The Metropolitan was designed in the U.S. but built in England for U.S. buyers. That was the first time that happened with a car sold on these shores. Sold between 1953 and 1961, they could be found at Nash and Hudson dealers until after their merger and the formation of American Motors. Later editions were no longer branded by make and nearly 95,000 of them were gobbled up over nearly 10 years. This example from 1959 is a barn find and described as “bare bones” (stuff is missing). Found among a lot of garage stuff, the little car is in Outer Mission, California, and is available here on craigslist for just $900.
Developed as a second car for a two-car family, the Metropolitan was a tiny vehicle and better suited to carrying just two passengers. Though the unibody concept originated in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the winning bidder for production was in Birmingham, England. When you took delivery of one of these cars, you could get it serviced at both Nash and Hudson dealers until they all rebranded as AMC after 1954. You could get a Metro as either a hardtop or convertible. Many came with a spare tire mounted behind the trunk like a Continental kit.
Research indicates that the target demographic for marketing the Metropolitan was women. That may explain why many of them came in vibrant two-tone colors. Later versions of the car were powered by a small 73 cubic inch inline-4 (Austine engine) which was good for 55 hp. Changes to the Metro were minor over the years, though the 1959 models finally got an external decklid for easier access to storage space. 1959 was the Metro’s best sales year at 22,200 units. That put it directly behind the VW Beetle.
We’re not told much about the seller’s car. It was likely forgotten some time ago. Perhaps the space is finally being cleaned out and the car must go. We’re not sure how complete the little antique is, but both the windshield and back glass seem to be missing. The seller does have a title, so bring a trailer and haul this away as either a restoration project or a donor. I always thought these were the coolest little machines with ginormous steering wheels.
This won’t be around long. Some cars, regardless of make, just will always have a following. The Met is one of those cars. Not sure why, kind of a mini American, but to this day, the Met has a huge following. At the AMC show, a few, couple, several, OKAY, 10 years ago, the Met had the largest turnout, probably 20 cars, I bet. I’m willing to bet, many of the owners today have no loyalty to Nash, Hudson, OR Rambler, there’s simply nothing else like it. Looks like an easy fix, and about time an affordable project is still out there.
A TV show that deals with rummaging through other peoples possessions,,,uhp, uhp, don’t say it, on one episode, they came across “The Hubcap Lady” in Indiana. What attracted the boys was all the hubcaps displayed that her late husband collected. They got to talking, she said she has an old car in the shed. Turns out, it was a 1955 HUDSON Met with 20 miles on it. The husband bought it new in 1955, drove it home the 20 miles, in hopes the wife would get her license. She never did, they parked the car, and it sat all those years. It was not for sale, but proves, they are out there still.
Quick note on the paint,,,not sure about targeting women, in the 50s, Rambler had the market cornered on wacky paint jobs. Sometimes 3 or 4 colors on one car. The design lent itself to such, and color was the new hot button, the wilder the better. Pink sides with purple tops were not uncommon.
I think the paint schemes was a marketing ploy to make a very small car more appealing. If they would have offered an automatic, they would have sold a lot more of them, imuo. I especially like the continental kit on these cars. If ever there was a car that needed it and looked good having it, this was the car.
Look out, here comes a “Geezer Story”!
When I was in college in 1962-66, A new speed shop opened up in Memphis to compete with Honest Charlie’s. Eddy Edwards…national record holder in AA/FA…opened Eddie’s Speed Spot. I was a budding drag racer with a 40 Chevy D Gasser and got to be friends with Eddy. We were sitting around one day talking about building him a hobby car. Friend of mine had a Metropolitan that we bought for $50. Eddy built a straight 8 Buick engine, mated it to a built Powerglide. Driveshaft was about a foot long, mated to an old Halibrand quick change rear end. Had to remove the rear window, cut a notch in the top of the car for the driver’s head and roll bar, and he drove it with his head in the breeze looking over the top of the car. I’m 6’5″ and couldn’t fit in the car so I never got to drive it. He had a bunch of fun with it, said it would go “anywhere but straight!” I’ve got a picture of it somewhere, if I find it I’ll post it.
I love these cars but unfortunately, can’t drive them as I don’t know how to use manual shift transmissions. Did these ever come with automatics? Or can they be converted to automatics? Thanks…
If you swapped the motor at the same time, fine. I don’t think this engine would cut the grass with an autobox, though as a B series BMC engine it should be possible.
Modify would be the best thing to do with this car imo.
I saw one at a car show with a big block Chevy in it. I’m pretty sure it had an automatic too.
Being an Austin engine, any later (bigger) Austin 4 cly should not only fit but could probably bolt up the tranny. My personal swap would be the 1296/4spd from a Spitfire.
Why wouldn’t you go with a 1275 and ribcase tranny from a Spridget? Much better choice!
because I have seven 1296’s and three 1500’s sitting here and don’t have a 1275… ;
It is a B series motor, so an MG B motor would fit. The MG B was available with an auto transmission, so it would probably suffice also!
Even better!
There’s a guy around here that has a Metropolitan with a fairly new Mustang EcoBoost four cylinder in it..
Looks totally stock until the hood gets opened.
Good luck finding a rear window for this poor little guy though.
My first car. A Hudson badged convertible. Put the bigger motor (1275 to 1500 cc) in it and was able to get ‘second gear scratch’. Even with the three on the tree. High School shenanigans. A fun car to drive that started me down the road of odd Brit cars. 64 now and the latest is a Hillman Minx.
Had a Minx in college, 4 on the tree. Was pink (not my choice!) & needed interior. My Mom had an old green king size brocade bedspread that she cut and sewed into seat covers and headliner. Hadn’t thought about that car in 50 yrs…Thanks!
You could do this with it.
I like racing in the rain!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUGjKX_2u2E
At quick glance the grille and front end look very similar to an Austin Healey Sprite.
Anyone familiar with the late Norm MacDonald will appreciate the reference to women being encouraged to drive.
I can hear him now:
•Well that was their first mistake!
Clever design. Yes a MG or Sprite engine will bolt in. Hop up kits are available. Also the right and left doors are the same. They built one door for both sides switching the hinges and the locks. Very clever design.
What year did they get a trunk lid ?
1959 was the first year for the trunk lid and vent windows.
Sorry , nobody could count the spark plugs. This is a three cylinder engine…look at the picture of the engine.
Three cylinders were standard in the Metropolitans.
It’s definitely a four-cylinder.
The number 1 spark plug and wire is hidden from view by the upper rad hose.
This is perfect for a mobile ‘yard art’ project. Get that British motor running just enuff to move if from 1 side of your property to the other depending on the sun angle. Build a back deck on it with an umbrella and some chairs, maybe and ice cooler and a blender added. Where can you find a patio set today for $900?