This is a local Southern California “Blue-Plate” car that is completely rust-free and has been fully restored.  This is the rare and desirable Series IV model with the upgraded engine, rear decklid and vent window model that was introduced in 1959.  This motorcar has been well restored by a local southern California vintage sports car engineer and racer.  The car is restored to original specifications and is in car show and touring condition as opposed to concours condition.

The drivetrain was thoroughly rebuilt and the car disassembled for repaint in its original livery colors of tangerine and white exterior with black and white interior.  In the process of the restoration, the previous owner decided to change the rear end ratio from an inefficient 4.22: 1 to 3.9: 1.  He also acquired new axles to ensure durability.

He bought the car 11 years ago from a neighbor who had owned it for many years and had bought it in Los Angeles.  The car has been in California since new.  In 1999 the car had amassed a total of 97,779 miles.  A detailed maintenance log from the previous owner is included, which covers ministerial details such as tire pressure readings and oil changes as well as restoration activities.  By 2000 he had broke 100,000 miles and today the car has a total odometer reading since new of 103,950 miles.  Since the rebuild it has accumulated approximately 3,000 miles.

The car was repainted and reupholstered over the past year, including most of the stainless trim replaced, new window rubbers, seals, tires, etc.

Background on the Metropolitan

The Nash Metropolitan small economy subcompact car was introduced in the United States and Canada in March 1954 and was sold until 1962. Built in England by Austin to Nash specifications, the 85-in. wheelbase Metropolitan was offered in 2-door hardtop and convertible models.

While most U.S. automobile makers were following a “bigger-is-better” philosophy, Nash Motor Company executives were examining the market to offer American buyers an economical transportation alternative. The Metropolitan was designed in the United States and it was patterned from a concept car, the NXI (Nash Experimental International) that was built by Detroit-based independent designer William J. Flajole for Nash –Kelvinator.

Metropolitans came with several standard features that were optional on most cars of the era. Among these factory-installed benefits for customers were a map light, electric windshield wipers, cigar lighter, and even a “continental-type” rear-mounted spare tire with cover. An AM radio, “Weather-Eye” heater, and whitewall tires were offered as optional extras for the US market (It is unlikely that a Metropolitan could have been purchased without Heater & Radio, as all vehicles left the factory with both items fitted).

January 1959 saw the start of Metropolitan Series IV (NK4) production (Commencing with VIN E59048 on 12 January 1959). This major re-design saw the addition of an external decklid (previous models only allowed access to the trunk through the rear seat back) and vent windows. By this time, the engine had been up-graded by increasing the compression ratio from 7.2:1 to 8.3:1 (Commenced VIN E43116 – October 15, 1957) giving an output of 55 bhp. The car was a 3 speed standard shift on the column, rear wheel drive with a four cylinder 1500cc engine. The MSRP for Series IV Hardtop models was $1,672.60.

The top sales year for the Metropolitan was 1959, with a combined production between the US and Canada of  22,209 units, helping to spur on the introduction of the Big Three’s (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) new compact models.  Furthermore the car has become one of the 10 best collectibles.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a restored and rust-free, California Metropolitan with the Series IV upgrades.  We are offering this at an affordable price.  This is a terrific motorcar to take to local car events, tours or simply to enjoy and drive around town.  Motorcars with this quality and history move quickly.