1955 Nash Metropolitan

The British Columbia

June 2010

Lemonade, flamingos, and cherry blossoms are all wonderfully pink.  We hope to be “in the pink,” and enjoy being “tickled pink.”  Blake Edwards used pink to memorable advantage when creating his animated panther and, having combined the names of blues-musicians Pink Anderson and Floyd Council, Syd Barrett created the band forever synonymous with tunes about the dim side of the fifth largest satellite in our solar system. 

Taking his cue from the lyrics of “Baby Let’s Play House,” Elvis Presley decided to paint his Cadillac pink, providing the first tangible evidence of his being aesthetically challenged.  Further proof is offered by way of the Jungle Room and his Las Vegas jumpsuits.  Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward of Thunderbirds fame owned the only pink car with cachet.  Apart from having six wheels and a bubble top, her Rolls-Royce was fitted with enough weaponry to suggest that shopping at Adnan Khashoggi’s boutique was a favourite occupation.

While certainly every bit as pink, the Nash Metropolitan here shares little with Lady P’s superlative motor.  There’s not even a slingshot in the glove box.  Restored a few years ago, the car was subsequently offered as a prize in a raffle organised by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.  After a number of years of care under enthusiastic ownership, the car has recently been made available for acquisition.

Built between 1954 and 1962, the Nash Metropolitan was an early entry into the economy market.  Not long after beginning the project, Nash management determined that they couldn’t justify the costs associated with building the car in the United States.  Having made arrangements with the Austin Motor Company, and the coachworks firm of Fisher & Ludlow, production of the Nash Metropolitan subsequently began in Birmingham. 

If “inspiration is where you find it,” we can’t help but conclude the designers of the Metropolitan were intrigued by inverted jelly moulds.  But then, the car was intended to sell for a mere trifle.  The Metropolitan is certainly interesting to look at and, given the current interest in retro-design, the car will likely find a new appreciation. 

The cabin is just about big enough for two adults and is accommodating enough for most journeys.  The bench seat offers reasonable support, but a lack of adequate fore and aft adjustment will frustrate taller drivers.

 

A large, two-tone steering-wheel, incorporating the indicator switch in its hub, is mounted close to the driver.  The speedometer sits directly in line with the driver’s vision, and the few control knobs that are fitted are set within easy reach.  The Safety Nannies will be appalled to learn the car is fitted with an all-metal dash, and is without benefit of seatbelts, although an ashtray has been thoughtfully provided. 

The small 1200 cc motor copes admirably, and by making well-considered decisions concerning the use of the column-shifted three gears on offer, reasonable progress can be made.  The unassisted steering is reasonably weighted and offers good feedback.  An easily modulated clutch and braking system help in making the car a pleasure to drive.  A proper handbrake is conveniently placed by the driver’s left knee, making hill-starts a doddle.

Once underway it doesn’t take long to become comfortable with the car.  The ride quality provides a clue as to how the Metropolitan was intended for the American market, being surprisingly smooth and compliant.  Nash likely had it right 50 years too early.  While the Metropolitan sold reasonably well, an economy car is a bit pointless when petrol is less expensive than air, but I’d bet something this stylish would sell very well in today’s competitive market.