1958 Nash Metropolitan pictures and wallpaper

1958 Nash Metropolitan news, pictures, and information

Coupe
Chassis Num: E43757

The original Metropolitan was introduced in 1954. It was an English-built, Pinin Farina designed, Austin-powered car with eight-thousand examples sold during the four months following its introduction. AMC installed a larger, more powerful Austin engine in 1956, added a chrome side slash for two-toning, and did away with the faux hood scoop giving the car a cleaner appearance. At the end of 1956 both Nash and Hudson dropped their respected nameplate, and from 1957 through 1962 the car was known as the AMC Metropolitan.

This example has been treated to a rotisserie restoration. It is painted in tan and white two-tone paint scheme combined with red-monogrammed chrome hubcaps, a chrome driver's side mirror, a manually operated antenna, and a standard 'Continental' spare tire with a white vinyl cover. There is a cloth interior, pod-style instrument panel, and black carpeting.

The engine is an Austin unit that displaces 91 cubic-inches and has been completely rebuilt.

In 2008 this 1958 Nash Metropolitan Coupe was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $10,000-$15,000 and offered without reserve. Bidding reached $14,850 including buyer's premium which was enough to satisfy the reserve. The lot was sold.

The Nash Metropolitan was produced from 1954 through 1962. In 1954 the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation merged with Hudson Motor Car Company to form the American Motors Corporation (AMC). It was the largest corporate merger in the United States history up to that point.

When most other automobile manufacturers of the time were creating large automobiles, the Nash Motor Company set out to produce a small, economical, fuel-efficient vehicle. A concept car was created to gauge public reaction. This concept was the NXI, known as the Nash Experimental International, builit by William J. Flajole. After a number of positive reviews and interest in the vehicle, the decision was made to produce the vehicle. Additional research revealed that it would be more cost-effective to produce the vehicle overseas using existing mechanical components rather than to invest in tooling costs in the United States. After searching and negotiation, the production was handed over to Austin of England. In October of 1953 production began at Austin's Longbridge factory. Bodywork was handled by Fisher & Ludlow. Final assembly was by the Austin Motor Company.

The Nash Metropolitan was available in two body-styles, a hardtop or convertible. They rested on an 85-inch wheelbase and weighed just 1800 lbs. Power was from the Austin four-cylinder A-series engine which sent the power through a three-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. A change was made to the B-series engine after 10,000 examples had been produced.

In 1956 the Metropolitan was redesigned and the engine capacity was enlarged from 1200cc to 1500cc. Two-tone paint schemes and chrome trim could now be found on the exterior. The non-functional hood scoop was removed.

Power was again improved in 1959, now reaching 55 horsepower. This was also the year that had its greatest number of sales for any given year.

Production continued until 1961 though there were still enough product to continue sales until March of 1962. In total, 95,000 examples of the Metropolitan had been sold to US Customers. About 9,400 examples were sold to United Kingdom customers.

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