The Nash Metropolitan arrived in 1953/1954 just before Nash’s merger with Hudson to form American Motors. It was a 2-seat (maybe 3 occupants in a pinch) economy car built for AMC in England by Austin Motor Co. 95,000 copies were produced through 1961, with the bulk exported to the U.S. The seller has accumulated a trio of them in various states of repair/disrepair but doesn’t tell us the model years, though the cars changed little over the years. Located in Claypool, Indiana, you can purchase the entire ensemble and its parts for $4,000 on Facebook Marketplace. Our thanks go to “Sam61” for the tip!
These were simple machines whose specs came from the U.S., but their execution was British. Over the long run, they would be marketed by Nash, Hudson, and AMC later in the process. Engines were either 1200 or 1500cc inline-4s depending on when, and a 3-speed manual transmission was the order of the day. The Metro had its best year in 1959 when more than 22,000 units were shipped to North America.
From the photos provided, two of the vehicles may be living outdoors while another enjoys indoor storage. The outsiders could be 1959-61 versions as they have rear deck lids, a feature not added until ’59. The ones outside are said to have rusty floorboards, while the third one likely has the best body. That might be the one to focus on if you’re planning to make one good car out of the three.
A variety of parts and motors are included, but that doesn’t necessarily mean any of the Metros are complete. You’ll get two “old” titles and one bill of sale. This may be an estate sale as the seller admits having very little information to share about the collection. If you’re a fan of these tiny automobiles from the 1950s, this find could be a Metro bonanza.
Often, when contests describe the winner’s prize, I think, “and second prize is two of them.” Here, third prize is three of them.
They actually sold 90,000? How?
Actually Frank and Russ, Austin produced and sold 95K in the US and another 9.3K in the UK, 104,370 over 8 years of production and 9 years of model sales. They were a brilliant engineered captive import designed for the US market with thick steel and sturdy uni-body construction. In 1959 it was the third largest selling import, behind the VW Beetle and Renault Daulphine. Three could sit cozy on a bench seat, and teenagers would squeeze six in the combined front bench and tiny back seat. It came well equipped for the time, and was serviced at a large network of Nash & Hudson dealers, unlike most imports. Today there is perhaps the strongest parts support for any 1950’s car sold in the USA, after the tri-five Chevrolets and the 55-60 RR/Bentleys. A Nash/Hudson/AMC/Austin Metropolitan has a cult following! Beep-Beep!
Aw, c’mon Frank – they’re cute and they don’t bite hard!
I remember attending the Das Awkscht Fescht in Macungie PA in the early 80’s and seeing the Metro Club park like sixty of these together – quite a sight!