Vehicle Description
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!
