Vehicle Description
Chassis No. E14624
Engine No. 2G 10208
Body No. 14624
A fleet, sporty little bucket which should prove just what the
doctor ordered for a second car...a nice-handling car with plenty
of control and amazing dig.
- Tom McCahill of Mechanix Illustrated on the Nash Metropolitan
Following World War II, the booming American economy opened up new
markets as manufacturers realized that growing families both
demanded and could afford a second automobile. Some manufacturers
pioneered the modern "compact car" with the creation of smaller
models that were intended as "shopper's car," second automobiles
that, it was intended, could be used for running local errands
while the main family station wagon or sedan was elsewhere during
the day.
Designer Bill Flajole's proposal was for a tiny car, shorter in
wheelbase than a Volkswagen Beetle, powered by a British Austin
four-cylinder engine and three-speed manual transmission. Wisconsin
automaker Nash took up production of what was dubbed the
Metropolitan, although much of the actual fabrication and
construction was actually handled across the Atlantic in England;
the "Met" was one of the first production cars to be outsourced. It
was produced under Nash and, subsequently, American Motors auspices
from 1953 into 1961, with various engines and trim levels and in
both convertible and coupe forms. Flajole's chubby-cheeked styling
won many fans, and today the Metropolitan remains one of the most
sheerly lovable automobiles of the postwar era, guaranteed to draw
as much attention as any Ferrari or Lamborghini.
The Gateway Automobile Museum's 1955 Metropolitan, offered here,
was completely restored in 2011 by noted restorer Tom Maruska;
reportedly it was a solid example prior to the undertaking of the
work, with only minor rust repair required, after which the body
was properly rustproofed prior to the application of paint. It was
beautifully finished in Caribbean Blue with the proper "T-1"
interior, featuring yellow and black striped fabric combined with
tan vinyl, and accented by a black canvas top and rear tire cover -
all per the codes on the body tag. The level of workmanship
throughout is quite impressive and resulted in a true
concours-quality Metropolitan, inside, outside, and even
underneath, where the undercarriage is very nicely detailed.
Firestone wide whitewall tires are the perfect finishing touch.
At the time of cataloging, driven just 136 miles since completion
of the restoration, this must be the very best early Metropolitan
available. It is extremely well-finished, it is of the highest
quality, and it is just plain cute - far too nice for shopping!
