Unusual and rare Nash roadster. Powerful 249 cubic inch inline-6. Extensive recent service work. Runs and drives very well. Nice paint, interior, and nickel trim. Newer convertible top. A fine nickel-era tour car that remains a lot of fun to drive.

Nash was a serious player in the early days of motoring, and throughout the company’s life they were always known for innovation and quality. By the time this handsome 1924 Nash 696 roadster was built, Nash was carving out a niche for itself by offering a lot more car than a Model T Ford for not a lot more money. The upscale look came from lots of bright nickel trim, which has softened to a lovely patina today, as well as the sporting roadster bodywork. The roadster was one of the lowest-priced cars Nash built in 1924, but today roadsters are at the very top of most enthusiasts’ wish lists. It’s strictly a two-seater, with a useful trunk out back. The soft yellow paint is exactly the right choice, bright and cheerful but sophisticated in a way that a brighter yellow wouldn’t be. It’s an older restoration but holding up quite well, with a nice shine to the paint and only a few minor signs of age and use. The black fenders and splash aprons add some contrast, and you’ll find a myriad of wonderful details such as the kick panels on the running boards, the propeller-style accessory hood ornament, cowl lights, and a spotlight. Top up or top down, this is a great-looking car!

The simple black leatherette interior is cozy for two and comfortable enough for touring. Controls will be familiar to anyone who has driven other cars of this era, with a standard 3-speed manual shift pattern, a foot pedal starter, and controls for the ignition timing and hand throttle on the steering wheel hub. The lone modification is a small toggle switch under the dash to the left of the steering column, which controls the electric fuel pump (it needs to be on to run the engine). All the gauges appear to be operational, although we’re not sure we trust the gas gauge, while familiar Delco switches control the ignition and lights. The upholstery and door panels are in very good condition and it offers a small storage compartment behind the seat. Overhead there’s a recent tan canvas convertible top that folds easily and provides a modicum of weather protection when combined with the included side curtains. In back there’s a decent-sized trunk that’s ideal for a weekend of touring for two.

We also really like this Nash because of the relatively powerful 249 cubic inch inline-6 that lives under the hood. With overhead valves, it’s far more sophisticated and powerful than most of its competition’s flathead four-cylinder engines. An updraft carburetor supplies the fuel, as was typical of the period, and it starts easily and runs great. There’s a nice 6-cylinder burble from the tailpipe and it performs well on the roads when driven appropriately—it’s a 40-45 MPH car, so plan your driving accordingly. The 3-speed manual transmission is not synchronized, so you’ll need to brush up on your double-clutching, but once it’s in high gear the engine is torquey enough that shifting for anything other than a dead stop is unnecessary. Brakes are external contracting drums on the rear wheels only, so keep that in mind at all times, and it tracks rather well for a car with such tall, skinny tires. The wood spoke wheels are in excellent condition and carry 4.40/4.50-21 wide whitewall tires.

Extras include a bunch of spare parts including a spare generator, side curtains, and some literature.

Nickel-era cars represent a huge value in the antique car world. They’re still capable and fun to drive and there are dozens of tours and events that welcome these cars. With its strong-running six-cylinder engine, this is a lot more car than a comparable Ford for about the same amount of money. If you’re a fan of the unusual, perhaps this Nash will be the right fit. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.