Image of 1952 Nash Ambassador Super, sourced from bringatrailer.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1952 Nash Ambassador Super is a rolling testament to post-war American optimism and ingenuity. Born from the innovative minds at Nash Motors, this vehicle emerged as a symbol of luxury and forward-thinking design in an era when the automotive industry was undergoing significant transformation. The Ambassador line itself has a storied past, having been introduced in the late 1920s, but it was in the early 1950s that it truly hit its stride. A unique fact that car enthusiasts may find fascinating is that the '52 Ambassador Super was one of the first cars to offer a factory-installed air conditioning system, a feature that was virtually unheard of at the time.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1952 Nash Ambassador Super exuded elegance with its sleek lines and distinctive enclosed front wheel wells. The car's aerodynamic silhouette was more than just visually appealing; it also contributed to fuel efficiency, which was a selling point for Nash. Inside, passengers were treated to an opulent experience with high-quality upholstery options, including plush fabrics and rich leathers. The dashboard was an exercise in modernity, with its clean layout and user-friendly controls. Color options ranged from conservative hues to more vibrant tones, with shades like Sunset Maroon and Surf Green catching buyers' eyes. Among the body styles available, the Pininfarina-designed Airflyte sedan stood out as an icon of automotive artistry.

Historical Significance

The Ambassador Super's impact on automotive design cannot be overstated. It challenged conventional aesthetics and engineering approaches of its time, setting new standards for what American cars could aspire to be. Its unitized body construction and emphasis on interior space were particularly influential, paving the way for future advancements in vehicle design.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the '52 Ambassador Super was powered by Nash's advanced 252 cu in (4.1 L) inline-6 engine, which delivered smooth performance that belied its substantial size. While top speed figures hovered around 100 mph, it was the car's cruising capability and ride comfort that won over drivers. Handling was competent for its class, absorbing road imperfections with grace while maintaining composure on winding routes. The driving experience was characterized by a reassuring hum from the engine bay and a sense of solidity that only well-crafted vehicles of this era could provide.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the Nash Ambassador Super often used their vehicles as daily drivers or took great pride in showcasing them at car shows. Its reliability was commendable for its time, though modern-day enthusiasts should be prepared for the quirks that come with vintage car ownership. Maintenance is straightforward by classic car standards, but sourcing specific parts may require some detective work.

Fun Facts

A little-known tidbit about the Ambassador Super is that it occasionally found itself in the hands of Hollywood elite, enhancing its allure as a status symbol. Although not known for breaking speed records, it set benchmarks in comfort and convenience features within the industry. Criticisms were few but did include remarks about its distinct styling not appealing to everyone's taste.

Collector's Information

Today, a well-preserved 1952 Nash Ambassador Super can fetch a wide range of values depending on condition and provenance, with prices generally ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 or more for exceptional examples. Production numbers were limited compared to mass-market contemporaries; thus, finding one can be a rare treat for collectors. The value trend appears to be appreciating slowly as appreciation for unique designs from this era grows among enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The 1952 Nash Ambassador Super stands as a monument to an ambitious era in American automotive history—a time when luxury met innovation head-on. For those lucky enough to own one today or simply admire from afar, it remains an enduring piece of automotive artistry that continues to captivate and inspire.

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Accessory Floor Mat - 12"X17"-AC 46Accessory Floor Mat - made of high quality black rubber with molded original emblem. Also designed to be sewn into new carpets. 12"X17", Each

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Accelerator Pedal Pad, 1-1/2" X 9-3/4", Each-AP 21Accelerator Pedal Pad, 1-1/2" X 9-3/4", Each

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 5/8" high-BN 10Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 5/8" high., with 5/8" I.D. Each

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2-1/4" wide X 4" long. Pair-CB 20Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2-1/4" wide X 4" long. Pair

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 3" long. Pair-CB 47Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 3" long. Pair

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2-3/4" wide X 3-7/8" long-CB 48Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2-3/4" wide X 3-7/8" long. Pair

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3-1/2" wide X 3-7/8" long-CB 55Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3-1/2" wide X 3-7/8" long. Pair

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Gas Filler Grommet. 2-1/4" I.D., 3-5/16" O.D. Each-GF 21Gas Filler Grommet. 2-1/4" I.D., 3-5/16" O.D. Each

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Door side seal. Same as LP 40, but for a lighter seal-LP 40-ADoor side seal. Same as LP 40, but for a lighter seal. Fits many domestic passenger cars and trucks. Universal seal for street rods and customs. Used in Cobra kit cars as door weatherstrip. Per foot.

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Flexible window channel-WC 10-96Flexible window channel. Rubber covered with mohair lining and stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1952 Nash Ambassador Super Flexible glass-run channel-WC 11-72Flexible glass-run channel. Mohair lined, cloth covered with stainless steel bead. Used on side windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.