1954 Nash Metropolitan Convertible Metropolitan Convertible

1954 Nash Metropolitan Convertible Metropolitan Convertible Description

1954 Nash Metropolitan Convertible
Dashboard signed by Miss America 1954, Miss Evelyn Margaret Ay from Pennsylvania
convertible
Finished in its factory correct Canyon Red (code 904) with a three-window manual black top and boot
Factory correct gray houndstooth upholstery trimmed in heat-seamed vinyl
1.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 1-bbl. Zenith carburetor
Three-speed manual transmission
The original American market "Micro Car"
Achieves more than 40 mpg cruising at 45 mph
Looking for a car that makes people stop, stare and smile? MotoeXotica Classic Cars is pleased to offer this 1954 Nash Metropolitan with an extra twist - the metal dashboard bears the signature of Miss Evelyn Ay, who was crowned Miss America in 1954. Evelyn was photographed posing in and with a red, 1954 Nash Metropolitan much like the example we have with her autograph. Nineteen fifty-four marked the first time the pageant was broadcast on television, with 27 million people watching. She is still the only Miss America to hail from the Keystone State. It also the second year that Nash offered the Met.
Finished in its factory correct Canyon Red (code 904) paint, this car is a Series II model. The paint is in good condition and presents well from 10 feet but paint was not finished to a high standard and shows accordingly. The car's glass panes are in very good shape, as are its lights. The front and rear bumpers display some blemishes as does the grille trim. The tires are Prime Well PS850s, size 155/80R13, surrounding white steel rims with Metropolitan hubcaps, which are in decent shape. All of the body panels are straight and the roof is in very good order.
After the first 10,000 cars were built, the engine was changed to a B-Series, but still of 73 CID. Other modifications that were incorporated at this time were a new gearbox, and hydraulic actuation for the clutch (Series I models used a mechanical clutch linkage). The change to a new engine and gearbox added 50 pounds to the car's weight. Power is transferred to the rear wheels by a three-speed on-the-column manual transmission, The suspension consists of front independent, coil springs, wish bones, rear live axle and semi-elliptic springs and front and rear drum brakes.
The Metropolitan marked the first time an American-designed car was exclusively marketed in North America yet built entirely in Europe by the Austin Motor Company in England. The Metropolitan was also one of the first cars intentionally marketed toward American women. Metropolitan drivers have been known to achieve more than 40 mpg while cruising at 45 mph. These cars are super cute and gather a small knot of people wherever they stop or park.
Inside, the correct black-and-white houndstooth and white heat-seamed vinyl seat appears in very good condition. The fuel gauge is inoperable but the matching door panels, carpet and red metal dashboard complement the red exterior of the car and look fantastic. The two-spoke steering wheel, mirrors and shift lever round out the interior as this car is a radio delete model. This rarely-seen, second-year "Metro" makes an excellent entry-level convertible that can be driven and enjoyed or brought back to all of its glory!
Competitors to this car in 1954 included Volkswagen's Beetle Convertible, the Morris Minor Convertible, Kaiser-Fraiser's Henry J and the Crosley Coupe.
Micro cars have etched out their own niche in the classic car community and the Metropolitan is the American original. This Metropolitan is just one of 11,198 units sold in the US in 1954. GET OUT AND DRIVE!
This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 30,285 miles. It is sold as is with an actual mileage title.