2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Chrysler Archives and the Robert Tate Collection
Published 12.6.2023

The 1957 Nash Hudson assembly line in Kenosha, Wisconsin (Chrysler Archives)

The 1950s were a decade of space age automotive designs. For example, the 1957 Nash models offered a new and radical design when they were introduced to the public in September 1956.

The 1957 Nash Ambassador Custom models offered extra side trim for a three-toning color combination design. The styling for the Ambassador Custom was not thrilling, however, the car offered a luxury interior that some consumers liked. The 1957 Ambassador Custom two-door was offered as a hardtop model only with a 327 V8 engine, a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts as standard equipment.

1956 and 1957 Nash comparison Chrysler Archives 2 A 1956 and 1957 Nash front end comparison (Chrysler Archives)

Patrick R. Foster, the author of “AMC Cars: 1954-1987 (An Illustrated History),” said: “For its final year on the market, the big Nash got revised styling including a lower roof, new front fenders with full wheel cutouts, and quad headlamps. Nash was the first car with four headlamps on all models."

The 1957 Nash Ambassador Custom hardtop (Chrysler Archives)

Consumer criticisms focused on the massive ovoid grille design and the side trim chrome styling that really stood out. Automotive historians also said the wraparound windshield design was too large. On the positive side, Nash interiors offered luxurious vinyls, along with fabrics and leather upholstery. The front seats also folded flat in case the driver or passengers need a snooze after driving for many hours.

1957 Nash advertising Robert Tate Collection RESIZED 4 1957 Nash advertising (Robert Tate Collection)

The advertising for the 1957 Nash models featured the slogan “The World’s Newest and Finest Travel Car!” The Walt Disney Company also promoted the 1957 Nash Ambassador, Hudson Hornet and Rambler during their television programs.

For many years, automotive historians have criticized the 1957 Nash models for their unattractiveness. One of the full-size models, the 1957 Nash Ambassador, had a price tag of $2,670 and proved to be unpopular. 1957 was also the final year for the Nash and Hudson nameplates after the merger that created the American Motors Corporation (AMC).

Rare 1957 Nash ad Robert Tate Collection CROPPED 5 A rare 1957 Nash ad (Robert Tate Collection)

According to automotive historians, George Romney (July 8,1907 - July 26.1995), who became AMC’s president after George A. Mason’s death in 1954, began to focus the company’s strategy and hopes for the future around building the smaller Rambler automobile. He requested that big cars be dropped from the brand lineup, after only 3,876 Hudson Hornets and 3,561 Nash Ambassadors were produced for the 1957 model year. The strategy actually paid off, as the Rambler became popular.

1957 Nash sales catalog Robert Tate Collection RESIZED 6 A spread from a 1957 Nash sales catalog (Robert Tate Collection)

The 1950s were a time of great domestic prosperity, and many of the automakers did very well from a sales standpoint. By 1957, the market was changing, and the independents started failing with the introduction of new Chevrolet and Ford models that began to dominate the US market.

Automotive historians for many years have said that, in 1957, Nash introduced these models at a time when chrome dominated automotive styling. The 1957 Nash models were the first American production automobiles designed with stacked quad headlamps, a design statement that would be copied by other American automakers in years to come.

1957 Nash catalog Robert Tate Collection 7 A 1957 Nash catalog (Robert Tate Collection)

Finally, the 1957 Nash Ambassador models were vehicles that made an automotive statement. Today, these cars are mainly overlooked. By the early 1960s, rust and corrosion became a serious problem with Nash models. In terms of value today, a Nash in good condition might go for $30,000 at auction or if you could find one from a private collector. You might also find some on display in great automotive museums around the country.

1957 Nash sales catalog Robert Tate Collection CROPPED AND RESIZED 8 A 1957 Nash (Robert Tate Collection)

Bibliography

Foster, Patrick R. “AMC Cars: 1954-1987 (An Illustrated History).” Iconografix, 2004.

Consumer Guide. “1957 Cars.” Volume 162, November 1977.

American Motors Corporation. “American Motors Family Album.” First Edition, February 1969.

Litwin, Matt. “Picking Up the Pieces! 957 Nash Ambassador Custom Country Club.” Hemmings.com, September 23, 2018.

By Jeffrey D. Brasie
Images Courtesy of the Author
Published 11.29.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of GM Media Archives
Published 11.22.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Chrysler Archives and Walter P. Reuther Library
Published 11.15.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Cragar Industries/Gary Gabelich Blue Flame Rocket Engine
Published 11.8.2023

by A. Wayne Ferens
Images Courtesy of Ford Motor Company Archives, Wayne Ferens Collection
Published 11.1.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of General Motors Media Archives
Published 10.25.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of R.M Sotheby’s Car Auctions and The Robert Tate Collection
Published 10.18.2023

The front end of the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car (R.M. Sotheby)

For many years, show cars have represented a vision of the future for automakers, with designs showing where they were thinking for new and upcoming models.

In 1955, the Lincoln Indianapolis show car made its debut at the Turin, (Italy) Automobile Salon as a unique and different automobile design. Today, the car is a mostly forgotten design.

The 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car (R.M Sotheby Car Auction)

The Lincoln Indianapolis show car was designed in collaboration with Carrozeria Boano Turino. Ford Motor Company’s design team had nothing to do with the vehicle, as the styling was commissioned to Italian Fiat designer Gian Paolo Boano, who had also coined the concept vehicle’s American-sounding name. Because of this, many automotive historians have said that, in no way was it a Lincoln show car.

Another view of the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car (R.M. Sotheby car auction)

The 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis was designed to compete with jet age and Buck Rogers-esque space age designs unveiled during the 1950s. The project began with a Lincoln chassis provided by Ford CEO Henry Ford II. The styling featured a jet aircraft look with its pointed nose, rear fenders, great looking fender intakes, and those high marked fins. The interior was designed for two people with leather bucket seats and a divided console. This futurist streamlined aircraft-like design was supposed to represent 1930s Le Mans racing cars. However, I don’t think that worked out.

1955 Auto Age Magazine Robert Tate Collection 2 A 1955 issue of Auto Age Magazine (Robert Tate Collection)

The Indianapolis show car had some success with the Turin show, and a 1955 issue of Auto Age magazine put the car on its cover with the question “Is this the next Lincoln?”

Some auto enthusiasts did not like the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis show car, and historians have said the model left much to be desired. Some did not like the orange paint color finish, along with the front end and hood design. Ultimately, this was not the future design for Lincoln production as the 50s continued.

1955 Lincoln Indianapolis museum display R.M. Sotheby car auction 5 The 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis on display in a museum (R.M. Sotheby car auction)

After Henry Ford II purchased the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car, it was later sold to Thomas Kerr, a prominent Packard collector. Kerr looked to undertake a total restoration project for the car, which included the engine and body enhancements as well. Some automotive historians have reported that the restoration led to numerous awards at prestigious events around the country, like the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance and the Greenwich Concours.

A glance at the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car's interior (R.M. Sotheby car auction)

The 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car had many owners over the years. When it was part of the Andrews Collection, it was displayed at various automotive museums. The car was also a part of the Automotive Renaissance collection for a time.

A view of the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis interior panel (R.M. Sotheby car auction)

In 2013, the fully restored 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car sold for $1.21 million dollars at RM’s Andrew Collection sale in Fort Worth, Texas.

A look at the engine of the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car (R.M. Sotheby)

In conclusion, Lincoln Indianapolis concept car was introduced to the public in 1955. Featuring a stacked head light design, it was a car that automotive enthusiasts would not talk about for many years. However, this concept is still an intriguing part of our auto history.

Bibliography

Ernst, Kurt. “Straight from Pebble Beach: Lincoln Indianapolis Boano Coupe Heads to Auction.” Hemmings.com, September 13, 2013.

Newton, Andrew. “Sadly, This Gorgeous 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis was Only a Pawn.” Hagerty Media Car Profiles, July 19, 2019.

Auto Age Magazine. “Henry Ford Boano Lincoln.” November 1955.

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of GM Media Archives, Wallpaper.com
Published 10.11.2023

by Bob Sadler, MotorCities Director of Communications
Photos by Bob Sadler, the Robert Tate Collection and the Automotive Hall of Fame
Published 10.4.2023

by Brian Yopp, Deputy Director, MotorCities
Images Courtesy of MotorCities, Robert Tate Collection
Published 9.27.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Jay Leno Collection
Published 9.20.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the GM Media Archives
Published 9.13.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Ford Motor Company Archives, Chrysler Archives, GM Media Archives, Mecum Auctions and the Robert Tate Collection
Published 9.6.2023

by A. Wayne Ferens
Images Courtesy of the Ferens Collection
Published 8-30-2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of Ford Motor Company Archives
Published 8.23.2023

By Brian Yopp, MotorCities Deputy Director
Images Courtesy of MotorCities and Visionalist Entertainment Productions
Published 8.18.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Zippo Manufacturing Corporation
Published 8.16.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Robert Tate Collection/Chrysler Archives
Published 8.9.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Automotive Hall of Fame
Published 8.2.2023

by A. Wayne Ferens
Images from Ford Motor Company Archives and the Ferens Collection
Published 7.26.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Packard Archives, Moment Auctions, Hershey Auctions, the Robert Tate Collection
Published 7.19.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of GM Media Archives, Ford Motor Company Archives, Chrysler Media Archives, Shorpy Historic Archives
Published 7.12.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of GM Media Archives
Published 7.5.2023

by A. Wayne Ferens
Images Courtesy of the Ferens Collection
Published 6.28.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy Studebaker Museum Archives, Mecum Auctions, the Robert Tate Collection
Published 6.21.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Ford Motor Company Archives/Robert Tate Collection, ClassicCar.com
Published 6.14.2023

By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Ford Motor Company Archives/Carroll Shelby Collection
Published 6.7.2023

by A. Wayne Ferens
Images Courtesy of The Henry Ford, Ferens Collection
Published 5.31.2023

2023

The 1957 Nash Models Offered Radical Designs

Bibliography

The Buick Reatta: Short-Lived -- But a Legendary Design

The 1958 Chevrolet Impala was a Great Looking & Popular Car

Remembering the Great Automotive Legacy of Charles W. Nash

Remembering the History of Cragar Wheels

Remembering Ford's Custom Car Caravan

Remembering the 1957 Chevy Corvette & Super Sport Show Car

Remembering the Rare 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis Show Car

Bibliography

The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Was a Great Looking Muscle Car

Robert Tate Exhibit: An Appropriate Salute to a Trailblazer

Robert Tate Exhibit Opens This Weekend at Auto Hall of Fame

Jay Leno's Automotive Collection is One of the Best

Remembering the 1964 General Motors Bison Truck Concept

Remembering the Automotive Class of 1963

When Convertibles Thrilled Daytona

Remembering the Great Ford automotive designs by Dean Beck

EXTRA: Detroit: The City of Hot Rods and Muscle Cars

Remembering the 1947 Chrysler Zippo Windproof Lighter Car

The 1960 Dodge Polaras & Matadors Offered Aircraft Styling

The Automotive Hall of Fame: Where the Pioneers Are Honored

Before Le Mans, There Was Monte Carlo

Remembering the Last Year for Packard Automobiles, 1958

World War II and the Interrupted Production of 1942 Models

Remembering Buick's Great 1930s Advertising

Kaiser Darrin America's 1st Production Fiberglass Sports Car

Remembering Robert Bourke, a Great Designer for Studebaker

Remembering The Famous Ford & Mercury Woody Wagons (1928-51)

Remembering the Early Days of Carroll Shelby's Auto Career

The Miller-Ford V8 Indy Cars

The 1952-55 Aero Willys Paved the Way for Future Compacts

Remembering Dodge's Great Advertising Pencil Artwork in 1917

Remembering the Dodge Concept with No Name

Remembering the 1969 Corvette Manta Ray Concept Car by GM

Autism Awareness Month: Don and Edward Nicholson

Remembering Fisher Body's Great Advertising

Remembering the Original 1970 Ford Maverick

Remembering the Ford Times

The Kaiser Traveler, America's First Utility Vehicle

The Influence of Women Consumers on Automotive Design

A History of Alice Ramsey & Women Who Became Auto Mechanics

The 1955 Chevrolets Were Some of the Hot Ones

Nellie Goins, the 1st African American Woman Funny Car Racer

EXTRA: John A. James: A Giant in Transportation & Logistics

Remembering Former Chrysler President Lynn A. Townsend

EXTRA: Angela Henderson: A Diversity Champion at Ford

Clara Doutly, Betty Reid Soskin & Black "Rosie the Riveters"

EXTRA: Robert Tate: A Look at Our Own Automotive Historian!

Remembering Rajo Jack, One of the 1st Black American Racers

Auto Designer Crystal Windham is Blazing a Trail at GM

Remembering the Early Days of Ford Dealerships in America

Remembering Chevrolet's Great Class of 1970

Remembering the 1963 Ford Allegro Concept Car

Remembering the Popular 1966-67 Chevrolet Corvettes