The Metropolitan was a British-built car destined largely for consumption in the U.S. It was commissioned by Nash Motors before their merger with Hudson in 1954. Nearly 95,000 copies were built over the years, with production ending in 1960. 1961 and 1962 models were leftovers titled and sold as such. Located in Ridgefield, Washington, this ’62 has custom paint, a custom interior, and an updated drivetrain. And it is available here on craigslist for $14,500. Once again, “Curvette” scores in the tips arena!
Metropolitans were designed by Nash but built by Austin in England. While a handful were produced in 1953, 1954 was the first real year for the car, and sales peaked at 22,000 units in 1959. Depending on timing, the car was sold as a Nash, a Hudson, and finally, with no corporate affiliation. Earlier Mets used a 1,200-cc engine, while later editions were upgraded to 1,500. All Metropolitans came with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission and one of the largest steering wheels of the 1950s.
The owner of this Met must be a big fan of the color purple because the exterior and interior sport ample amounts of it. The car has been restored in order to present as well as it does today, and it may arguably be better than it was when it was new. The original engine has been jettisoned in favor of an Austin 1,800-cc 4-banger from 1973. And the manual transmission has been traded in for a “730” automatic transmission. The wiring harness is said to be new. The odometer reads 90,000 miles, so the original automobile was well-used.
This Met looks like a weekend show car, and the seller says it always turns heads. Apparently, it goes from event to event via a trailer that’s also up for sale, but no photos were posted by the seller. If you like purple and originality isn’t a sticking point, does this Metropolitan float your boat? This is also the priciest Met we’ve seen of late here on Barn Finds.
I’m fine with the purple….the wheels are beyond horrible.
100% RE: the wheels; this is a car that can carry off the color just because of what it is. The dice are hilarious, the center console cup holder is period perfect as a later restoration and the photographer was pretty good other than the front 3/4 shot having the sun overexposure to the left side.
Looks like Curvette is on the prowl for the obscure stuff again👍🏻
Also 100% RE: the wheels but that huge dorm refrigerator on the front seat has to go. It makes the car undrivable.
Center console is not “period perfect”. Cars did not have cupholders in 1962. Hopefully the console is just sitting there unattached. The color would be nice if your last name were “Welch”.
You could buy this one instead for 10K less and finish it yourself. And the color is a bit better.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1546091340069231
Fun facts, The Hudson Mets had a red “H” on their hubcaps, the Nash ones an “N”, and the “untitled” Mets an “M”. Also, these were short stubby cars but due to their enclosed front wheels , had a wide turning radius for their size. I’d like to find one, but I’d prefer an original later model in not-to-bad shape.
Early Mets had NASH on the hub caps. When Nash and Hudson merged all Mets had Ms on the hub caps. Ramblers had the H or N on their wheel covers.
Actually early Mets has Nash on the hubcaps. When Nash and Hudson merged all Mets had M on the hubcaps. Only Ramblers had H or N on the hubcaps and all those had R on the gas caps.
At 16, my folks thought this thing was a better deal than a “54 Corvette!
I’m ok with the color and engine upgrade for sure , but yes the wheels are awful and a automatic ? I guess in many ways that suits it as it was marketed as a sporty LOOKING grocery getter 2nd car. But I’d rather they had put a 4 in the floor so long as we’re leaving stock behind. Oh also agree that please please that cup holder thing comes out
Not what I would be looking particularly for; but this one’s just too modified and oddly modern anyway. The automatic transmission doesn’t bother me, and any manual I would want on the column, not on the floor. The cup-holder amuses me rather. My 1988 Grand Marquis does not have one, and I have one particular passenger who can’t live without one: it bugs him to ride in my car for that reason. His 2014 Prius is but LOADED with cup-holders! On this Metropolitan, those WHEELS gotta GO! — so does that PRICE!!!