The 1940 Nash LaFayette marks a significant milestone in automotive history as the final production year for Nash Motors' economy-focused companion brand. Serving as the entry-level offering for Nash Motors in 1940, this model successfully combined affordable, post-Depression pricing with upscale styling and industry-first technological features.
The 1940 line introduced several major advancements that would soon become standard across the entire automotive industry:
- Sealed Beam Headlights: 1940 was the first year Nash utilized these safer, brighter integrated lighting units.
- Independent Front Suspension: Moving away from a solid front axle, the 1940 LaFayette added independent coil-spring front suspension for a substantially smoother ride.
- "Speedstream" Styling: Designed by George Walker and Associates alongside freelance stylist Don Mortrude, the vehicle featured a highly aerodynamic, streamlined silhouette with its iconic tall, vertical chrome grille.
- Advanced Conditioning & Comfort: It spotlighted the "Weather Eye" Conditioned Air System, an advanced precursor to modern climate control, and offered the famous Nash "Bed-in-a-Car" option, where the rear seat folded flat to accommodate two sleepers.
Built on a 117-inch wheelbase, the factory configuration focused primarily on economical but robust engineering:
- Engine Type:234.8 cubic-inch L-head Inline-6
- Horsepower: 99 hp
- Transmission: 3-speed manual, often equipped with overdrive
- Body Styles: Business Coupe, All-Purpose Coupe, Victoria Fastback, and 2/4-door Sedans
Because 1940 was the absolute end of the LaFayette marque---replaced in 1941 by the advanced unibody Nash 600---surviving examples are quite rare. For example, Nash only built 367 All-Purpose Coupes that year.
This Nash LaFayette has just 3 owners from when it was new. The first owner kept this Nash from 1940 - 1968; the second owner from 1968 - 2015, then then it donated to a museum in 2015. A good candidate for a restoration project, this Nash has been a part of the Duncan Imports collection since 2026.
