Nash Car Club meets in Bonners Ferry

BONNERS FERRY — The Nash Motor Company began in Kenosha, Wis., in 1916, founded by General Motors President Charles W. Nash. In 1937, the company became the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation, continuing their line until 1957.

Throughout the implementation of technology in automobiles, the Nash cars were among the first to offer features such as the ventilation system and seat belts, both still used in modern-day cars to the point where consumers couldn’t imagine not having those items. To top off their up-and-coming innovation, the company began manufacturing four-wheel-drive vehicles, which were widely implemented in World War I.

Throughout the years, the Nash company teamed up with high end engineers during the time to produce not only utility vehicles, but luxury and even sports cars.

In 1954, Nash combined with the Hudson Motor Car Company, and continued to produce vehicles that fit the needs of consumers, eventually forming the American Motor Company.

The last of the Nash and Hudson car line was made with the final Hudson Hornet made on June 25, 1957.

The cars of the era between 1916 and 1957 not only set the foundation of the cars that people drive today, but they set roots in people’s families, memories, and hearts. This created a widespread accumulation of people who own and appreciate the Nash cars and the history that comes with them.

“They haven’t made Nashes since 1957, then it turned to American Motors who made cars such as Ramblers,” said Nash Car Club of America member Dick Panabaker. “They made cars until the 80s and then they sold to Chrysler, so they don’t make those cars anymore.”

The Pacific Northwest Region of the Nash Car Club of America brought people from around Washington, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia, Canada, to Bonners Ferry for a meet and greet.

At Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill, the guests were able to meet and talk about their unique cars, the adventures they have had in them, and enjoy good food and company. Unfortunately, none of the members drove their Nash cars to the meeting, but that didn’t stop the group members from enjoying their time together once again.

Dick Panabaker and his wife Karen, also a member, own a 1948 Nash, which they have taken on road trips. They recently visited San Diego, Calif., and on a separate occasion they visited Denver, Colo., in their original Nash.

“Some of us drive the cars more than others,” said Panabaker. “We’ve all got them and we all have fun with them as much as we can.”

For more information, visit: www.pnwnash.org.