1955 Nash Metro Convertible
Low Mile, Super Original Survivor
Very original and well preserved 1955 Nash Metro Convertible for sale. Purchased new in Los Angeles and still wearing its original P904 Canyon Red paint. Included is a notarized, sworn affidavit signed in January of 2013, from the original owner's sister, then 90 years old documenting the story of this special, original Metro.
Ellen Cole who worked for UCLA bought and used the car as regular transportation for about two years, then bought another car and used her Metropolitan only for special occasions. In 1980, she retired from UCLA and moved back to Ames Iowa to be near her family. The Metropolitan came to Iowa in a moving van with her other possessions. Ellen died in 1983 and the car was left to her sister, Joann. Her family used it for parades and pleasure until 1989 when Joanne sold the car to a local collector. He drove the car a couple of times and then stored it in the heated building where it sat until 2009. A man named Jim purchased the car in 2009 and has rebuilt mechanical components as needed to awaken it from its long, 20+ year hibernation.
After 65 years, the exterior is incredibly well preserved. It wears its original Canyon Red paint from the factory. Some touchup paint has been used around the car to cover the small nicks, chips, and scrapes. The trim, glass, and rubber all look to be original and we believe that the only non-original parts on the exterior are the tires. The car has the look that only an original car can have, it is beautifully patina'd, a reminder of simpler times not that long ago.
The interior is also completely original with exception of the seat fabric which was frayed on the driver's side and subsequently replaced with vinyl many years ago. All of the accessories and ancillary items are currently in working order with exception of the blinkers and radio.
The 1200 cc Austin A40 engine starts right up and runs well and the 3-speed gearbox shifts through the gears nicely. There are still Dockery grease pencil marks on the firewall and a yellow date stamp on the heater housing. The original paint in the engine compartment has held up beautifully. The suspension and braking feel good. The tires have plenty of treads yet are aged and should be replaced before any serious use. Otherwise, the car feels solid and reliable.
This special little car was one of only 728 Nash Metropolitan convertibles was built in 1955. Very few survived 65 years without being involved in accidents, being repainted or abuse and neglect to the point that a complete restoration is necessary to make the car presentable and operable. This special Metro is the exception to the rule. The odometer shows 37,850 miles, coinciding with he notated mileage on an old oil change sticker so we know it hasn't worked in years. But we also know that the car has barely been used for much of its life, so it's probably not too far off.
Contact Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options. 707-332-8331.
VIN: E17296
