For Sale: 1955 Nash Metropolitan in Sonoma, California

Vehicle Description

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, affidavit signed in January of 2013, from the original owner's sister, then 90 years old documenting the story of her sister's 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. Jim purchased the car in 2009 and has rebuilt mechanical components to awaken it from its long, 20+ year hibernation. 

From there it sold to a local collector car friend of mine and a few years later we sold it to a local who sent the car to the Metro Pitstop and had a new, correct interior.

After 69 years, the exterior is incredibly well preserved. It wears its original Canyon Red paint from the factory. Some touch-up 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 newer tires. The car has a look that only an original car can have, it is beautifully patina'd, a reminder of simpler times.

The interior was recently replaced with a proper reproduction kit in its original colors at the Metro Pitstop in North Hollywood. All interior systems are in good working order and the original radio has been set up to play external devices. 

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 been replaced and the car feels solid and reliable.

This special little car was one of only 728 Nash Metropolitan convertibles built in 1955. Very few survived 69 years without being involved in accidents, being repainted, or abused and neglected 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 the 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. 

Be sure to check out all 300+ photos and the video at www.leftcoastclassics.com. Call or text Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options. 707-332-8331. For loan pre-approval visit https://www.lightstream.com/applyContact Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options. 707-332-8331.

Vehicle Details

  • 1955 Nash Metropolitan
  • Listing ID: CC-1867593
  • Price: $17,900 (OBO)
  • Location:Sonoma, California
  • Year:1955
  • Make:Nash
  • Model:Metropolitan
  • Exterior Color:Canyon Red
  • Interior Color:Beige
  • Transmission:Manual
  • Engine Size:Inline 4
  • Odometer:37850
  • Convertible:Yes
  • VIN:E17296
  • Title Status:Clear
  • Restoration History:Unrestored
  • Exterior Condition:Very Good
  • Seat Material:Cloth
  • Engine History:Original
  • Engine Condition:Running
Listed By:
Left Coast Classics
255 W. Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476

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