Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 16th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 17th June from 9am
Location: Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1938 Nash Ambassador Six Bata Ambulance
Estimate
£16, 000 - £20, 000
Registration No: GEV 886
Chassis No: R328904
MOT: Exempt
Supplied new to Thomas Bata of the Bata Shoe Company, and converted to an Ambulance for use at their factory in the war
Retained by the Bata Shoe Company until January, 1976, when it was purchased by our vendor
Loaned to the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, later in 1976, and displayed at the museum ever since
Extremely original and pleasingly unrestored
A true piece of Second World War history!
Nash Motors had its origins in 1918 when Charles W. Nash, a former president of General Motors, took over the Thomas B. Jeffery Co., maker of Jeffery and Rambler cars. Nash’s eponymous automobiles proved successful through the 1920s, but, like so many car-makers, it fell in hard times in the 1930s, only surviving by merging with the Kelvinator home appliance company in 1937. Nash unveiled its three-model 1938 line-up in October, 1937, which was comprised of the entry-level 400 series, the mid-range Ambassador Six and the flagship Ambassador Eight. An interesting innovation was the introduction of the “Weather-Eye” combined heater and air-conditioning system.
Offered in five different saloon, coupé and cabriolet styles, the models were sold in Britain through R. S. M. Motors Ltd. of Bruton Street, Mayfair, sole concessionaires for Nash and Cord. The two Ambassador models featured twin-spark ignition and the Six was rated at 27. 26hp by the treasury formula. It went on sale at a starting price of £415, and R. S. M. boasted: “So roomy are these models that a full size double bed can be fitted in the back of any Nash Saloon.”
One of the most fascinating Nashes in existence, this 1938 Ambassador Six began life as an ordinary passenger car, and the personal transport of Thomas Bata of the British Bata Shoe Co. Ltd. Eighteen months after it was registered in April, 1938, Britain would be embroiled in a devastating war, with London suffering some of the worst effects of the Blitz. The location of the Bata factory in East Tilbury placed it at high risk of bombing, and Thomas Bata generously and prudently had his car converted into a works ambulance, which broke cover in the Bata Record in January, 1941.
With a claimed top speed of 85mph, it was described thus: “Resplendent in man ’o war grey, with the red cross emblazoned on its sides and canopy… the ambulance was put into commission and handed over to Mr. Jack Gracie, the senior driver… A well known West London coachbuilder built the ambulance, and special rear springs have been fitted. There is provision for four stretcher cases, still leaving room for a nurse or first aid attendant.” Even more interestingly, the Nash was apparently attached to the 3rd Scots Guards during the Allied landings of 1944, and it is believed that it accompanied them all the way to Berlin, returning home in 1945. It subsequently remained in operation at the Bata factory until the early 1970s, and in 1976 it was sold to a well-known maker of longcase clocks, who has owned it ever since. Upon acquisition, he placed it on loan to the Duxford Imperial War Museum, where it was maintained by the Duxford Car Club and kept in running order until about ten years ago.
Extraordinary this Nash is understood to have never been restored and stands out as one of the best preserved pre-war vehicles we have seen. There is so much potential for use—not many vehicles can claim eligibility for American car rallies, commercial vehicle rallies and 1940s weekends—and we really hope it will be recommissioned and enjoyed. It is supplied with history including correspondence, a copy of the Bata Record, a 1942 buff logbook and a 1984 V5.
