Modern Classic: Nash Metropolitan

Pastel Paint
Once you clamber inside the tiny-doored Met, there's reasonable head and legroom. Despite independent, unequal-length A-arms in front, and twin parallel leafs in back, the softly sprung Met wallows like most larger American cars of its day. A 3-speed manual transmission, and cam and lever steering are hardly a sporting specification. So a sports car it's not, but it's definitely a chick magnet, especially in its pastel colors that resemble a vintage Esther Williams bathing suit.


Mets were simply cute commuters, and they still attract waves and smiles. Prices range from $5,000-$8,000 for Coupes and between $8,000 and $13,000 for Convertibles. Watch for rust, especially in the floor pan and lower fenders, and beware of electrical gremlins. Most British-made mechanical bits are still available. Sheetmetal is a challenge. And park next to the Crosleys at an old car event.

Club
Metropolitan Owners Club of North America, 2308 Co Hwy, Sun Prairie, WI 53590, 608-825-1903

Spare Parts
British Triumph & Metropolitan, Ellicott City, MD, 410-750-2352


Classic American Parts, Inc., Neosho, MO, 800-638-5461