For Sale: 1957 Nash Metropolitan in Concord, North Carolina

Do you think the classic small cars are exclusively European? Mini Cooper? Fiat 500? If you want ultra-cool in a compact package, then you need to check out this 1957 Nash Metropolitan. It mixes classic '50s styling with lively driving to make for a great little attention getter with an interesting story.

The Sunburst Yellow and Snowberry White on this coupe gives it a great classic presentation. Of course what really gives this one it's extra cheery personality is the added brightness of a recent and professional respray. And while this is small, it's absolutely stylish. There's mirror-like chrome bumpers, and a full-length trim line to give a distinct border for the two-tone. And we love the full, color-matched wheels, two-piece trim, and whitewalls - and it's all skirted by the fender design. So this little Met has the same appeal as Nash's bigger cars. In fact, that's exactly what they were looking to do. American Motors had these built in England by BMC. These small car specialists were able to create a far more substantial package (right down to the continental kit) than American companies could do for compacts at the time. And so the result was a cool import with a domestic name.

Just like the exterior, the interior continues a clean and classic theme. The British-built Metropolitan is small, but the people at American Motors knew they had to import something that was going to fit two of their countrymen without a problem. The bench seat is roomier than the car's size suggests, and it even has a fresh houndstooth cloth cover for added comfort. These coupes do also have a back seat. It's not exactly roomy for passengers, but its similar custom black/white presentation makes for a well-presented storage shelf and access to the trunk. The driver gets one large main gauge pod dominated by a speedometer, but since the car was sourced from Britain, it happens to be a Smiths readout.

The engine bay is just as sharply painted as the exterior. So you happily show off this distinct motor. This good look also means fresher components, including the starter. Since the 1.5-liter came from Austin in England, you know there's some fun in this car. It's not built for all out speed, but these are the people who really know about how to get the most out of a small powerplant. The B-Series motor was a popular motor in Europe, and parts are still easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Like a good frugal European, the fuel mileage allows you to get out and drive on a budget. The three-speed manual transmission has light action, and with smart gearing, it cruises at highway speeds nicely. With a tight turning radius and nippy handling, this American Nash feels like a proper European import.

Here's a neat little vintage mini car with great club support and a wonderful vibe that's all its own. It's distinctive; it's affordable; and it's smiles for miles. Call now!