Lot 242 - 1934 Nash 'Advanced Eight' 1282-R Coupé with Dicky-Seat
| Lot Number | 242 |
| Registration | CEZ 1934 |
| Chassis Number | B74427 |
| Engine Number | B87127 |
| Odometer reading | 30,952 miles |
| Result | Sold - £40,752 |
The Nash Motor Company forms part of the very backbone of the American motor industry right from its inception in 1916 right through until relatively recently in 1957. It is also responsible for several safety innovations from unibody construction right through to seat belts with many models available throughout this period and it is the eight cylinder ‘Advanced’ model that we have today.
This standard Art-Deco coupé body was designed by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, the Russian-born son of Prince Vladimir Sakhnoffsky who came to the West after fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. By the early 1920s, Sakhnoffsky had become known in Europe as a designer of ultra-modern, streamlined sports cars. This put his design skills in high demand and, by 1929, Sakhnoffsky moved to America and began working for several motor companies including Auburn, Cord, and American Austin. Indeed, the L-29 Cord body he designed for himself won the Grand Prize at the 1929 Monaco Concours d'Elegance and the Grand Prix d'Honneur at the 1929 Beaulieu Concours.
In fact, it was the coupé that formed the basis of what we have here. An Australian (hence righthand drive) industrialist fell in love with this model and bought three examples. This was just the beginning however as he then had them stripped back and rebuilt to his own specification.
They benefitted from a huge straight eight-cylinder, overhead valve engine with an advanced twin ignition, 16 sparkplug layout with power passing through a flexible three-speed manual gearbox.
Restored in Australia by the previous owner, now deceased, it was then shipped to the UK by the vendor in September 2005. During its time here, it has been meticulously prepared to the extent that every single element of the original electrical and mechanical system now works and every part of this car functions as it should. For safety, directional signals have been added and it also benefits from a recent service and 12-month MoT test. It has since gone on to win a myriad of accolades including several concourse prizes, full details of which can be found in the accompanying file.
Whilst two other examples of this car were thought to have been built, the whereabouts of these are unknown and so, therefore this, with its period set of hickory-shafted golf clubs and picnic set, represents one of the rarest Nash’s in the world.
Interested parties should note that this example is fully UK road registered and complete with a UK V5C.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.