1930-1934 Nash Twin-Ignition Eight

1932 Nash 981 Twin Ignition Eight Victoria convertible

"Twin-Ignition" meant two sets of plugs/points/condensers/coils operating from a single distributor. The 1930 T-I Eight became the Model 890 in 1931; the same 298.6-cid engine was used on the 1932 Model 990, while that year's 1090 Advanced Eight and Ambassador received a larger bored-out 322-cid version. The latter was adopted for the 1933 Advanced and Ambassador Eights.

The 128-inch-wheelbase Advanced Eight was scrubbed during the model rationalization of 1934 (though the name remained on a smaller car). Most often riding wheelbases of 133 and 142 inches, all of these Nashes had outstanding performance and were nicely assembled with quality materials -- one of the reasons the CCCA recognizes the 1931 series 890; 1932 series 990, Advanced Eight, and Ambassador Eight; and 1933-34 Ambassador Eight as full Classics.

Lesser Twin-Ignition Eights of 240 and 260.8 cid, as well as the T-I Sixes, aren't accorded Classic status, but they're also fine cars worthy of consideration.

Pluses of the 1930-1934 Nash Twin-Ignition Eight:

• Underrated and quite affordable; look for open models
• Styling
• Road manners
• Interest value
• CCCA Classic status on top models

Minuses of the 1930-1934 Nash Twin-Ignition Eight:

• Lack of hobby recognition
• Mechanical complexity

Production of the 1930-1934 Nash Twin-Ignition Eight:

• 1930: 12,801
• 1931: 6,199
• 1932: 5,791
• 1933: 1,590
• 1934: 5,000 (estimated)

Specifications of the 1930-1934 Nash Twin-Ignition Eight:
Wheelbase, inches: 124.0/133.0 (1930), 121.0/128.0/133.0/142.0 (1931-1934)
Length, inches: Varies
Weight, pounds: 3,770-4,650
Price, new: $1,475-2,055

Engines for the 1930-1934 Nash Twin-Ignition Eight:

• Classic Cars
• Muscle Cars
• Sports Cars
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