Vehicle Description
STK 3173 1962 Nash Metropolitian
In 1947, Nash Motors Company (later to become AMC) began developing
a small concept car that was to be manufactured by Austin Motors
Company in England and shipped to the United States. The
'Metropolitan' was not to be marketed as an economy car, but rather
as an economical premium car ideal for commuting. Nash engineered
the body and suspension utilizing Fiat 500 chassis and running
gear. There were two models, both two-doors - a convertible and
hardtop. They were unibody designs at a time when most cars were
body-on-frame. The first model incorporated an engine manufactured
by the Austin Motors, the A-40 1.2L (73 cubic inch) OHV
four-cylinder that developed 42hp. In 1954, Austin built the first
Nash Metropolitans in England and shipped them to the United
States.
The Metropolitan brand was produced from 1953 through 1962 and just
under 95,000 total units were built by Nash/Hudson/AMC. There were
four (4) 'Series' of Metropolitans produced, each with upgrades and
mechanical improvements. This 1962 Metropolitan 562 Series IV is a
beautiful, fully restored (2017) example of the later production
model. Metropolitan 562 hardtops had two-tone paint and this
Metropolitan has been the beneficiary of careful single-stage
respray of Berkshire Green (P912) over Frost White (P914). Chrome
bumpers and stainless trim are in excellent condition and a
functional continental tire w/cover adorns the rear fascia. The
interior has been restored with hounds tooth cloth/vinyl upholstery
and presents very well. Features include turn signals, vent
windows, electric wipers and sun visors. It is also equipped with a
radio (needs TLC) and heater, popular optional items. There is a
trunk, w/exterior trunk lid, behind the rear seat, something that
was not a feature in the earlier series models.
The powerplant is the matching numbers Austin Motors A-55 1.5L OHV
4-cylinder engine that produces 55hp. It sits in a nicely detailed
in engine compartment and is backed by a 3-speed manual
transmission. Brakes are 4-wheel drum and the suspension is stock
front coil/rear leaf. Factory 13" steel wheels mount Travelstar
whitewall radial tires and sport 'dog dish" hubcaps. If you want a
timepiece from the '50s, consider this unique Metropolitan. It is a
rare slice of automotive history. ALL VEHICLES SOLD "AS IS".