1958 AUSTIN METROPOLITAN Registration Number: XOD 521 Chass...

Estimate

£10,000 - £12,000

1958 AUSTIN METROPOLITAN

Registration Number: XOD 521
Chassis Number: HE6-HCS-76051
Recorded Mileage: 27,500 miles

- Subject of previous extensive restoration

In 1949 the Nash Motor Corporation of America starting working on a small new economy car, using the internal code name NXI (Nash Experimental International). This was a fairly brave move at the time, most other car company’s designs were working on the basis that “the bigger it was the better”. Nash then mailed thousands of potential buyers with a questionnaire containing photos of the proposed design, mainly the work of William Flajole (who incidentally went on to pen the outlandish Flajole Forerunner of 1955). The feedback was positive so a decision was made to bring it into production. Nash however had no experience in producing small cars. The body was not a problem, but they had no small engine or drivetrain. Various car firms were approached, including Fiat and Standard-Triumph, but in the end a deal was struck with the Austin Motor Company. The contract for the bodies was given to Fisher & Ludlow at Castle Bromwich (recently acquired by Austin) and the final assembly would be at Longbridge.

The new model was launched as the Nash NKI Custom, but from March 1954 it became the Metropolitan. Two models were offered; a two-door convertible and a two-door hardtop. Shortly afterwards the Nash-Kelviator Company merged with the Hudson Car Company and became the American Motors Corporation. The Metropolitan continued under the Nash and Hudson banner, the Hudson variants are now being very seldom seen. Always finished in bright two-tone colours, and with various luxuries of the age such as electric windscreen wipers and radio, the Metropolitan remains a charming throwback to the early post-war age of Anglo-American car design.

First registered in March of 1958, the earlier history of this Metropolitan is not known. However we do know that by 2007 the car was in the hands of an enthusiast who treated his Metropolitan to a comprehensive two-year restoration, finishing this charming coupe in two-tone Croton Green and Snowberry White. 

Our current vendor (who incidentally bought his first Metropolitan aged 17 in the early 1960s!) acquired this example a few years ago to join a small classic car collection, storing the car in dry conditions and using it sparingly. The older restoration has held up well in recent years, with a few minor imperfections to the paintwork in localised areas. The Metropolitan has not been driven in recent times, and so will we believe benefit from a minor amount of recommissioning before pressing into service once more.

The Austin is offered with the original owner’s manual, driver’s handbook and period brochure, owner’s club material, older MoT certificates and tax disc, and UK V5C. All in all a thoroughly charming period piece which will raise smiles wherever it goes.