Nash Metropolitan - A Taste of Post-War America in a European Portion

Mid-'50s... the mini-motoring craze was making its way over from Europe, and Nash was ready to make their move. With styling by Pininfarina and a working concept from an ambitious young man from Michigan, the Metropolitan was quintessential Americana squeezed into an easy-going commuter - perfect for hassle-free parking or a cozy seat at the drive-in.
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[@mademoisellemh]

Ever since I was a little girl and saw one of these parked in front of an old Victorian house in Chico, CA, I've wanted one. Fast forward a few decades and my husband is restoring one for me. We're hoping it's ready to cruise around Carmel by the Sea , CA by our 30th anniversary or my 50th birthday. I can't wait to have it done and finally drive it!

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

That's a good life partner, right there! Best of luck with the restoration, we wish you many happy miles behind the wheel!

[@alexkalish8288]

My mother had one in the late 50's, she loved it and drove all over Hollywood in that car. She liked it because it used little gas, back then a gallon was about 19 cents. I think she thought it was sporty as well. I knew nothing about this car beyond memories so thanks for the education - i'm a serious Packard and early automobile collector - you're a treasury Donald.

[@grahambell4298]

I remember these as a kid in 1960s England. The styling and the two tone paint gave a touch of American glamour that really stood out from the Morris Minors and Ford Populars. Being made by Austin they were of course sold through Austin dealers, though they never carried Austin badges, simply being badged 'Metropolitan'.

[@Subarude-zr5qf]

Wonderful to see another car of which I own. Ive had a 1960 Metropolitan for 30 years and used to be a daily driver, along with my 1959. I also have 2 Subaru 360's which you featured recently. Thank you Donald and the Audrain for expanding your collection, adding more interest and history of the world wide motoring. Peace

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

Thanks for watching! This car has actually been in the collection for quite some time, we decided it was finally time to film an episode with it!

[@markweitzman4943]

Cool video. As the owners of a '59, and '61 hardtop, we love our Mets. They always draw a crowd when we're at a car show. Greetings from SoCal.

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

Right back at you from little Rhody! Thanks for watching!

[@r.w.b.7683]

My 1st car @ 14 was identical to this Metro. $350 for a 1960 in 1964. With 34k could corner on two wheels at 30 mph. Fondness memory was the radio was tube and didn't warm up enough to play until I was halfway to school

[@gregkarkowsky967]

Thanks Donald!

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

Thanks for watching, Greg!

[@sprezzatura8755]

Some cars just make you smile 😊

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

Yes, they do!

[@melvinburwell8202]

A very interesting little car. I've always wondered about this cars history. Never desired one. But would not mind collecting one. Thanks again Mr. O. ❤❤👌😎

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

Thanks for watching!

[@Vegaswill714]

I remember the Nash Metropolitan being quite common in the early 1960's, they must have sold well. I also remember them rusting prematurely and being a bit underpowered compared to something like a Falcon or Nova. Very cool cars and very desirable as collector items.

[@3ducs]

I remember seeing them in the late 50s-early 60s. They were objects of some derision back then, just not at all sexy or sporty. But I love the contemporary print ads that all auto makers had, the people shown in the cars were miniaturized to make the cars appear larger. The National Lampoon magazine satirized those ads in 1972 with ads for the Fireblast and Firewood, a car for the man who has everything and just needs something to carry it in. The people shown in the Fireblast were the size of infants.

[@donhathaway3234]

There was a guy back in the early 60s running around Portsmouth, NH who had one of these. He swapped in a Chevy 283. He was left handed and turned the column 180 degrees so he was comfortable shifting it. 😅f course, the pattern was backwards. It went pretty good as I remember.

[@luapkirner5331]

My parents had one, although we always called it the Metropolitan Nash rather than the other way round.

[@richardcovello5367]

I almost swapped my 1955 Sunbeam Alpine for a Metropolitan. Sanity returned, and I kept the Alpine for 29 years. It's not that the Nash was a bad car. It was that it would never be a do-all, 'main car', unless it was all you could afford.

[@BMan100]

Columbo Voice: Just one more thing.

[@sevenflashowls]

My mom had a coupe version in the 90’s . We lived on a gravel road and it was terrifying to drive specifically the steering was loose and the brakes were not very good. But it was really cute.

[@chriscadman6379]

Hello. Had a Nash metro I miss that little car

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

Hey, Chris! That's awesome - learn something new about you every video!

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Great car. Hopefully one day I'll make it to the Audrain Museum

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

We hope so too!

[@davidjernigan8161]

Think about adding a walk around and talk about the mechanics to these videos. The metropolitan always has been a good looking car.

[@matthewlove9191]

My Dad drove one up Stone Mountain when it was still legal. He also drove one into a Federal courthouse. His Security Clearance status kept him out of jail, but there were consequences . . .

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

That is quite funny. Who doesn't love some good shenanigans?

[@E.T.GARAGE]

Those little Nash's 👍😎👍

[@Future-Classic-Comics]

The car in the background looks like a Triumph GT6 gets me every god damn time 😢😂

[@bigsarge2085]

Would love to restomod a Nash Metropolitan as our weekend fun car!

[@wesalexander2693]

Great review, Donald, thank you for this! A lot of history I didn't know about the Nash Metropolitan. I'm guessing the car tips the scales at just around 2,000 lbs.?

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

They weigh about 1,825 lbs! Thanks for watching our video

[@davidhorowitz4037]

Those are so cool. American Kei car.

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

Very in tune with our current exhibition!

[@Microfishingstory]

Always found these intriguing but never had the chance to drive one. Are they competent on the road?

[@Qrail]

Beep! Beep! Hey Buddy, how do I get this car out of second gear?

[@Future-Classic-Comics]

Anyone notice how elegance back then came naturally- including calligraphy- in writing Now it's forcified if it's implemented which is a shame.

[@curtiszzzchicago]

Um. I'm subscribed. Quit lying about me.

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

Ha! Well, thanks! We appreciate you.

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

I remember them well. Ugly, but beautiful. If only Nash could have held on to the 70's fuel crisis, the Metro would have been a hit. But, --- !

[@iggyzorro2406]

It's neat because it's like a toy

[@SNIPERXYZ100]

Give cars n cigahs

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

I'll give you Cahs & Cigahs! It is coming, and trust us, you will be the first to know! Thank you for your continued support.

[@josephrobichaud5198]

It was an ugly car !