I know that the HHR was designed along the lines of the 1949 Suburban and that is very cool. Those Chevrolet Advanced Designed trucks were, in my estimation, the prettiest trucks Chevrolet every designed.

I am, however, also a big fan of the Airflyte Nash period of 1949-1951. In fact, I own a 1951 Statesman. To me, the HHR also seems to be a nice reincarnation of the 1951 Nash Rambler Station Wagon. The HHR has a wheelbase of 103 inches and an overall length of 173 inches. 1951 Nash Rambler Station Wagon had a wheelbase of 100 inches and a wheelbase of 100 inches. They are very close dimensionally. Also, both the HHR and the 1951 Nash Rambler Station Wagon, to me, are rather stylish economical haulers. Take a look at these photos and let me know what you think:

http://chuckstoyland.com/nash/ramble...0photo%204.jpg

http://chuckstoyland.com/nash/ramble...0photo%201.jpg

http://chuckstoyland.com/nash/ramble...0photo%203.jpg

 

definatly similar, though for some reason, I think radio flyer when I see that nash. I think it's the straight chrome line around the car.

 

I can see the utilitarian similarity to the HHR. You def. don't see those everyday, or even every year for that matter!

I love those 50's Nashes. I had a '54 Ambassador, very similar to this one. bought it off of an elderly lady in 1978 for $500. An original owner, her foot had slipped off the accelerator and she hit a parking lot post. That's why she had to sell it.

An amazing car, the front seat could be slid forward and then the back would go down making the entire interior into a bed! Perfect for the drive-in...

 

Yep they kept that reclining front seat setup in Ambassodors up thru the 60's. When I was a teen we had one for awhile (another oldster's car--from the estate of a deceased great uncle--I don't think they ever sold one new to anybody under 80 LOL!)

My folks wondered why I would volunteer to take such an un-cool car on drive-in dates...I'm not sure they knew about that seat

 

It's nice to see some folks who are interested in Nashes out there. I hoping to have my '51 restored in a year or two.

Back to my HHR: this is the best car I've ever owned. It does EVERYTHING I need a car to do and I think it is beautiful as well!!

 

When in high school, My wife's dad had one and that is what she drove around in when she got her lic. It was a 54, Yes a very nice drive in car !!!!

 

as i recall you turned the key on and pulled the transmission lever (on the column) toward you to start the car.

Just an idosyncrasy of older cars... I sold the Nash and bought a 53 Buick Super 2dr hardtop, really cool car. That one you turned the key and stepped on the gas to start it up. I used to tell ppl that I had a clairevoyant car... all I had to do was think about it and it would start (not giving away the fact I had my foot on the gas and presto! the car started what seemed like on its own!)

 

It looks like the car B/B keeps posting as an alternative to running boards.

 

Those early Nash Ramblers were neat little cars, but they were probably a little ahead of their time in the early 50s. Too few people were interested in smaller cars back then. Also too few people were big fans of what were considered "Off-Brands" in those days. That's why Nash, Studebaker, Packard, and Hudson first made mergers, then just finally disappeared altogether. I had a 1967 Rambler Rebel Station Wagon but by then they were full size cars. That was one of the best cars I've ever owned, but I made the mistake of not having A/C! That was a big mistake around Phoenix! Used to go on vacation over to San Diego in the Summer and we all had squirter bottles so we could keep spraying each other with water too keep cool!