1957 Nash Metropolitan 62707 Miles Black Coupe 1489 CC Inline 4 Manual

1957 Nash Metropolitan -- Description

Do you think the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500 are real mini cars? If you want ultra-cool in a compact package, how about this 1957 Nash Metropolitan instead? Classic '50s styling with an economical and fun driving style make for a slam-dunk hobby car during these uncertain times. Restored in 2007 by a guy who just wanted to drive, this little Met is a rather rare and unusual coupe version and remains in great condition today. The two tone black... and white paint has a great 1950s look that shows off the interesting bodywork to great effect. With that striking color combination, you can take the time to notice things like the rounded grille, wrap around, bumpers, that little dip in the doors where the windows roll down, and the jaunty continental kit out back that makes everyone smile. Fit and finish are quite good, and despite a few years of driving enjoyment across the country, it really looks fantastic. Much of the chrome is re-chromed or replaced, which is OK because this car hails from California and spent much of its life in Texas and Georgia. It's also worth noting that this car proudly wears a Metropolitan emblem on its grille, not the usual Nash badge of earlier years. The Metropolitan is small, but it feels full-size once you're behind the wheel. The diminutive proportions mask a surprisingly comfortable interior, anchored by a vinyl bench with split back for easy access to the rear seating area (although it's probably too small for anyone but children). With wide pleats it looks right for 1957, and the durable materials will look good for years to come. The simple instrument panel is reminiscent of the other micro-car of the period, the VW Beetle, with its big speedometer and built-in fuel gauge and the turn signal control is that lever on the steering wheel hub, a neat period touch. The original AM radio is in the dash and as is typical of cars of this era, it's not functional, but it looks so good it would be a shame to remove it (maybe hide on in the glove box if you need the entertainment). Fold down the rear seat back and you have access to a decent-sized trunk that makes the Met a nice choice for a weekend getaway. The Metropolitan is an interesting Anglo-American hybrid in that it's one of the rare cars that was built in Europe exclusively for the US-market by a US auto maker. As a result, it carries a 1489 cc inline-four built by Austin in England. It's a rugged little engine that delivers spirited performance in the lightweight Metropolitan and parts are still easy to find and quite inexpensive. Even more importantly, fuel mileage routinely hovers in the 30+ MPG range, making this a fantastic car if you're on a budget but still like to get out and drive. The engine bay is neat and tidy, but since it's been driven and enjoyed, it's no longer show-quality. Mechanically it remains in superior condition and ready to drive anywhere and the familiar Austin green paint looks quite nice. The 3-speed manual transmission has light action and with smart gearing, it cruises at 55-60 MPH without complaint and without being buzzy on the highway. The conventional suspension is surprisingly compliant and with those tiny 13-inch whitewalls, the turning radius is tight enough to make traffic a blast. A neat little mini car with great club support and a few receipts to go with it. If going green is your thing, perhaps a bit of eco-friendliness from the '50s is just what you need. Call today!