WHY IT MATTERS

Commissioned by the US firm Nash but Longbridge-built, this bizarre piece of Americana was an attempt to earn American dollars. glitzy and flash Stateside styling in miniature, but pure BMC engineering, originally with a 1200cc engine and two years later with a 1489cc B-series. The car was sold in the USA as both a Nash and a Hudson, and wasn’t available on the British market until 1956, badged with the Metropolitan name. Around 104,000 examples were built before production ceased in 1961. Handling is perilous but it’s an intriguing curio.