The Nash Metropolitan is one of the most interesting American cars built in the post war era and was truly ahead of its time. Nash conducted surveys and experiments, for example, placing the NXI prototype on display at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City in 1950 to figure out whether or not there was a market for small "personal use" economical cars in the United States. Their findings led them to believe there was and to eventually produce and sell the Metropolitan. Designed by independent designer William J. Flajole for Nash Kelvinator, this was the first time an American car would be designed in the U.S., but entirely built in Europe. These cars used the 1200cc four cylinder Austin engine, Lucas electrics, and bodywork produced by Fisher & Ludlow of England. They were a unibody car making the cost to produce it much lower therefore they were able to offer the car at a very economical price to the American public. Production began in 1953, and the very first cars produced were called the NKI Custom (Nash Kelvinator International). Early on in 1954 the name was changed to the more well known name the "Metropolitan" (After serial number E4907).
The NKI Custom Convertible (serial #E3764) offered here is most likely the most exquisite early example in existence today. Still carrying its original NKI Custom badge on the right side fender, it has been treated to a complete rotisserie nut and bolt restoration and has every correct little detail bringing this car back to even better condition than when it was delivered new in 1954. Everything was restored and rebuilt on this car, everything from the engine to the body and suspension. Purchased from its original owner here in Connecticut 20 years ago, the car had had just two owners from new and is complete with its original tool kit, manuals, restoration receipts and its BMIHT heritage certificate showing it has its original engine and other numbers. Finished in its original colors of Croton Green with Malibu Ivory wheels and black top with tan vinyl with black and gold striped cloth interior, this car is stunning. Croton Green is a very rare color as Nash experienced a pigment problem in the paint therefore dropping the color in April of 1954, only a month after this car was produced. Overall this is a fantastic and very rare example of the seldom seen NKI custom. Offered publicly for the first time in many years, most likely the nicest and one of the only NKI customs in existence.
