Nash Metropolitan 1500 Series
The Nash Metropolitan is one of automotive history's most charming oddities — a car that shouldn't have succeeded but captured the hearts of American buyers looking for something different. Introduced in 1954, the Metropolitan was conceived by Nash president George Mason as an ultra-economical second car for suburban families — a car the wife could drive to the store while the husband took the 'real' car to work.
The Metropolitan was designed in America but built in England by Austin Motor Company using Austin A40/A50 mechanicals. This arrangement gave Nash a small car without the expense of developing it from scratch. The styling, by freelance designer William Flajole, was distinctly American: rounded, cheerful, with bold two-tone paint schemes and a continental spare tire kit. It looked like a full-size American car shrunk to 2/3 scale.
The Series II (1954-56) used Austin's 1489cc (91 cubic inch) inline-four producing 52 horsepower. While this sounds pathetic, the Metropolitan weighed just 1,800 pounds, giving it adequate performance for city driving. The three-speed manual transmission had a long-throw shifter, and the tiny wheelbase (just 85 inches) made the car remarkably nimble in urban traffic.
The interior was surprisingly well-appointed for such a small car, with two comfortable bucket seats, full instrumentation, and available weather protection (the first Metropolitans had no exterior trunk lid — access was from behind the seats!). The Series II added an external trunk lid, improving practicality.
The Metropolitan's cheerful personality made it a hit with women buyers, young people, and anyone who wanted economical transportation with personality. It became an unlikely fashion accessory in suburban America, often purchased as a second car for running errands or commuting. Hollywood celebrities were photographed with their Metropolitans, cementing its status as a chic urban runabout.
Production continued through 1961, with approximately 95,000 units built. After the Nash-Hudson merger created AMC, the car was sold as both a Nash Metropolitan and Hudson Metropolitan before becoming simply 'Metropolitan' in 1957.
Today, the Metropolitan is a beloved collectible, especially among women collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its quirky charm. The cheerful two-tone paint schemes, compact dimensions, and affordable pricing make it an accessible entry into classic car collecting. Well-preserved examples with original paint and trim command premium prices.
Verify originality with Nash/AMC documentation. The Austin A40/A50 mechanicals are simple and parts are available through British car specialists. Check for rust in the unit-body structure, especially floor pans, rocker panels, and rear fender seams. The continental spare tire kit should be verified as original (many are reproductions). Two-tone paint schemes should match factory color combinations. Convertibles are more valuable than hardtops. The 1489cc engine is more desirable than the earlier 1200cc (1954-56 vs. 1954). Values are moderate and the Metropolitan offers an affordable entry into classic car collecting.
Total Metropolitan production 1954-1961: approximately 95,000 units. Series I (1954): 13,095. Series II and III (1954-56): approximately 50,000. Series IV (1956-61): approximately 32,000. All were built by Austin Motor Company in Birmingham, England. Two-tone paint was standard. Convertible and hardtop models were offered.