A Brief History of the Nash Metropolitan
The Nash Metropolitan didn’t just arrive on the automotive scene—it quietly challenged everything American drivers thought a car had to be.
In the late 1940s, Nash-Kelvinator president George W. Mason recognized something most U.S. automakers ignored: not everyone wanted a big car. With postwar cities growing tighter and fuel economy becoming a concern, Mason envisioned a small, efficient vehicle designed specifically for urban life. The idea was bold, especially in an era when bigger fins and longer hoods ruled Detroit.
Introduced in 1954, the Metropolitan was marketed as a “second car” for families—perfect for errands, commuting, or weekend drives. Though sold under the Nash name, it was designed in the U.S. and built in England by Austin (later BMC), blending American styling with European compact engineering. That transatlantic partnership gave the Metropolitan its distinctive proportions and charm.
Early models featured a 1.2L Austin engine, later upgraded to a 1.5L, paired with a lightweight body that made the car feel surprisingly lively. While it wasn’t built for speed, the Metropolitan excelled at what it promised: efficiency, maneuverability, and personality. Two-tone paint schemes, cheerful interiors, and unmistakable styling helped it stand apart from anything else on the road.
By the late 1950s, the car transitioned from Nash branding to Rambler, but the Metropolitan remained largely unchanged—proof that its design had found its audience. Production continued until 1962, with over 95,000 units built, a remarkable number for a car once considered a gamble.
Today, the Nash Metropolitan holds a special place in automotive history. It wasn’t just America’s first widely marketed subcompact—it was a statement. A reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean going bigger, louder, or faster. For owners and enthusiasts, the Metropolitan represents clever design, forward thinking, and a sense of fun that never goes out of style.
Small car. Big legacy.