Chassis No. E14624

Engine No. 2G 10208

Body No. 14624

A fleet, sporty little bucket which should prove just what the doctor ordered for a second car...a nice-handling car with plenty of control and amazing dig.

- Tom McCahill of Mechanix Illustrated on the Nash Metropolitan

Following World War II, the booming American economy opened up new markets as manufacturers realized that growing families both demanded and could afford a second automobile. Some manufacturers pioneered the modern "compact car" with the creation of smaller models that were intended as "shopper's car," second automobiles that, it was intended, could be used for running local errands while the main family station wagon or sedan was elsewhere during the day.

Designer Bill Flajole's proposal was for a tiny car, shorter in wheelbase than a Volkswagen Beetle, powered by a British Austin four-cylinder engine and three-speed manual transmission. Wisconsin automaker Nash took up production of what was dubbed the Metropolitan, although much of the actual fabrication and construction was actually handled across the Atlantic in England; the "Met" was one of the first production cars to be outsourced. It was produced under Nash and, subsequently, American Motors auspices from 1953 into 1961, with various engines and trim levels and in both convertible and coupe forms. Flajole's chubby-cheeked styling won many fans, and today the Metropolitan remains one of the most sheerly lovable automobiles of the postwar era, guaranteed to draw as much attention as any Ferrari or Lamborghini.

The Gateway Automobile Museum's 1955 Metropolitan, offered here, was completely restored in 2011 by noted restorer Tom Maruska; reportedly it was a solid example prior to the undertaking of the work, with only minor rust repair required, after which the body was properly rustproofed prior to the application of paint. It was beautifully finished in Caribbean Blue with the proper "T-1" interior, featuring yellow and black striped fabric combined with tan vinyl, and accented by a black canvas top and rear tire cover – all per the codes on the body tag. The level of workmanship throughout is quite impressive and resulted in a true concours-quality Metropolitan, inside, outside, and even underneath, where the undercarriage is very nicely detailed. Firestone wide whitewall tires are the perfect finishing touch.

At the time of cataloging, driven just 136 miles since completion of the restoration, this must be the very best early Metropolitan available. It is extremely well-finished, it is of the highest quality, and it is just plain cute – far too nice for shopping!