1957 Nash Metropolitan
$27,500
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Introduced in 1953, the Metropolitan was designed by William J. Flajole for Nash-Kelvinator in Kenosha, Wisconsin as a second car for households in an age when big Detroit iron ruled the roads. The perfect "grocery getter" on an 85 inch wheelbase with an overall length of just 12.5 feet, it offered spacious seating for two up front, and room for kids, pets or packages in the rear, plus a trunk accessible by opening the rear seat back. Touted as having a "Peppy 55 HP engine" it was ideal for around town excursions or weekend getaways to the beach or countryside. The unibody construction made them solid little workhorses that developed a following with housewives, commuters and college students of the day.
The Metropolitan was the first all-American designed car, exclusively marketed in North America, that was entirely built in Europe. This 1957 "Series III" model (#E27742 built in October of 1956 at the Austin Motors plant in Birmingham, England), is finished in correct "Berkshire Green" (turquoise) and "Snowberry White" with seats upholstered in Houndstooth cloth and white vinyl. Optioned with working AM radio and heater/defroster. It is one of just 15,317 1957 Metropolitans made.
Purchased by the current owners in 2006, it was treated to a comprehensive restoration to concours show level in 2008 by the marque experts at the Metropolitan Pit Stop in North Hollywood, California. The no-expense-spared project resulted in a car that is very correct and truly "like new." During restoration, the front seat was moved slightly back for more leg room, and seat belts were added. Total restoration costs were nearly $40,000.00. (All receipts included.) Since completion, it has been driven to shows and excursions around the Pacific Northwest, clocking a total of 672 miles on the odometer.
Today, the body, paint and chrome are excellent throughout, as is the interior, engine and running gear. Exceptionally clean and well detailed as the photos that were just taken for this listing will attest. This Met has been shown and always draws attention wherever it goes. It received a Class award at the Forest Grove, Oregon Concours d'Elegance, one of the longest running judged shows on the west coast.
The fully rebuilt, 1500cc inline 4 cylinder engine starts easily, runs smoothly, and is a pleasure to drive. 3-speed manual transmission shifts crisply. It holds the road well on wide whitewall radial tires. Brakes stop well. It will keep up with modern traffic and is comfortable in the 50-60 mph range on the highway (they are rated at a top speed of 75 mph.) 12 volt electrical system with bright lights. It was just fully serviced by Brian's British, Etc. in Newberg, Oregon; including full tune-up (new plugs, points, condenser, rotor, coil, carburetor needle and seat, etc.) It is ready to go anywhere.
Today, these cars have a large following and strong support through the Metropolitan Club. They are just FUN!
Sale includes all restoration receipts and records, copy of the owner's manual, along with a fitted car cover.
This is certainly one of the finest Metropolitans available today and it is offered at a price well below the cost of restoration.
WE HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS WORLDWIDE AND CAN ASSIST WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.
