GTP Cool Wall: 1953–1961 Nash Metropolitan

[Wiegert]

1953–1961 Nash Metropolitan nominated by @Wiegert

Body Style: 2-door hardtop, 2-door convertible
Engines: 1.2L Austin A40 series I4, 1.2L BMC B-Series I4, 1.5L BMC B-Series I4
Power: 40-42 hp (1.2), 52-55 hp (1.5)
Torque: 58-62 lbs-ft (1.2), 77 lbs-ft (1.5)
Weight: 810-850 kg
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Drivetrain: Front-engine, rear wheel drive
Additional Information: Body production and assembly was conducted in the UK by Fisher & Ludlow and the Austin Motor Company respectively. It was the first time that an American-designed car, to be exclusively marketed in North America at the time, had been entirely built in Europe. The Metropolitan became available at Hudson dealerships as a rebadged model with minor design changes after the company merged with Nash in 1954 to form AMC. While RHD models were eventually sold in the UK as the Austin Metropolitan from December 1956 until February 1959.​

Spoiler: Additional Pics

 

[Turbo]

I want to say it's uncool, but deep down inside, I think it's cool. It may only have fifty five horsepower, but this car was not made for performance. The color scheme is psychedelic, and looks like it would be a blast to drive near the seashore.

Fun fact: some Metropolitans were used in the police force throughout New England for a short period of time in New England, in 1956. That increases the cool factor.

However, this car has a very feminine image, thanks to Nash's marketing. It actually was the first car ever marketed only to women.

Low cool.

 

[Fastcarguy]

There is one down the street from me in the yellow over white color combo. Absolutely adorable. solid cool

 

[Ken]

Always had a soft spot for these. Sub zero. But I can't exactly figure out why.

 

[Turbo]

Might as well post these here.

1957 Nash Metropolitan fire truck conversion.

Just imagine the possibilities...

 

[TexRex]

Tiny, no power, two-tone and absolutely 🤬 adorable! SZ.

 

[Roger the Horse]

We've all heard the jokes about car x being "the compensatour." This car is the opposite of car x.

 

[Dennisch]

The Fifties. In a tiny nutshell.

So cool.

 

[ScottPuss20]

Looks like a kiddy car and can't take it seriously to call it cool. Seriously Uncool

 

[Dan]

It's too adorable to be anything lower than cool.

 

[Adamgp]

Meh.

 

[synchromesh]

In 1950's GTP It would get an uncool.
Old and unique enough to get cool. Not all classic cars are cool but this is something you don't see everyday. Especially the cute police versions.

 

[bremics]

My Grandfather's dream car. Sub-Zero.

 

[Ken]

All the conversions posted, and nobody mentioned a pro street Nash?

 

[TexRex]

All the conversions posted, and nobody mentioned a pro street Nash?

pro street

 

[ildd]

coooool

 

[SVX]

Pretty embarrassing to be seen in

 

[Legro]

The 1950s equivalent of selling Smart ForTwos in North America.

 

[kikie]

Nope, not cool.

 

[Liquid]

Cute and quirky but let's put our thinking caps on.

Uncool

 

[Wiegert]

I'd say it looks almost too toy-esque to be cool, or too much like a 1950s appliance*. But I also think it encapsulates the early/middle part of the decade in compact form while adding its own quirky twists in such a way that it can get away with being a cool, retro runabout. This thing is the '50s.


*In a decade where appliances were arguably at peak coolness

 

[Dagger311]

Cool

 

[Mikeybc]

It almost looks like it has a "proud to be nerdy looking" personality about it ...difficult to put into words but I like it...cool.

 

[Sp3edst3r]

Oh my god it's so cute!

 

[Crash]

Speaking of which, ran into this yesterday on the ferry:



Neat little car.