1957 Nash Metropolitan

Description

“Step into the personal car revolution!” In the booming post-World War II American economy, a new automotive niche emerged: the second family car. Compact, convenient, and perfect for city errands and short drives, this new category found eager buyers. American Motors answered the call with its successful Rambler — and went even smaller with the innovative Metropolitan.

The Metropolitan’s story began in the late 1940s with Nash-Kelvinator, the company that would later become American Motors. To keep production affordable, Nash teamed up with British manufacturers: Fisher & Ludlow, Ltd. crafted the bodies, while Austin Motor Company, Ltd. supplied the suspension, a sturdy overhead-valve four-cylinder engine, a three-speed manual gearbox, and handled final assembly.

The Metropolitan found a niche audience, particularly among women and urban drivers, and it was one of the first American cars marketed specifically to women. In December 1955 the Metropolitan received a much-needed power boost, with a larger 1,493 cc engine producing 52-horsepower. The new “Series III” cars also got stylish two-tone paint treatments.

Those upgrades paid off. In 1957, the Metropolitan set a sales record with 15,317 units sold — a 40.7 percent jump from the previous year — proving that small cars could be a big success.

Highlights

• Unrestored and highly original

• Original Frost White (P-72) and Berkshire Green (P-87) two-tone paint

• Original Black houndstooth upholstery with white trim

• Austin A-40 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 52 hp

• Column-shift three-speed manual transmission

• Correct Metropolitan logo hubcaps

• Spare wheel with cover

Features

• Recent maintenance includes:

  • Replacement of the brake master cylinder, clutch master cylinder, and clutch slave cylinder

  • Brake shoes and six wheel cylinders

  • New fuel pump

  • New battery

  • New muffler

• Smith’s interior heater

• Smith’s gauges

Known Imperfections

• The speedometer works, but the odometer does not

• Gas gauge does not work

• Slight paint blemish on hood at left front

• Small dent in left rear fender

• The original interior is still installed but is threadbare; the seats are covered by slip covers

Included

• Complete interior kit manufactured by a national Metropolitan supplier (not installed)

• Original radio (not installed)

• Shop Manual

Ownership History

The consignor of this 1957 Nash Metropolitan has owned it since 2007. He states, “The car was purchased new from Grants Pass Motors in Grants Pass, Oregon. It remained in Oregon until 2005 when it was purchased by an individual in Sarasota, Florida. I purchased the car 1 November 2007 and brought it to Orange Park, Florida."

“This car is a survivor! Original paint, chrome, glass, etc. It is rust free with no body repairs. The engine is very smooth both at idle and while driving. The brakes work well, the transmission shifts smoothly, the clutch does not slip, and the temperature is normal. You can’t take it anywhere without drawing a crowd. Stop at a traffic light and watch everyone smile and wave.”

Additional Notes

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida. Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.