1961 Nash Metropolitan 1500 Taxi

On May 1st of 1954, the Hudson Motor Car Company and Nash-Kelvinator combined to form American Motors. Both companies did this as a matter of survival. Nash itself had merged in 1937 with Kelvinator Corporation because company founder Charles Nash wanted George Mason as his executive vice-president. In order for Nash to get Mason, he had to buy Kelvinator. With Mason's help, the company broke new ground in several areas, including the importation of cars built jointly by Nash, British automaker Donald Healey, and Italian coachbuilder Pinin Farina.

In 1954, the company introduced the Metropolitan available as either a coupe or convertible. The styling was based on the NX1 show car, with styling by William J. Frajole and bodies built in England by Fisher and Ludlow. Power was from a four-cylinder engine from Austin, which did the final assembly. They came equipped with 'Weather-Eye' heat and ventilation, a radio, turn signals, and a nylon/vinyl interior as standard equipment. This compact car had enclosed front wheels and a continental spare tire in the back. The car was available from both Hudson and Nash dealers.

In 1956, Metropolitans were given a new, larger engine called the A-50. The cast-iron four-cylinder engine displaced 1500cc and featured overhead valves. It offered 10 more horsepower than the prior engine, now offering 52 horsepower.

In 1959, several improvements were made to the model, including an outside trunk lid which greatly improved access to the rear storage area. Ventilation was improved with the addition of front vent windows. The tires became larger, now measuring 5.60x13. The inside offered two additional inches of seat travel and redesigned seats.

There were 969 Metropolitans produced for the 1961 model year.

This Metropolitan was given a restoration in 2012, and has been driven less than 15 miles since the work was completed. It has been stored in a climate-controlled garage. It is finished in taxi livery with amber roof lights and has a cab meter mounted inside.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2015