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1939-1942 Nash Ambassador Eight

by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Browse the article 1939-1942 Nash Ambassador Eight

This 1941 Nash Ambassador Eight convertible was part of the 1939-42 Nash Ambassador Eight line.
1941 Nash Ambassador Eight convertible

The 1939-1942 Nash Ambassador Eight was the automaker's best in its final styling generation before the war. The series was also the firm's last eight-cylinder offerings until 1955.

The 1939-1942 Nash Ambassador Eight was marked by a striking front-end design plus the traditional Nash valve-in-head engine with nine main bearings for uncommon smoothness and longevity.

A variety of closed bodies was offered along with a cabriolet (convertible). The latter was dropped for 1942 when Nash adopted a rather less successful horizontal grille. The 1939-1941 models are arguably better-looking.

Pluses of the 1939-1942 Nash Ambassador Eight:

  • Nice styling
  • Smooth performance
  • Quality
  • Relatively easy on the budget, even convertibles
  • Good club support

Minuses of the 1939-1942 Nash Ambassador Eight:

  • Limited availability
  • Parts supplies limited
  • Rust-prone

Production of the 1939-1942 Nash Ambassador Eight:

  • 1939: 17,052
  • 1940-1942: 33,000 (estimated)

Specifications of the 1939-1942 Nash Ambassador Eight:
Wheelbase, inches: 125.0 (1939-1940); 121.0 (1941-1942)
Length, inches: 213.2 (1939-1940); 210.2 (1941-1942)
Weight, pounds: 3,260-3,820
Price, new: $1,084-1,295

Engines for the 1939-1942 Nash Ambassador Eight:

Type Size Horsepower Years
ohv I-8 260.8 cid 115 1939-1942

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