The World's Most Modern Car

I have always been proud that I can spot and identify old cars. The bumpers, the grills, the taillights all help separate a 55 from a 56 or a Dodge from a Plymouth. I thought I knew them all until I came upon Steve Matthew’s newest acquisition at the Foundation for Allen Schools Car Show in May.

Parked alongside the classics was a two tone 1950 Nash Statesman Custom Brougham. The car was so unusual and rare that nearly every visitor first asked “what is it?”

The Nash Motor Company, which merged in 1954 with Hudson to become American Motors, was still an independent car maker when the Statesman was introduced in 1949. Clearly influenced by the streamlined airplanes and locomotives of the day, the Statesman’s design was promoted as “the world’s most modern car.”

Matthews, who works as a director of governmental and public affairs for Atmos Energy, has owned at least 15 classic cars over the past 25 years but the Nash is special he admits.

“The car is unique in so many ways. Aside from the design, the car had many features that weren’t found on other cars of the era.”

These included a unibody design, a one piece curved windshield, a “uniscope” instrument cluster mounted on the steering wheel, a “weather-eye” heating and ventilation system and rear seats that resemble a train club car. The most unusual feature allows the front seats to fold backward turning the car into an overnight camper complete with mosquito netting and mattresses stored in the trunk.
Matthew’s car was first sold in Humboldt, Kansas where the original owner kept it until 1985. It passed through several hands before he purchased it sight unseen from a dealer in North Carolina. It was delivered to Allen with 55,000 original miles.

“I had recently sold my 1951 Cadillac and was looking for a new project,” says Matthews. I was looking for a Packard when I came upon the Nash, which was posted online from a classic car dealer I knew. I had spotted a 1951 Nash in 2005 but didn’t buy it. I waited five years for another one to appear.”

Nash sold about 110,000 Statesman models in 1950 and only 132 Broughams. Matthews is an active member of the Nash Auto Club and believes that his is the only one in existence. Because it is so rare, he finds it hard to place a price on it.

“The car cost about $1,800 in 1950 but today there is nothing to compare it to. I am more interested in the uniqueness of the car than the value.”

Matthew’s cars through the years demonstrate his philosophy that classic cars should be admired in their original condition and not customized. He also avoids the predictable classics such as the 57 Chevy because he wants cars that surprise and delight folks.

Among the cars he has restored since 1985 are 1956, 1958, 1963 and 1964 Chevrolets, two 1941 Cadillac’s, a 1956 and 1961 Chevy pickup, a 1957 Ford, 1954 Buick and a 1957 Pontiac.

If the unusual car looks familiar to baby boomers, they might think back to the old Superman television series. Lois Lane drove a Nash Rambler and Clark Kent drove a Nash-Healey sports car. Nash had a contract with the show and both good guys and bad guys drove the classic cars.
Matthew’s Nash Statesman rides more like a passenger plane than a speeding bullet as it cruises down the street and it is still turning heads at the age of 61, which is more than a few baby boomers can say.