1932-1940 Nash - Lafayette question

[X-Frame]

I am not sure if you can help or forward my question to someone who can?

From all I can see and I may be wrong, it looks like the Nash / Lafayette frames (chassis) are identical for years 1932-1939 (one for the 6 and one for the 8) then changed in 1940 for that one year run.

Is that correct? If so, it is unusual since so many car makes changed designs if not every year every 2-3 years during that era.

Any help appreciated. Thanks!

Eric

[nashtwin8]

No, that is not correct. A look at the wheelbase specs alone will show you that Nash had many different chassis during the years you ask about. 1937-1939 chassis were pretty much the same, except for a major redesign of the ohv 6 & 8 cylinder heads, intake & exhaust systems for '38, and '40 made a switch to independent front suspension across the board. Here's a quick rundown to help you sort it all out.

1932 1st Series

Series 990 - 124 & 133" wheelbases, 298.6 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8

Series 980 - 121" wheelbase, 240 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8

Series 970 - 116.25" wheelbase, 227.2 cu in flathead straight 8

Series 960 - 114.25" wheelbase, 201.3 cu in flathead 6

1932 2nd Series

Series 1090 - 133 & 142" wheelbases, 322 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8 with worm drive rear end

Series 1080 - 128" wheelbase, 260.8 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8 with worm drive rear end

Series 1070 - 121" wheelbase, 247.4 cu in flathead straight 8

Series 1060 - 116" wheelbase, 201.3 cu in flathead 6

1933

Series 1190 - 133 & 142" wheelbases, 322 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8 with worm drive rear end

Series 1180 - 128" wheelbase, 260.8 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8 with worm drive rear end

Series 1170 - 121" wheelbase, 247.4 cu in flathead straight 8

Series 1130 - 116" wheelbase, 247.4 cu in flathead straight 8

Series 1120 - 116" wheelbase, 217.8 cu in flathead 6

1934 - all except LaFayette available with independent front suspension, optional (Baker AxleFlex articulated beam axle) - (1934 only)

Series 1290 - 133 & 142" wheelbases, 322 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8 with worm drive rear end

Series 1280 - 121" wheelbase, 260.8 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8

Series 1220 - 116" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in OHV twin igintion 6

LaFayette Series 110 - 110" wheelbase, 217.8 cu in flathead 6

1935

Series 3580 - 125" wheelbase, 260.8 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8

Series 3520 - 120" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in OHV twin igintion 6

Series 3540 - 117" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in flathead 6

LaFayette Series 3510 - 113" wheelbase, 217.8 cu in flathead 6

1936

Series 3680 - 125" wheelbase, 260.8 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8

Series 3620 - 125" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in OHV twin igintion 6

Series 3640, 3640A - 117" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in flathead 6

LaFayette Series3610, 3610A - 113" wheelbase, 217.8 cu in flathead 6

1937

Series 3780 - 125" wheelbase, 260.8 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8

Series 3720 - 121" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in OHV twin igintion 6

Series 3710 - 117" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in flathead 6

1938

Series 3880 - 125" wheelbase, 260.8 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8

Series 3820 - 121" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in OHV twin igintion 6

Series 3810 - 117" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in flathead 6

1939

Series 3980 - 125" wheelbase, 260.8 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8

Series 3920 - 121" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in OHV twin igintion 6

Series 3910 - 117" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in flathead 6

1940 - with independent front suspension

Series 4080 - 125" wheelbase, 260.8 cu in OHV twin ignition straight 8

Series 4020 - 121" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in OHV twin igintion 6

Series 4010 - 117" wheelbase, 234.8 cu in flathead 6

Like some of the other independent automakers, Nash was rather busy juggling engines and wheelbases, trying to come up with the combinations that would attract the most sales. As the Great Depression wore on, they were forced to cut back on the combinations, and finally hit on a combination that seemed to work well for a few years.

Take care,

Jerry K

[The Continental]

Makes sense as Lafayette was just a "by Nash" car until '37.