounts. Seth and Steve Stafford fit Heidt’s narrowed Mustang II A-arms in front mated to Air Ride ShockWaves. Steering comes by way of Flaming River’s rack-and-pinion unit, while 11-inch rotors and twin-piston calipers maintain control of the 17×7-inch Intro Twisted Matrix rims and BFGoodrich 205/40-17 rubber. An 8-inch Ford rearend was joined in back with triangulated control arms, along with another set of ShockWaves, allowing complete control of height adjustment and ride quality.

Detailing the Undercarriage

The final connection between suspension and the pavement comes by way of 20×8.5 rims with 245/40-20 Comp T/As. Detailing comes in the way of polished stainless brake and gas lines, plenty of polished fasteners and painted surfaces equal to those topside. This was accomplished by carefully molding the various framemembers to flow in one continuous line, and the visual rewards are plentiful, to say the least.

Powering Up with Performance Enhancements

To bring this Nash up to speed, Seth fitted a ZZ3 Chevy between the rails, along with a set of Edelbrock polished aluminum heads, intake manifold and 650cfm four-barrel carburetors. Roller rocker arms were also incorporated to increase performance, as were Sanderson block-hugger headers, an HEI ignition system and a custom polished stainless exhaust system. Added detailing is seen in the entirely smoothed surfaces. You’ll also spot the beautifully shaped custom air cleaner formed from a ’61 Impala trunk and the Moon finned valve covers. A column-mounted Lokar linkage maintains control of the Coan Racing Transmissions Turbo 350 utilizing a 2,800-stall converter, which delivers solid shifts and extended reliability. A polished aluminum pedal set maintains a similar look down below. You may also notice the new inner fender liners positioned on either side of the engine and the chromed hard lines leading to the radiator.

Luxurious Interior Upgrades

Other updates to the interior include cinnamon-colored Ultraleather upholstery laid out by Mike Cryspin at Just Stitchin’ in Goshen, Indiana. As you can see, the quality is first-rate, with every surface following a similar design theme, from the Saturn seats to the door panels, headliner and even the floors from front to back. The lengthened dash makes use of Dakota Digital instruments within the centralized face and a custom console follows between the seats. Here you’ll find a Vintage Air control panel to oversee temperature adjustments.

Attention to Detail and Modern Comforts

An Intro Twisted Vista satin suede half-wrapped steering wheel tops the polished tilt column with billet extremities, and it’s a look we enjoy. Additional comforts include Vintage Air’s Super Cooler air conditioning and an audio system to be proud of. It combines a Panasonic CD/DVD unit with a Kicker 1X495D amplifier, MB Quart components and JL Audio speakers, including a 12-inch subwoofer. And to keep the elements outside of the driving experience, 75 square feet of Dynamat was utilized throughout the interior.

Show-Stopping Exterior Finish

While it’s difficult to appreciate from behind the wheel, the exterior of this Nash wagon is absolutely beautiful, with several gallons of Boyd Red paint covering the flawless bodywork. Showtyme Autobody in Galveston, Indiana, handled this masterful effort. Considering the original condition of the skins, there’s no question of the skills that were applied before the paint. Alterations to the body include shaved door handles, along with the hood emblem and beltline trim. Once separate, the rear fenders were welded to the body and the original upper and lower tailgate were joined as one and hinged from the top. The bumper trim was removed as well before new chrome brought them back to life.

A Tribute to Creativity and Dedication

Beyond that, it’s easy to see how much effort was put into the smallest details, while several of the car’s original trim pieces were retained to keep the unique flavor of this rare Nash wagon in check. While purists may have a hard time relating to this car (can there really be Nash purists?), it’s obvious from the number of top awards given to this slick machine that Seth made the right choice when he decided to do this project. And when you actually see it in person, you quickly understand just what it is that makes this car so special.

A Vision Realized

Anyone who’s been around this hobby for long knows the best things about it are often realized through applied creativity that transports cars from a previous era into the modern age. Seth’s Nash wagon is a prime example of this transformation, as great results have come from simple beginnings. His efforts, along with those of friends and a loving family, have helped bring this amazing transformation to fruition, along with the dreams of one lucky youngster.

As we said from the start, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While there will be some who may miss the meaning here, most anyone with an appreciation for beauty, creativity and a new approach to older cars will certainly behold a passion for this great Nash. Say what you will, but don’t burn any Nash bridges, because they are few and far between.