The 2-seat Metropolitan was one of the products that Nash brought to the acquisition with Hudson in 1954 to form American Motors. It was a small British-built automobile that was sold as the Nash Metropolitan, Hudson Metropolitan, and AMC Metropolitan through 1962. The seller seems unsure as to whether this example is from 1958 or 1960, but seems to settle on the former. Located in Enumclaw, Washington, this pint-sized project is available here on craigslist for $2,250 OBO.
Designed in the U.S. and produced by Austin in Great Britain, the Metropolitan was conceived as a 2nd family car for the growing suburbia in the U.S. Female drivers were largely the target audience, so Mom could go shopping while Dad took the family sedan to work. 95,000 editions were built, with most shipped to the USA. Sales peaked at 22,000 units in 1959. Earlier models came with a 1,200cc engine, while later ones (like the seller’s car) were upgraded to 1,500cc. A 3-speed manual was the only transmission choice.
This is a single-family vehicle beginning with the seller’s grandfather. It was in running condition when it was parked, but that was many years ago. And it looks to have been hibernating in the Great Outdoors the entire time. The odometer reflects just 50,000 miles of activity. The little car has two-tone paint (popular on these machines) with some “minor” rust. We don’t get to see what the interior looks like, so we assume its condition mirrors that of the body.
I always wanted one of these quirky cars, even though the steering wheel was as large as that of a city bus. They look like fun to drive, but handling may not be its best attribute as the tires are pretty skinny. We’re told the car is complete and comes with a variety of parts, some for Nash cars and some specific to the Met. Project or parts car? And another tip from “Curvette”!
Neat find at an affordable price, Russ.
Wifey wanted one until she found out that the crumple zone would be…her. Miata much safer!
I thought that the hinged trunk lid was a ’59 feature?
Good writeup Russ! Louisville, Ky was full of these in the 60’s and early 70’s. There was a dealer there and I only remember them in this color, red and a pale yellow. Surprised it has survived this well being stored outside, very sad people do this.