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?
Definitely not available in 58, the hinged trunk arrived in 59.
I thought that 1960 was the first year for the trunk lid. I had a ’60 for a few years back in the mid-’60s. Replaced the column shift with a floor shift.
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.
Was it Wilhelmi’s AMC? Was a cool location. The whole area was developed with a cohesive mid-century. style. Buildings, including the AMC dealer had roof parking. They’ve torn most of it down. In the ‘80s they liquidated all of the cars at auction. Seemed they had at least one or two of just about every AMC you could think of.
My dad had a yellow/white the neighbors a red/white.
Interesting find – from the front bumper sticker looks like someone in the armed forces owned it. I love the ’63 Washington plates!
Based on the photos, if the underside is there and not eaten away — contrary to popular belief, the tinworm is not unknown in Washington — I’d say this is restorable. The BMC drivetrain is simple enough, and parts are only as far away as the Internet.
Always thought these were cute. Not as slow as an early Beetle or Citroen 2CV, and the 1500 engine takes well to reasonable power increases. It’s not a sports car by any means, but an attention-getting little cruiser.
The REAL Hipsters look for Hudson Metropolitans, which are far rarer than the Nash or AMC versions. I believe the only differences are badging and hubcaps.
When I was in high school, a kid who lived a few blocks away had a Met into which he and his father shoehorned a 283 Chevy engine. As original parts wilted under the strain, they worked on it until it ended up a tube-framed gasser — still licensed and used on the street — with a narrowed Chevy rear end and slicks on the back.
Circumstantial evidence it’s a 1960 – look at the rear plate frame.
5+ hours away makes me wonder if i can get it cleaned up running and driving for hot August nights and try to flip it for more money. or just park it next to the Smart for two in the driveway and cruise it once in a while.
IMO these cars will not bring anywhere close to the money you will spend to fix it. Good luck whichever way you choose.
convertibles of these in good condition are going well into the $20,000 these days and hardtops a bit less. Parts are not expensive.
I have an engine to fit this car. The engine turns over is all I know. I bought it to fit an MGA but after getting it home realized it was for a metro
Would love one of these for local driving. Would be cool if it was a convertible! Would be like driving a street legal go kart!
I think the only realities to a go kart is the wheelbase. ( lol) OH, and possibly total tire contact patch! “Compared to a go kart”, the center of gravity has to be in negative numbers. I have kind of liked the thought behind these as being frugal. But I can’t get behind the lack of the front wheel opening. I would probably get flogged for what I would do to one of these. New front wheel openings, lower, fat tires and wheels, triple the horsepower and find some ways to “spice up” the suspension and brakes. I KNOW, I’M WEIRD. I will go away now. Sorry for the goofy outburst.
In addition to the “skinny” tires, the front track was narrow due to the enclosed wheelwells (which also increased the turning radius). The target market suburban housewife would have had a difficult time shopping on those made before the 1958 models, as there was no trunk lid until then. Lots of quirks. The three on the tree was really the Austin’s second through fourth gear, so you were pretty much starting off in second gear.
“Hey! Buddy! How can I get this car…OUT OF SECOND GEAR?!?” (speaking of AMC things from 1958!)
Here’s a really nice 58 up for auction.
https://www.hagerty.com/marketplace/auction/1957-Nash-Metropolitan/15341d10-10b3-441b-add4-56f47546a502
A cousin owned one, a ’59 turquoise/white ragtop. purchased in early ’61. His previous ride was a Model A coupe on which he blew a main bearing. I always saw the Met as a downgrade but he loved it, and I had to admit it was the perfect car for a 19 year old, and it could still go fast enough to kill you
One that hasn’t yet entered the Metropolitan black hole junkyard that was shown here two weeks ago.