1936 Nash 400 DeLuxe

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Nash 400 was a six-cylinder car from Nash Motors Company in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It was only manufactured for 1936 and was sold in the Nash lineup between the smaller LaFayette and the larger Ambassador.

Technologically advanced for the era, the Nash 400 (Series 3640) was designed with sweeping lines and pronounced fenders, and it was one of the first cars with an all-steel body with a seamless steel top. The 400 was powered by a 235-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission, and all four wheels were fitted with hydraulic brakes that Nash described as “big enough to stop a truck!” The roomy sedan could seat six, featured high-quality fabrics, and advertising touted that the sedan’s rear seat could be converted into a sleeping compartment — all for an economical $675 (which is about $15,275 today).

The 400 DeLuxe (Series 3640A) was introduced on 15 October 1935 and wasn’t much different than the 400 beyond a grille with chromed vertical bars. This survivor was in storage for nearly six decades before being purchased by the consigner and given a mechanical refresh.

Highlights 

• 1936 Nash 400 De Luxe 3640A Series survivor 

• Stored for nearly 60 years (1948-2007) 

• One of the first cars with a fully enclosed, all-steel body 

• Production estimates suggest only several thousand 400s were built 

• Finished in gray paint over tan and gray velour interior 

• Powered by a 235 cu-in inline six-cylinder engine rated at 90 horsepower and an estimated 130-140 lb-ft of torque 

• Serviced 10 October 2023 (driven only 103 miles since) 

• This 1936 Nash 400 DeLuxe is offered with the five-digit odometer showing 27,378 miles at the time of listing, which the consigner believes to be actual miles; however, the true mileage is unknown  

Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive, four-door sedan  

• Suicide doors 

• Running boards 

• Roomy interior 

• Roll-up windows 

• Split rear window 

• Side-opening hood 

• Hood ornament 

• Pulley and cable throttle system 

• Single-plate dry clutch 

• Dash instrumentation: 

• 100-mph speedometer 

• Quad gauge with amps, temperature, fuel, and oil 

• “Synchronized springing” at all four wheels 

• Coker Classic tires with Nash hubcaps 

• Original body plate: Seaman Body Corporation, Milwaukee, Wis. #3648A-4651 

• Original Nash inspection plate on door, dated 5-4-42 

• Wheelbase: 117 inches 

• Gross weight: 3,320 pounds 

• Estimated top speed: 75 mph 

 Known Imperfections 

• Numerous paint chips, scratches, and blemishes inside and out, as expected for an 88-year-old survivor car 

• Under-dash heater is inoperable 

 Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack  

• Chilton Flat Rate Tune Up Manual 

• Motor's Auto Repair Manual 

• 1936 Nash owner's manual (3640A Series) with written notation from original owner: "George D. Brenneman, May 28, 1936" 

• 1936 Nash brochure 

• Miscellaneous parts 

• Fire extinguisher 

• Oil and antifreeze 

• Maintenance receipts 

• CAT Scale weight receipt (3,320 pounds) 

Ownership History

According to the consigner, this 1936 Nash 400 is “a true survivor car” and was stored in a garage in Ohio for six decades, starting in 1948. It was sold in 2007 to settle the owner’s estate, and the buyer offered it for sale at the AACA Regional Fall Swap Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where the current owner purchased it. “I have researched the car and have found out that only a handful of these cars still exist ... this one and another in Michigan. Apparently, these cars were rare when new — most people bought a Ford or Chevy. I have gone over the mechanics thoroughly. The brake system is all new. The car runs super.” 

Additional Notes    

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. 

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811 Email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com