1951 Nash Rambler Custom Convertible 3-Speed

Description

The 1951 Nash Rambler was one of the first compact cars produced by a major U.S. manufacturer. Introduced by Nash Motors during a time when full-sized vehicles dominated the market, the Rambler was designed to offer practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability without sacrificing style. 

The Rambler wore Nash’s signature Airflyte aerodynamic design, characterized by smooth, rounded lines and enclosed front wheels, which reduced drag and gave the car a futuristic look. Built on a shorter wheelbase, the Rambler was ideal for urban driving and appealed to post-war consumers seeking economical transportation amid rising fuel costs and changing lifestyles. It was initially offered as an “all-weather” convertible with a fixed profile, later expanding to station wagon and sedan variants.  

This 1951 Nash Rambler Custom Convertible was acquired by the seller in 2012, and work under previous ownership included refinishing the body in metallic blue and replacing the factory 173ci inline-six with a rebuilt unit. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive linked to a Currie 8” rear axle, while braking is handled by front discs and 11” rear drums.    

This Rambler Custom Convertible is now offered with a service log from 2012 to present, technical and service manuals, wiring schematics, a Garmin GPS unit, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

Highlights 

• Refurbished Rambler Custom Convertible with retractable soft top 

Factory Equipment 

• Column-shifted manual three-speed transmission with overdrive 

• Chrome-finished bumpers with overriders 

• Bright trim 

• Dual side mirrors 

• Cowl fresh-air vents 

• Two rows of bench seating 

• Cabin heater 

Modifications 

• Powered by a replacement 173ci inline-six 

• Currie 8” rear axle 

• Front disc and 11” rear drum brakes 

• Refinished in metallic blue with a replaced gray soft top 

• Replaced steel wheels with polished covers and whitewall tires 

• LED headlights and taillights  

• Aftermarket exhaust 

• Seating surfaces reupholstered in gray cloth 

• Front and rear harnesses 

• Radio modified to AM/FM/AUX 

• Power inverter to charge electronic devices 

• Center console with auxiliary gauges 

Servicing & Documentation  

• The seller reports that service under current ownership consisted of overhauling the driveline, suspension, brakes, electrical system, fuel system, and interior, as well as replacing the side glass, window tracks, and top track.  

• Service log from 2012 to present can be viewed in the "Additional documents" section below 

Known Imperfections  

• Imperfections in the finish, including bubbling paint at the bottom of the left door, as shown in photos 

• Rust on some underbody components, as shown in photos

Ownership History 

The seller acquired the car in 2012 and reports adding approximately 29k miles to the five-digit odometer since. 

Included Items 

• Technical and service manuals 

• Wiring schematics 

• Service log from 2012 to present 

• Garmin GPS