[D]

The American Nash-Kelvinator Corporation created some experimental models to test the American peoples reaction to smaller cars. These prototypes used the Fiat 500 and Standard Vanguard engines. In 1952 senior British Motor Corporation management met with Nash for informal discussion of business matters of topical interest. Nash had a reputation for compact cars and wanted a smaller car but did not have development facilities required and were considering buying in mechanicals. Leonard Lord struck a deal to produce a car at Longbridge with narrower than usual track based on the Austin A40 engine and A30 suspension and available either as a convertible or as a closed saloon. Nash was keen on A40 engines etc. as they were already proven in the United States. BMC made the bodies at Castle Bromwich in premises that now is a Jaguar factory.

The first examples badged as Nash went on sale on the 19th March 1954 in the USA and Canada and was an immediate success in the intended markets. A few years previously Leonard Lord had failed to sell the Austin A90 Atlantic in the same market. The Series II of 1954 saw some versions being marketed as Hudsons.

100,000 Nash Metropolitans were assembled at Longbridge.

The lack of power was addressed in 1956 with the fitting of the BMC 1498 cc B series engine giving a top speed of 75 mph.

In 1957 BMC realised that American Motors (after merger) did not plan to try and sell the car in any other markets and obtained the rights to sell in UK and other markets were Austin had a presence and American Motors did not.

Some cosmetic changes were made for the 1957 UK launch, these included removing the false bonnet scoop and providing a styling break on the body sides along with duo-tone paint. All cars had a Frost White lower body with the upper body being a choice of Berkshire Green, Mardi Gras Red, Black or Autumn Yellow. The 1500 convertible sold in the UK for £725, while the hardtop cost £714.

Some were sold in Southern Europe and South Africa as well as in the UK. None of these ever carried any Austin or BMC badging but simply had Metropolitan badges with the letter M on the hubcaps and grill.

The final Metropolitan, the series IV arrived in 1959 and boasted an opening boot lid for the first time.

Sales outside the USA were never enough to support production without US sales. In 1960 America suffered a recession along with a public turning against imports. In addition the major car companies started to flood the markets with compact cars.

The last examples left showrooms in 1961, and were by then a model with performance and handling from the past.

The photograph of the Autumn Yellow car was kindly provided by Ross G Frater of Brisbane.

E-Mail: history@britishmm.co.uk