METROFACTUAL
First Series (1954–1956): Production commenced in the UK during October 1953, with these early cars being fitted with the 1200cc Austin A40’s B-Series four-cylinder engine delivering 31.3kW (42bhp). NashKelvinator merged with the Hudson Car Company – thus creating the American Motors Corporation – prior to the Metropolitan’s launch, meaning the Metropolitan was available badged as a Nash or a Hudson.
Second Series (1956–1959): After the first 10,000 examples were built, the 1200cc engine was replaced with a 1490cc unit, as used in the Austin A50 – and power increased to 39kW (52bhp). A larger clutch was fitted and the interior was also updated, with a black dashboard replacing the previous body colour item. On the exterior, stainless steel strips separated the body’s two-tone paint. Austin in the UK acquired the rights to sell the Metropolitan in non-USA markets in December 1956, with right-hand drive models on sale in 1957.
Third Series (1958–1962): Minor improvements included a glove-box door, seat adjusters, window vents and tubeless tires. The boot space on previous models had been accessible through the folding rear seat, but a more conventional opening boot-lid was in place by mid-1959.
Spectators lining the streets for the 1960 New York Easter Parade were treated to the sight of a bright pink Metropolitan ‘Fifth Avenue’ convertible filled with plush Easter bunnies. Lavished with no less than 15 coats of pearl pink paint with pink and white leather upholstery, the Fifth Avenue was only one of a series of specials built by Nash over the years – including the ‘Cape Cod’ and the ‘Westerner’.
The ‘Royal Runabout’ – a black and gold Metropolitan – was presented to Princess Margaret by Austin. She enjoyed driving the car until it was apparently stolen in February 1961.
The Metropolitan’s doors were designed by Kelvinator and feature the same unique top section as a ‘50s Kelvinator refrigerator. These cars were the only car ever manufactured where the door skins will fit on either site of the car – parallel sides!
In 1957, rumours surfaced that the Metropolitan might be produced in Australia – although this proved to be nothing more than a rumour.