Nash Haul Thrift
| Nash Haul Thrift | |
|---|---|
 1948 Nash dealership tow truck | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Nash Motors |
| Also called | Nash 3148/3248 |
| Production | 1947–1954 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Light truck |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 234.8 cu in (3.8 L) I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
|
.jpg)
The Nash Haul Thrift (sometimes "Haulthrift") was a series of trucks produced by Nash Motors from 1947 until 1954, mainly for export markets.[1]
Nash dealers in the United States had the option of ordering these trucks, but few were sold and most were for dealership use or as tow trucks.[2][3]
Design[edit]
The first Nash trucks were the continuation of the Jeffery Quad, an all-wheel drive, all-wheel steered vehicle for military and civilian use. The Nash Quads were produced until 1928. Thereafter, Nash focused on building high-quality cars. The automaker developed a line of commercial vehicles in 1947 for export markets and offered them to its domestic dealerships.
Two models were available:
- Nash 3148 a 133-inch-wheelbase weighing around 4,810 lb (2,182 kg)
- Nash 3248 a 157-inch-wheelbase weighing around 4,887 lb (2,217 kg)
Nash's trucks looked more luxurious than other trucks available then, reminiscent of the contemporary Nash 600 passenger car from which much of the bodywork came. The fenders were the same as for the passenger car, albeit with larger openings made by a second panel stamping.[3]
The truck's engine came from the Nash Ambassador although in a lower state of tune, producing 104 hp (78 kW). A four-speed manual transmission was standard with an optional Timken double-reduction hypoid vacuum-shift rear axle.[1] The Studebaker Champion's smaller engine was offered on some models.
Approximately 5,000 Nash Haul Thrift trucks were produced and sold.[2][4]
Nash truck prototypes[edit]
The Haul Thrift line was the only trucks that Nash produced and marketed after World War II. The company developed a prototype pickup truck in 1942, but meeting the demand for automobiles was a higher priority.[5] Between 1946 and 1949, several prototypes or styling exercises of light-duty pickup trucks were built, but Nash's unibody design made it difficult for such designs to reach production.[6][7]
Collectability[edit]
The Nash Car Club has about 30 of these Nash trucks registered among its members as of 2010.[8] Some of these original Nash dealer tow trucks were converted to flatbed stake bodies.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Gunnell, John (27 June 2017). "Ride Of The Week: 1948 Nash Tow Truck". Tomorrows Technician. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- ^ a b "1947-1954 Nash Model 3148". Retrieved 3 August 2021.
- ^ a b Taylor, Thom (17 October 2019). "You Couldn't Buy Nash's Pickup Trucks". Motor Biscuit. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
- ^ Danford, Montana (25 February 2018). "Perfect Patina: 1949 Nash Tow Truck". Barn Finds. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
- ^ Strohl, Daniel (8 March 2018). "Never-produced Nash pickup prototype pops up for sale in Europe". Hemmings. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- ^ Stroh, Daniel (5 December 2012). "On the trail of the Nash pickup". Hemmings. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- ^ Strohl, Daniel (3 January 2013). "Pickupdate, part 2: The other Nash prototype pickup still exists, too". Hemmings. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- ^ Strohl, Daniel (24 October 2010). "Hemmings Find of the Day - 1947 Nash Haul-Thrift". Hemmings. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- ^ "1948 Nash Model 3148 Haul Thrift Stake Truck". bringatrailer.com. May 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
External links[edit]
