Bigger is better. That’s the American way, right? Normally, yes. But there are exceptions, and the Austin Nash Metropolitan is one of them. Back in the early 1950’s, the Nash Motor Company in the US saw a market for a smaller, more economical car. There was only one problem. They didn’t really have much experience of building small cars. Not to mention the expense with tooling, body panels and components. So who could they ask to build their new motorised shopping cart for the more affluent lady? The British of course.
They struck a manufacturing arrangement with Austin in 1952 at the Austin plant in Longbridge. The original agreement stipulated that Austin had to export all of them to the US (badged as Nash or Hudson), none were to be sold in the UK. From 1953 to 1957 that’s what happened, and they came in a choice of convertible or hardtop and featured luxury accessories like a map light, electric windscreen wipers and even a cigarette lighter! Almost unheard of in the UK. Not to mention the integrated radio.
Then when US sales slowed in 1957, Austin were asked to market the car in Europe. In doing so, they make a few tweaks. Namely increasing the engine from 1300cc to 1500cc (as used in the Austin A50 Cambridge) giving it around 55 bhp, and introduced the two-tone colour (the US version was single colour only). They continued to produce the car right up until 1962 when interest declined, but by then they had sold nearly 95,000.
It is that UK series III which we are looking at here. A Series IV followed and included something which really caught on, a boot lid. Yes, that’s right, you could access the boot from outside the car, as opposed to the series III, where you had to lower the rear seats from inside.
The current owner acquired the car in September 2019 and has carried out a range of jobs himself including replacing the brakes (shoes and master cylinders) and rebuilding the carburettor. The owner says prior to purchase the cars seats were reupholstered in the houndstooth cloth to match the original. It was also completely rewired from scratch by hand (with single wires rather than a loom and double sheathed) and has been repainted. The car has been garaged since purchasing, but sadly the recent loss of space forces the sale.
There is no paperwork prior to ownership in 2019, however, Included with the car are an original Longbridge Factory BMC Workshop Manual which is exceedingly rare and in excellent condition. There is also an American version which the owner says is better illustrated and more detailed, and a parts manual which can be used to purchase any spares from the US.
Receipts for work carried out since current owner purchased (chassis, brakes etc) are present together with the registration document.
The seats look in very good condition, so the reupholstering was evidently done quite recently. There are some areas that need minor attention such as the rim of the interior panelling where it meets the door (see photos) and the headlining could do with replacing at some point.
The car includes the original integrated radio which does require refurbishing. The original rubber mats are also present, although a little worn.
The paintwork is in good condition. Some of the chrome on the front bumper is starting to rust but it has kept its shape so would be relatively straightforward to re-chrome. The rear window rubber seals will need replacing, and possibly the front one too. A complete kit to do the job is easily obtained and shipped over from the US (details in the manual supplied). A few other minor blemishes but one needs to be quite close to see them. From a distance she really shines.
The car started first time and the revs settled nicely at idle, the front off-side chassis rail had some corrosion when the owner acquired it. He felt it was unsafe to drive so had it professionally repaired by master fabricator Bespoke Auto Works in Birmingham in 2020. They also had the whole underside of the car stone-chip protected.
An unusual and bright bundle of fun and a rare sight on British roads these days. A quick look at howmanyleft.co.uk shows last year there were only 83 in the UK, 27 of which were SORN.
It's in great condition throughout, having been very well looked after indeed. The owner says It’s easy to maintain too as it shares most mechanical parts with the 1950’s Austin A40. Unlike many old classics, it is reasonably economical and with no MOT or tax required it won’t break the bank.
Still not convinced? In such situations it can be helpful to ask yourself ‘what would Elvis do’? Well, he owned one too apparently. What better way to discreetly pop into town for a deep-fried peanut butter sandwich?
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1957 Austin Nash Metropolitan 1500 Series III
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