1923 Lafayette Close-Coupled Four-Door Sedan by Seaman

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Nethercutt Collection is one of America’s finest Automotive Museums and Collections, a masterpiece comprising over 250 perfectly restored American and European motor cars, along with a vast array of rare mechanical musical instruments and precious antique furniture. 

Maintaining a classic car collection of this size is never easy, and when it reaches the scale of our collection, it becomes increasingly more challenging. Our founder, J.B. Nethercutt said the following at age 91, “The recognition and preservation of beauty has been a major focus of my life. It would suit me well if what people remembered about me was, ‘Where he went, he left beauty behind.’” 

As a result, we have decided to part ways with a small group of cars from the collection and will do so in partnership with our friends at Hagerty Marketplace. Many of the cars we have decided to sell we have owned for in excess of 50 years, or have been in storage, not on display, or represent a tremendous opportunity as a restoration project. They are a compelling mix of pre-war examples that have been thoroughly well-cared for and that will easily find new caretakers who will undoubtedly cherish and use them as intended.  

As we say goodbye to this group of cars, we hope the occasion for their sale will introduce us to new collectors and enthusiasts, and we look forward to hosting you at the Museum and Collection in Sylmar, California, in the coming months, years and decades. 

* * * 

Designed by ex-Cadillac engineer D. McCall White, the Lafayette was the brainchild of Charles Nash who wanted a class-leading luxury car to complement his Nash model range. A number of Cadillac personnel were involved including those who put up the money. Production began in August 1920 for 1921 models offering a variety of open and closed cars, all on a 132-inch wheelbase with price tags beginning in the $5000 range. The Lafayette employed a 90 hp V8 engine (increased to 100 hp on 1923 models).   

Cars were built in a former government hand grenade factory, but by the end of 1921, only 685 had been produced. Despite price reductions, only 349 cars were built during 1922. Lafayette was reorganized in 1923 with closer ties to Nash. The factory was moved to Milwaukee to be closer to the main Nash plant in Kenosha.   

In August of 1923, Nash advised stockholders to agree to the sale of Lafayette to the Ajax Motors Co. Although not publicized, Ajax was a Nash subsidiary to build a cheaper car than the Nash. The last of 1,859 Lafayettes were made in early 1924. Ten years later the Lafayette name was revived for a low-price Nash that was promoted as a separate make for two years.   

Highlights  

• Offered from The Nethercutt Collection  

• CCCA Full Classic eligible for all CARavans and club events 

• Fully restored and formerly part of the Harrah Collection 

• Elegant car with beautifully restored interior wood trim 

• One of just 384 Lafayettes built in 1923 

• Very high-quality car from this period 

Features  

• Beautiful restoration 

• Attractive close-coupled sedan coachwork by Seaman Body

• 100 hp V8 engine 

• High-quality car for the period 

• Wood steering wheel 

• Electric horn 

• Rear-mounted spare tire 

• Lester tires on wood-spoke artillery wheels 

• Moto meter 

• Nickel-plated trim and hardware 

• Elegant wool upholstery and carpeting 

• Privacy window shades and locking doors 

• Rear compartment chimney vent 

• Armchair rear seating 

• Interior courtesy lamp 

• Foldout windscreen with sun visor 

• Foot operated tools including air pump 

 Included  

• Accessory trunk 

• Tools and jack 

Ownership History   

This car was once part of the renowned Harrah Collection in Reno, Nevada; Kruse Classic Auction Co., Zimmerman, Auburn, Indiana.

From Cameron Richards, Vice President of The Nethercutt Collection: “This beautiful Lafayette has been proudly displayed in the Harrah & Nethercutt Collection’s for decades. When owned by Harrah, this car was driven to the 1976 CCCA Eastern Div. National Fall Meet at Hershey where it won first place. This car is ready for more road trips and car shows!” 

Additional Notes   

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.    

Contact: Donnie Gould    Phone: 954.647.0779     email: dgould@hagerty.com