Nash Motors had success in the early years of the automobile by selling middle class cars to middle class buyers. Nash was founded in 1916 by the former GM President Charles Nash, when he bought the Thomas B. Jeffery Company. The early success can be attributed to the engineer Nils Erik Wahlberg, who pioneered the use of wind tunnels in the design of automobiles.
Thomas B. Jeffery Company’s main automobile was the Rambler, which Nash continued successfully for many decades. In 1937, Nash became a controlling company to Kelvinator, a leading refrigerator and cooling company, renaming the business Nash-Kelvinator. Having the cooling business helped Nash lead the automotive industry in heating and cooling automobiles for a time.
Nash would continue to have success in sales until the 1950’s, when it became increasing clear that Nash would have to expand to stay competitive with the big 3 auto makers (GM, Ford , and Chrysler ). Nash merged with Hudson , forming AMC (American Motors Corporation ). AMC acquired Kaiser Jeep in 1980, the descendant of Willys -Overland Motors, and shortly after entered a partnership with the French auto manufacturer Renault. Neither one could save AMC, and in 1987 the business was bought out by Chrysler. Only the Jeep name remains today.
Nash car history, car data, information, pictures
