Hubby doesn’t share much information or ownership history about the Met he found for his wife, other than, “I found this one for her and redid the interior in the original colors and print!” Based on the few photos supplied, this looks like a good driver-quality Metropolitan. The two-toned Autumn Yellow and Frost White paint is presentable, and the chrome bumpers, trim, and glass look good, too. 1959 was the first year of the Series IV Met, with upgrades that included access to the trunk via an exterior trunk lid (instead of the inconvenient access through the folding rear seatback), front vent windows, and a one-piece rear window. This one has the classic “Flying Lady” chrome hood ornament, dual outside mirrors, and wheel trim rings. And speaking of wheels, the only thing I’d change on this Met are the tires. Metropolitans always look sharper with the period-correct whitewalls.
Starting with the Series III for the 1956 model year, the Metropolitan’s seat upholstery changed to a diamond-patterned black-and-white “houndstooth” checked material trimmed in white vinyl. It gave the Met’s cabin a stylish, modern feel that helped support its “Big Car in Miniature” positioning. Aftermarket black seat belts have been added. The black carpet appears to be in very good shape, as do the instrument panel, door panels, and rear shelf (you can really call that a seat). I’m assuming the headliner looks good as well.
The Met’s durable Austin 1500cc inline-4 is easily found under the front “bonnet.” It was rated at 55 horsepower at 4600 RPM with a top speed of approximately 80 mph. Gas mileage was advertised at 40 mpg back in the day of huge, heavy gas guzzlers. Mileage is listed at “100,000,” but there’s no mention of how it runs and, most importantly, stops. The ’59 Met would be its highest sales year here in the States with 22,209 units sold (which was second the VW Beetle). Although the collectability of cars from the ’50s has softened, I think the unique “charm and cuteness” of the Metropolitan will continue to make it a collectible for some time to come. It was the first small car marketed to women as a second car and, based on my experience as a former Met owner, the restored ones had their fair share of female owners and admirers. I hope this one finds a new home sooner rather than later.
Thankfully, another “cute as heck” Met that my wife would fall for, like the recent purple one, but without the upgraded engine and auto trans, but still on the Wrong Coast.