Tuesday, November 6, 2012

1956 Nash Rambler Palm Beach Concept



Sold for $528,000 at 2011 Gooding & Company.

After the American Motors Corporation merged with the Nash Company, they approached Batista Farina at Pinin Farina to design a Rambler-based 2-seater coupe called the Palm Beach. This one-off concept car exemplifies the idea that might have directed American Motors to greater success in 1956. Alas, the advanced, one-of-a-kind Italian dream car was unfortunately never considered for production. Having been exhibited at many auto shows by Pinin Farina, the car was owned by the then-president of the Nash Motor Car Company, Roy Chapin, and it stayed in his family for several years. Bought by Jacques Harguindeguy in 2007, it was shown at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours by his family in his memory. The car was placed in the competitive Postwar Touring class (O-2). After the show, the car was shown at the 2009 Niello Concours at Serrano where it was awarded the 'Hot Italian Award.'

In 2010, this Palm Beach Special was offered for sale at Gooding & Company Auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell for $700,000 - $900,000. As bidding came to a close, bidding had reached $500,000 but was not enough to satisfy the car's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

Source: Internet