1947 Nash 600

Straight Six

Manual

Clear

This is a 1947 Nash 600, which was produced from 1940 through 1949. The Nash 600 was an automobile manufactured by the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and was positioned in the low-priced market segment. The '600' name comes from the car's ability to go 600 miles on one tank of gasoline due to the combination of the 20 gallon gas tank and its 30 mpg fuel economy. The "600" is generally credited with being the first mass produced American automobile that was constructed through unitized body and frame construction, in which the car body and the frame are welded as one rather than the more traditional body on frame method, were the body is bolted to the frame. Unitized construction allowed Nash to advertise that the car was lighter in weight, quieter, and more rigid than its competitors. Elimination of the frame in favor of a combined body-and-chassis construction reduced the car's weight by 500 pounds. Nash's innovation also required new techniques for collision repairs. This included the development of a new portable body and frame puller tool that was quickly accepted worldwide. From 1942 to 1948, the 600's design was upgraded with new front ends, upholstery, and trim. The 600 had a 33-foot turning circle. It was powered by a 172.6 cubic inch (2.8L) 82 hp straight-six engine that became known for its fuel economy.