Lucky Car Collector Auctions Offers Orphan Car Icons from Nash, Frazer, and Studebaker
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector
Lucky Car Collector Auctions is putting the spotlight on three of America's most compelling orphan cars in its upcoming sale, offering bidders a rare chance to take home vehicles that defined innovation and individuality from automakers that no longer exist.Kicking off the trio is a first-year 1963 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, known for its ingenious retractable roof design — a feature so unique it was advertised as being able to carry a refrigerator upright. Finished with the Regal trim and powered by a 289-cubic-inch V8 paired with a column-shifted manual transmission, this Wagonaire remains in good driving condition and retains its distinct mid-century charm. As Studebaker's response to the utility needs of families and adventurers alike, this early crossover concept remains a standout among vintage wagons.One of only 62 Manhattan convertible sedans built in 1949, this Frazer represents postwar luxury at its rarest. Restored in the early 2000s to a high standard and finished in its original Caribbean Coral hue, this award-winning example was honored with the Kaiser-Frazer National Gold Award. With its elegant design, 226-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, and open-top configuration, it's both a showpiece and a tourer, ideal for collectors seeking exclusivity and heritage.Equally impressive is this 1955 Nash Ambassador Country Club, one of fewer than 1,800 produced. Designed with input from Italian styling house Pinin Farina and powered by a Packard Jetfire V8 engine, this top-of-the-line Nash blends style, comfort, and engineering vision. Recently restored and loaded with factory air conditioning and the rebuilt Ultramatic transmission, it showcases the last gasps of Nash's independent innovation before merging into American Motors Corporation. With just over 41,000 believed-original miles and extensive documentation, it's a show-ready classic with unmatched authenticity.
These three orphans—each with rich backstories and preserved originality—demonstrate the uniqueness and legacy of defunct American marques. Lucky's upcoming auction is a chance to celebrate, preserve, and drive home a piece of automotive history that stands apart from the crowd.
These adorable orphaned babies are being sold at the Spring Classic 2025 Auto Auction taking place Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, Jun 1 at the LeMay Marymount Event Center.
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Classics and Rare Innovation Shine at Lucky Car Collector Auctions
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious Lucky Car Collector Auctions' upcoming event will showcase a rich array of postwar American innovation and design, with a spotlight on six exceptionally rare and distinctive classics from the 1940s through the 1960s. Each vehicle represents a unique story of mid-century engineering, luxury, or creative ambition—traits that continue to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts today. Lot #152 – 1955 Nash Ambassador Country Club A rare 2-door hardtop from Nash's golden era, this Ambassador Country Club is one of fewer than 1,800 produced and is believed to be one of the finest surviving examples. Powered by a Packard Jetfire 320 V8 and mated to a Packard Ultramatic transmission, this air-conditioned Nash features Pininfarina styling and a completely restored interior with authentic fabrics. With just over 41,000 believed-original miles and extensive mechanical upkeep, it's a stunning testament to George Mason's vision and the early days of American Motors. Lot #198 – 1956 Nash Statesman While details are pending, this Nash Statesman is expected to present another appealing slice of mid-century Americana. Known for value and comfort, Statesmans offered quality engineering and were key players in Nash's transition into AMC. Lot #145 – 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster by Pinin Farina An early example of transatlantic collaboration, this Nash-Healey Roadster is one of only 160 bodied by Pinin Farina in 1953. Retaining its numbers-matching engine and chassis, it represents a fascinating blend of British engineering, Italian design, and American power. With racing pedigree and Hollywood cachet, this project-ready classic is a potential showstopper in the right hands. Lot #196 – 1949 Frazer Manhattan Convertible Sedan A true rarity, this Frazer Manhattan Convertible is one of only 62 ever produced and among the very few survivors. Winner of a Kaiser-Frazer National Gold Award and restored to factory specs in Caribbean Coral, this six-cylinder luxury sedan exemplifies early postwar elegance and remains ready for concours or comfortable cruising. Lot #171 – 1963 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire Regal Dubbed one of the earliest crossovers, the Studebaker Wagonaire wowed buyers with its retractable roof design—big enough for a refrigerator, according to period ads. This Regal-trim example sports a 289ci V8 and a column-shifted manual transmission. With unique design flair and mechanical dependability, it remains an eye-catching oddity ready to drive. Lot #131 – 1954 Kaiser Manhattan Powered by a supercharged 226ci six and one of only 1,200 built for 1954, this Kaiser Manhattan embodies the automaker's fight for relevance in a tough market. Featuring a McCulloch VS-57 supercharger and GM Hydramatic transmission, this well-maintained survivor has been both show and road worthy in recent years. Recently serviced brakes and working electrics (minus the clock) make it an excellent candidate for continued enjoyment or full restoration. #147 1948 Kaiser Custom Sedan This 1948 Kaiser Custom Sedan is a true one-off, originally built for Edgar Kaiser—son of industrialist Henry Kaiser—while he served as general manager of the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation. Assembled at the Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, this special-order vehicle featured every luxury option available at the time, plus several bespoke elements unique to the boss's car. Each of these cars not only offers rarity but also a tangible connection to the ambition and inventiveness of America's independent automakers. Lucky's auction is shaping up to be a celebration of vehicles that dared to do things differently—and are all the more collectible for it.
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Lucky Car Collector Auctions Offers Orphan Car Icons from Nash, Frazer, and Studebaker
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Lucky Car Collector Auctions is putting the spotlight on three of America's most compelling orphan cars in its upcoming sale, offering bidders a rare chance to take home vehicles that defined innovation and individuality from automakers that no longer off the trio is a first-year 1963 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, known for its ingenious retractable roof design — a feature so unique it was advertised as being able to carry a refrigerator upright. Finished with the Regal trim and powered by a 289-cubic-inch V8 paired with a column-shifted manual transmission, this Wagonaire remains in good driving condition and retains its distinct mid-century charm. As Studebaker's response to the utility needs of families and adventurers alike, this early crossover concept remains a standout among vintage of only 62 Manhattan convertible sedans built in 1949, this Frazer represents postwar luxury at its rarest. Restored in the early 2000s to a high standard and finished in its original Caribbean Coral hue, this award-winning example was honored with the Kaiser-Frazer National Gold Award. With its elegant design, 226-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, and open-top configuration, it's both a showpiece and a tourer, ideal for collectors seeking exclusivity and impressive is this 1955 Nash Ambassador Country Club, one of fewer than 1,800 produced. Designed with input from Italian styling house Pinin Farina and powered by a Packard Jetfire V8 engine, this top-of-the-line Nash blends style, comfort, and engineering vision. Recently restored and loaded with factory air conditioning and the rebuilt Ultramatic transmission, it showcases the last gasps of Nash's independent innovation before merging into American Motors Corporation. With just over 41,000 believed-original miles and extensive documentation, it's a show-ready classic with unmatched authenticity. These three orphans—each with rich backstories and preserved originality—demonstrate the uniqueness and legacy of defunct American marques. Lucky's upcoming auction is a chance to celebrate, preserve, and drive home a piece of automotive history that stands apart from the crowd. These adorable orphaned babies are being sold at the Spring Classic 2025 Auto Auction taking place Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, Jun 1 at the LeMay Marymount Event Center. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
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