The Nash Metropolitan can be seen as a compact car trendsetter in the USA during the 1950s and still achieves worldwide fame nowadays

The Nash Metropolitan is a compact car that was produced by the American automaker Nash Motors from 1953 to 1957. It was later sold as Hudson Metropolitan under the Nash-Hudson brand from 1954 to 1957 when Nash merged with Hudson to form the American Motors Corporation (AMC).

The Nash Metropolitan was initially introduced in 1953 as a 1954 model. It was designed as an economical, compact car to cater to the growing demand for smaller vehicles in the post-war era.

1. Collaboration

The Metropolitan was a result of collaboration between Nash Motors and the British automaker Austin. The design and engineering were handled by Austin, while Nash handled the marketing and distribution in the United States.

2. Popularity and Sales

The Nash Metropolitan gained popularity for its unique design and compact size, making it well-suited for urban driving. It appealed to a niche market and became popular among young drivers, women, and those seeking a second car. Despite its initial success, sales began to decline in the late 1950s, leading to its discontinuation in 1957.

3. Cultural Significance

Compact Car Trendsetter

The Metropolitan was one of the first compact cars produced in the United States. During the 1950s, American automobiles were typically large and heavy, designed for spaciousness and comfort. The Metropolitan challenged this norm by offering a small, fuel-efficient vehicle that was well-suited for city driving. Its introduction helped pave the way for the popularity of compact cars in subsequent years.

Appeal to Women

The Nash Metropolitan appealed to women buyers, particularly due to its compact size, easy maneuverability, and affordability. The car's marketing campaigns often targeted women, presenting the Metropolitan as a fashionable and practical choice for urban living. Its success among female buyers challenged traditional gender roles in the automotive industry and contributed to the growing independence of women during the 1950s.

Iconic Pop Culture Status

The Nash Metropolitan has become an icon in popular culture, representing the 1950s era and its unique automotive designs. The car has been featured in movies, television shows, and various media, further cementing its cultural significance and nostalgia.

Historical Significance

The Nash Metropolitan represents an important chapter in American automotive history. Its collaboration between Nash Motors and Austin demonstrates international cooperation and the exchange of design and engineering expertise. Additionally, the Metropolitan's introduction as a compact car reflects changing consumer preferences and the need for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles in a post-war era.

Collector's Item

The Nash Metropolitan has gained a loyal following among collectors and automotive enthusiasts. Its distinct design, historical significance, and relative rarity have contributed to its desirability as a collectible car. Restored and well-maintained examples of the Metropolitan are sought after by collectors who appreciate its unique place in automotive history.

4. Design

Compact Size

The Metropolitan was designed to be a small and compact car, measuring around 149 inches in length and 63 inches in width. Its compact dimensions made it well-suited for urban driving and parking in tight spaces.

Rounded Contours

The Metropolitan featured rounded contours and smooth lines, giving it a softer and more aerodynamic appearance compared to the angular designs prevalent in many other cars of the era. The curved roofline and rounded fenders contributed to its overall retro and charming aesthetic.

Grille Design

The Metropolitan's front grille was one of its most distinctive design elements. It featured a prominent horizontal bar grille with vertical slats, creating a visually striking and recognizable front fascia. The grille was often accentuated by the Nash badge in the center, further enhancing its appeal.

Two-Tone Paint Schemes

The Nash Metropolitan was often offered with two-tone paint schemes, which added to its visual appeal. These color combinations typically featured a contrasting roof color, accentuating the car's compact and distinctive shape.

Side Chrome Accents

The Metropolitan incorporated chrome accents along its sides, including chrome trim pieces, handles, and mirror housings. These chrome details added a touch of elegance and enhanced the car's overall appearance.

Well-Appointed Interior

Despite its compact size, the Metropolitan offered a relatively spacious interior for a small car. It featured comfortable seating for up to four passengers, with upholstery options that included fabric and vinyl. The dashboard design was simple and functional, with essential gauges and controls within easy reach of the driver.

Convertible Option

The Metropolitan was available as both a two-door hardtop coupe and a convertible model. The convertible version featured a fabric folding top that could be opened or closed depending on the driver's preference. The convertible option added to the car's desirability and appealed to those seeking an open-air driving experience.

5. Engine

Engine Type

The Metropolitan was equipped with an inline-four engine, meaning it had four cylinders arranged in a straight line.

Placement

The engine was located at the front of the vehicle and powered the rear wheels.

Displacement

The early models of the Metropolitan (1954-1956) were powered by a 1.2-liter (1,198 cc) engine. In 1957, the engine was upgraded to a larger 1.5-liter (1,489 cc) displacement.

Configuration

The engine had a four-stroke combustion cycle and was fueled by a carburetor. The precise specifications of the engine, such as bore and stroke, may vary depending on the specific year and model of the Metropolitan.

Transmission

The Metropolitan typically featured a three-speed manual transmission, which allowed the driver to shift gears manually.

6. Performance

Acceleration

The Metropolitan was not known for its quick acceleration. The 1.2-liter engine used in the early models produced approximately 42 horsepower, while the upgraded 1.5-liter engine in the 1957 model offered around 52 horsepower. 

While specific acceleration figures can vary depending on various factors, the Metropolitan's performance was generally considered to be more focused on fuel efficiency and urban maneuverability rather than high-speed acceleration.

Top Speed

The top speed of the Nash Metropolitan was typically around 70-80 miles per hour (113-129 kilometers per hour). However, it's worth noting that the Metropolitan was not designed for high-speed performance, but rather as a practical and economical city car.

Fuel Efficiency

The Metropolitan excelled in terms of fuel efficiency, which was one of its main selling points. The compact size and lightweight construction of the car, combined with the modest power output of its engines, contributed to its ability to deliver good fuel economy for its time. The exact fuel consumption figures can vary, but the Metropolitan was generally considered to be a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Handling and Maneuverability

The Metropolitan's compact size and relatively short wheelbase made it agile and easy to maneuver in urban environments. It had a tight turning radius, allowing for easy parking and navigating through tight spaces. Its lightweight construction also contributed to nimble handling

It's important to note that the Metropolitan was primarily designed as an economical and practical compact car, prioritizing fuel efficiency and urban usability over high-performance capabilities. Its modest power output and conservative performance characteristics were in line with the expectations of its target market during the 1950s.