Model year 1954 saw the introduction of the Nash Metropolitan, a true subcompact (its wheelbase was shorter than a VW Beetle) that was ahead of its time in some respects. It was unique as well, being the first car designed in America, but built in England, that positioned itself as a small, economical second car for city-dwelling families – especially women. In fact, the first spokesperson for the new Metropolitan was Evelyn Sempier, Miss America 1954. Nash also advertised in the top women’s magazines of the day including Women’s Wear Daily. Although many consider the colorful ’56 – ’62 Metropolitans with the two-toned bodies as the iconic Met, the first two model years had a solid body color with either a contrasting Mist Grey hardtop or a black or tan convertible top. Here’s a first-year Metropolitan with an upgraded engine that’s for sale here on eBay. It’s located in Glen Allen, Virginia with an asking price of $13,995.
When the Met was released on March 19, 1954, buyers had a choice of four colors: Spruce Green, Canyon Red, Croton Green, or the color of this Met, Caribbean Blue. In reviewing the photos, the paint is very presentable and it appears to be rust-free. The chrome and glass look good as does the Met’s trim, wheel covers, and the “Continental rear tire mount.” One thing I spotted is the one piece wraparound rear glass instead of the original 3-piece rear glass. The one-piece started with the 1959 model year. The only suggestion I’d make for making this Met look sharper is fitting the car in period-correct whitewall tires.
The interior of this Met has been restored and is in great shape. The metal dash is painted a matching Caribbean Blue and the full-width front seat is upholstered in a pleasing black-and-white gingham patterned cloth and white leather. The patterned cloth is carried over onto the two door panels and the rear “seat,” which was more of an upholstered shelf except for the smallest of children. The seat back is how you accessed the rear trunk, which wasn’t the most practical or convenient. There would be no exterior access of the trunk until the 1959 model.
Nash powered their first-year Metropolitans with what their sales brochure states “the world-famous Austin A-40 overhead valve engine delivering 42 horsepower and up to 40 miles to the gallon.” It was a proven, rugged 4-cylinder engine that was upgraded from a 1200 cc engine to a larger 1500 cc starting in the 1956 model year. At some point, this Met’s original engine was swapped out for the 1500 cc engine. Other upgrades listed include electronic ignition, a Weber carburetor conversion, Stellite valves and hardened valve seats, dual exhausts, and disc brakes on all four wheels. The seller says the engine runs nice and that it’s paired with a column shift manual transmission. So, what do you think? The seller states that it’s “been well-maintained, garage kept, and is smoke free.” Ever seen a first-year ’54 Metropolitan? I’ve only seen a handful.
These were alway neat little cars. This one looks to be a decent example but for me $14K is a bit too high. They are not THAT valuable yet…(although I have been known to be wrong….). Two things that bother me as a car person about this presentation…One: A lace-on steering wheel cover is the cheapest looking addition! At least take the time and install a stitched on leather cover that has some class.. and Two: Any time a sale price ends in 995, that shows of a used car dealer or someone who really doesn’t know the value. Direct people sales are usually flat thousands and hundreds denominations…. asking 13,000, 13500, 14,000. etc………not 13,995!!! That is a sales gimmick!
I’ve always liked these and wanted one. I agree with Ron, I’d go with period correct whitewalls for sure. Its a great color for it, and looks really great too.
Are these cars able to fit tall people? Like a mini cooper!
Well, that brings back some memories. My BF had one when we were in HS. We used to double date in it, lol.
kids are crazy, no? Even if they’re us (well ME, anyway).
Hard to tell ‘on-screen’ but I dont see that brilliant Caribe / frosty white as I remember it here. But ‘yes’ the 1500cc, may B sniper efi rather than weber (ora 1100), tire/wheel retr0, anda ‘trunk’? I sure like the station wagon (of just 3 made 1.5 are still alive/locatable). May B drop the ‘continental’ unless going on the interstate (not a good idea anyway…
A buddy and i used the 2.3 and the drive train from a 1976 Pinto in one of these in high school. Surprisingly fast !
When I see a Met I always notice the cost-cutting measure of using one door manufactured to fit on both sides.
Just bought a restored 60 Convertible. Beautiful toy car. Also fun and peppy with three on the tree!
That said, and more importantly, of all the 40-50 amazing cars I’ve owned, chick’s are digging this one the most!
I’ve always wanted to see the window depression in the top of the doors treated differently… maybe even a removable rolled and padded overlay?
As for “have I ever seen a first year model”? Hey, I was nineteen years old when they came out!
Sad Nash never saw fit to do the Brook Stevens wagon version… maybe on a slight stretch to fit in a bit of a back seat of adult (small) proportions.
“An upgraded engine”, manufactured by who? Also, who’s 4spd transmission. To some of us that information is valuable
Greg-
I’m guessin’ that it’s the 1500cc BMC OHV unit and a gearbox out of one of their other vehicles. Actually, much like the A-H 100, it could be that the OEM ‘box in the Met was an in-house 4-speed with one gear blanked out only with the gear change on the column, not floor.
Any backyard mechanic with his basic tool box would drool over the simplicity of this sweet little engine.
I can’t look at one of these and not think of Bobcat Goldthwait in the opening scene of Shakes The Clown, tooling along in his Metropolitan to the sound of Muddy Waters singing I’m a Man.
I regret their getting rid of the original rear window, and their price is too high. Having to locate and restore the original window is a bad look. Then you have the issure of correct tyres. About $9,500 is where this one ought to be. But it’s a neat little car (probably too cramped for me anyway, even though I’m small)
These are so cool. Every time I see one I think of the old song The Little Nash Rambler and “Beep beep, beep beep, his horn went beep beep beep.” I’ve never seen one up close so I have no idea but it looks like they’d be fun to tool around town in, and this looks like a really nice one.
A lot of things wrong here, wrong engine (probably a Datsun), wrong interior, and what are the toggle switches on the dash, they are not original. wrong rear window. Much better deals out there. I’m restoring a convertible right now.