"Oddballs" pics
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
In 1967, the former Nash/Packard Dealer in Oxnard CA that was being operated as a general auto repair shop was forced to close, because the 101 Freeway was being expanded...right thru the dealership.
An auction was held to sell off all the shop tools, remaining inventory of Packard and Nash parts, signage, Nash Wrecker and etc.
I bought the 9' Packard sign, a coupla other things, was outbid for the parts and the Nash Wrecker.
When I asked the owner of this dealership about Nash Wreckers (I had only seen one other), I was informed that these were only sold to Nash Dealers.
The fellow never mentioned Nash Cab & Chassis, Flatbeds and etc (prolly because I didn't ask)...so I assumed the Wrecker was the only Nash truck version.
An auction was held to sell off all the shop tools, remaining inventory of Packard and Nash parts, signage, Nash Wrecker and etc.
I bought the 9' Packard sign, a coupla other things, was outbid for the parts and the Nash Wrecker.
When I asked the owner of this dealership about Nash Wreckers (I had only seen one other), I was informed that these were only sold to Nash Dealers.
The fellow never mentioned Nash Cab & Chassis, Flatbeds and etc (prolly because I didn't ask)...so I assumed the Wrecker was the only Nash truck version.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,975
Likes: 9,804
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Interesting Nash history guys, thanks
I'm sure its like most things back then, if a well paying customer wanted to buy a cab a chassis I'm sure a dealer would find a way to sell it to him.
Bobby
I'm sure its like most things back then, if a well paying customer wanted to buy a cab a chassis I'm sure a dealer would find a way to sell it to him.
Bobby
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
But wait...there's more! Pickup Trucks by Mike Mueller / Motorbooks Int'l / ISBN: 0-7603-1842-5.
I searched thru this menagerie for this book in hopes it might have info on Nash Wreckers, but...there's not a word mentioned about them. However, I did find the following...
Page 90 shows a picture of a red Nash Pickup. The caption reads:
Nash briefly flirted with pickup production, beginning prototype development immediately before World War II. This truck was completed in 1947 and still exists today.
Reportedly as many as six more Ambassador-based Nash prototype pickups were built in 1948, including this model which was used at Nash-Kelvinator's body plant in Milwaukee.
The 3/4 view of this Nash pickup shows the spare tire mounted in front of the left rear fender to its Flareside type bed. Uses the same 16" wheels, hubcaps and beauty rings as the Ambassadors.
I searched thru this menagerie for this book in hopes it might have info on Nash Wreckers, but...there's not a word mentioned about them. However, I did find the following...
Page 90 shows a picture of a red Nash Pickup. The caption reads:
Nash briefly flirted with pickup production, beginning prototype development immediately before World War II. This truck was completed in 1947 and still exists today.
Reportedly as many as six more Ambassador-based Nash prototype pickups were built in 1948, including this model which was used at Nash-Kelvinator's body plant in Milwaukee.
The 3/4 view of this Nash pickup shows the spare tire mounted in front of the left rear fender to its Flareside type bed. Uses the same 16" wheels, hubcaps and beauty rings as the Ambassadors.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 995
Likes: 67
From: Mid-Michigan
Page 90 shows a picture of a red Nash Pickup. The caption reads:
Nash briefly flirted with pickup production, beginning prototype development immediately before World War II. This truck was completed in 1947 and still exists today.
Reportedly as many as six more Ambassador-based Nash prototype pickups were built in 1948, including this model which was used at Nash-Kelvinator's body plant in Milwaukee.
Nash briefly flirted with pickup production, beginning prototype development immediately before World War II. This truck was completed in 1947 and still exists today.
Reportedly as many as six more Ambassador-based Nash prototype pickups were built in 1948, including this model which was used at Nash-Kelvinator's body plant in Milwaukee.
Right! Maybe even just refrigerated BEER trucks... it's Milwaukee after all!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,874
Likes: 3,114
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
There's a couple of Nash pickups like that red one in my area. One is tan, passed him on the freeway last year and there's a red one I see at local car and farm shows. I think the red one has the same Nash lettering on the side.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 995
Likes: 67
From: Mid-Michigan
http://www.nashcarclub.org/nccaphot/.../48pickup.html
Doesn't list a location though. Presumably since the prototypes were built/used in Milwaukee area, it would make some sense that they stayed close to home after they were sold off.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,874
Likes: 3,114
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I did a simple Google search and found the Dworschacks live about 3 miles from my house so it's the same truck. The guy, along with my earlier Nash source, are big Nash fanatics. The Dworschacks live on an old farm and have a from clip from a Nash bolted to the front of their barn. I've never personally met the couple but I've driven past their house a million times but haven't seen the Nash pickup outside, they probably store in the barn.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 995
Likes: 67
From: Mid-Michigan
I did a simple Google search and found the Dworschacks live about 3 miles from my house so it's the same truck. The guy, along with my earlier Nash source, are big Nash fanatics. The Dworschacks live on an old farm and have a from clip from a Nash bolted to the front of their barn. I've never personally met the couple but I've driven past their house a million times but haven't seen the Nash pickup outside, they probably store in the barn.
Hey now Ilya... this is an oddballs thread after all. And these rare old Nash trucks are interesting. Plus, we've been getting a little thin on oddball Ford trucks for a while... I'd love to see more though!
Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,984
Likes: 444
From: Central Illinois
Here's the crew cab as it sits today. Met the owner and talked a while. He knows that the truck's auction record is on the web and has generated much discussion. Whether he'd take less for it I don't know. Stu
