Highlights

Good honest example of the beloved model
Rare RHD example
Later Series III with 1500 engine

The Appeal

It’s a design that is so quintessentially American, in a size that really is the opposite. Whilst the US had inherently focused on the “bigger is better” automotive design motif, the engineers at the Nash Motor Company had seen a gap in the market to bring a genuinely compact car to the American people.

There was of course one issue with this, they, nor any of the other US automakers, had any real experience manufacturing compact cars. A plan was formulated and a deal was instead struck to commence production here in Britain, with Austin, who knew a thing or two about this sector of the market, agreeing to manufacture in their Longbridge plant.

What spawned was what is arguably one of the most iconic cars ever made for the American market. Instantly recognisable, genuinely compact and impressively simple and robust, the Nash Metropolitan was an absolute hit and remains a cult classic with a devoted following to this day.

The example we have here today is a very rare car indeed. An exceedingly scarce genuine UK right hand drive car, this 1958 Series III model hails from the later stages of Metropolitan production, where Austin were finally given licence to distribute RHD models in the UK. Well presented in smart honest form, this is certainly one of the better ones available on the market today.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in September of 1958
A later Series III variant
Understood to be a genuine UK as denoted by the “HE6” beginning of the chassis number
Purchased by the current owner in late 2015 to be used as a fun weekend car for attending shows
We are unfortunately lacking in paperwork for the vehicle in terms of servicing history
Vendor informs V5 registration document is present with the car
Both tax and MOT exempt due to the vehicle’s age and historic status

The Interior

Nicely presented, largely original interior space
Factory right hand drive setup
Great quality patterned fabric bench seat with white vinyl side panelling
Two matching door panels, in good clean shape with subtle chrome appointments
Seating is of a great quality and is distinctly lacking in wear or tarnishing
Black painted dash panel, indicative of a Series III Metropolitan
Heater and cigarette lighter fitted as standard, rather advanced for the time
Upgraded Pioneer radio head unit fitted
FLI speakers mounted in the side of the cabin
Interior switchgear and controls are presented in good overall form
Well fitting contrasting white headlining. Exhibiting with some staining in places
Striped carpeting with protective rubber floor mats
Cabin presents with a charming level of patina to it, in good honest shape

The Exterior

Brilliant, bold, quintessentially American exterior styling
Finished in a great two tone period correct paint scheme
Subject to a respray under current ownership
Lovely blue and white paintwork, in good clean form
Paintwork is notably lacking in signs of heavy blemishing or age related marking, rather a gentle honest patina
Small area of scabbing is beginning to protrude on the drivers side corner of the roof panel
Chrome trim is in good presentable condition with a wonderful shine to it including iconic side trim
Some blemishing and flaws are visible on the chrome front grille surround
Panel gaps appear straight and consistent throughout
Lighting, badges and glasswork are in great shape
Rear mounted chrome luggage rack and “continental style” spare wheel carrier
Four excellent body coloured blue wheels with decorative white Nash trim caps, all in fine fettle with just a gentle patina presenting itself in places on them
A fifth spare wheel resides in the aforementioned rear carrier

The Mechanics

Later Series III Metropolitan meaning upgraded factory engine
Higher capacity 1500 B Series engine
Presenting in good overall mechanical order
Vendor advises that during their ownership nothing major has had to be done, rather just servicing and general minor maintenance
The car is reported to fire into life comfortably and with ease, providing a wonderful, raw and above all else, fun driving experience for whoever is behind the wheel
Underside appears clean
The vendor suggests that the braking system, most notably the handbrake may benefit from some adjustment
Backed by a dedicated community of enthusiasts

Summary

Designed by the Americans, built by the British, the Nash Metropolitan is a charming slice of Anglo-American perfection. Well built, impressively simple from a mechanical perspective and undeniably cool it's no wonder these little cars have such a committed community around them.

Mets, as they are affectionately known, are getting thin on the ground, especially right hand drive examples, making the example we have here all the more special. In a good overall aesthetic and mechanical state, this 1958 Series III Met is surely one of the rarest and certainly most alluring on the market for the committed Nash enthusiast.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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