The 1958 Nash Metropolitan is one of the most charming and instantly recognisable small cars of the post-war era, combining unmistakable American styling with British engineering in a wonderfully distinctive package. At a time when American manufacturers were producing increasingly large, powerful and extravagant automobiles, the Metropolitan offered something refreshingly different. Compact, economical and full of character, it brought the glamour of American motoring to a much smaller scale, with its cheerful two-tone colour schemes, generous chrome detailing and beautifully rounded bodywork. More than six decades later, its quirky proportions and unmistakable personality continue to turn heads wherever it goes.

The Metropolitan’s story began in the early 1950s when Nash Motors recognised an opportunity for a small, affordable second car aimed primarily at the growing American suburban market.

Designed in the United States but manufactured in Britain by Austin at Longbridge, the Metropolitan represented an unusual collaboration between two very different automotive industries. By 1958, the model had evolved considerably from its original introduction, benefiting from the larger 1,489cc Austin B-Series four-cylinder engine, improved refinement and a number of styling updates. Its combination of British mechanical simplicity and American design flair made it a genuinely unique proposition, particularly in an era when small cars were still something of a novelty in the United States.

Today, the 1958 Nash Metropolitan occupies a special place in the classic car world, appreciated not for outright performance or luxury, but for its individuality, historical significance and sheer enjoyment of ownership. Its modest dimensions make it surprisingly practical for relaxed weekend motoring, while its straightforward mechanical components and connections to familiar British Austin models offer advantages when it comes to maintenance and preservation. Whether admired as a delightful example of 1950s automotive design, enjoyed at classic car gatherings or treasured as part of a collection, the Metropolitan remains a wonderful reminder of an era when manufacturers were prepared to challenge convention and create something genuinely different.

There are classic cars that command respect, others that inspire admiration, and then there are those that simply make you smile.

The 1958 Nash Metropolitan falls firmly into the latter category. Quirky, charming and wonderfully unconventional, this delightful little motor car is perhaps best described as something Minnie Mouse might have driven! With its cheerful two-tone colour scheme, rounded styling and almost toy-like proportions, the Metropolitan is a car that takes itself far less seriously than most classics of its era. It intimidates absolutely no one, and therein lies much of its appeal. Quite simply, it’s adorable, and rather like having a favourite wee pet, it’s almost impossible not to become attached to it.

The example offered here is a nicely restored 1958 Nash Metropolitan, presenting beautifully and retaining all the distinctive character that makes these little cars so endearing. Having enjoyed the care of just four owners, including two particularly long-term custodians of approximately 15 and 17 years respectively, it has clearly been a car that people have enjoyed owning and holding onto. Finished in an attractive combination of pale yellow and white, with contrasting chrome detailing, it captures the unmistakable spirit of 1950s motoring and is guaranteed to attract attention wherever it goes.

Vehicle Highlights

• 1958 Nash Metropolitan Series III
• Four owners, including two long-term owners of approximately 15 and 17 years
• Nicely restored example, presenting in very attractive condition
• Distinctive two-tone pale yellow and white exterior
• 1,498cc Austin four-cylinder petrol engine
• Three-speed synchromesh manual transmission
• Traditional column-mounted gearshift
• Rear-wheel drive
• Front bench seat accommodating two occupants
• Small occasional rear seat, perhaps more accurately described as a generously upholstered parcel shelf!
• Factory-equipped heater, radio and cigarette lighter
• Odometer recording in miles
• Delightful chrome detailing and unmistakable 1950s styling
• Compact dimensions, making it easy to manoeuvre and enjoyable to drive
• An increasingly collectible and unusual classic with genuine historical interest

On the Road

Despite its diminutive proportions and modest mechanical specifications, the Metropolitan is surprisingly capable on the road. Powered by the familiar Austin four-cylinder engine and coupled to a three-speed column-change transmission, it offers a relaxed and uncomplicated driving experience. It has no difficulty keeping pace with ordinary modern traffic and is quite comfortable cruising at speeds of approximately 55–60 mph (88–97 km/h). Naturally, this is not a car intended for spirited performance or motorway heroics, but rather for those who appreciate the simple pleasures of classic motoring. The enjoyment comes from its character, its mechanical honesty and the smiles it generates along the way.

Inside, the Metropolitan is every bit as charming as its exterior suggests. A comfortable front bench seat provides accommodation for two, while the rather optimistic provision behind it was marketed as a rear seat, although most owners would probably agree that it is better suited to luggage, shopping or perhaps a very small passenger! Interestingly, although the Metropolitan was conceived as an affordable, no-nonsense motor car, equipment such as a heater, radio and cigarette lighter was included as standard. These little touches gave the car a degree of comfort and convenience that was not always expected of an economy vehicle during the 1950s.

A Unique Piece of Automotive History

The Metropolitan’s history is almost as unusual as the car itself. Conceived in America and manufactured in Britain, it represented an ambitious attempt to introduce a small, economical automobile to a market traditionally dominated by considerably larger vehicles. Approximately 93,000 Metropolitans were exported to the United States and Canada during the model’s production life, while a right-hand-drive version was eventually introduced for the British market during the latter half of the 1950s. Today, surviving examples are cherished on both sides of the Atlantic, with the Metropolitan enjoying a loyal and enthusiastic following among collectors.

One of the most appealing aspects of Metropolitan ownership is the wonderfully diverse community surrounding these cars. Their friendly appearance, straightforward mechanical construction and manageable dimensions have encouraged many newcomers to enter the classic car hobby, including first-time restorers and an enthusiastic following of both women and men. Indeed, the Metropolitan has a remarkable ability to appeal across generations and backgrounds. And for any gentleman concerned that it might be a little too cute, we would suggest that driving one simply demonstrates a healthy sense of humour and complete confidence in one’s masculinity!

Our Thoughts

There is something genuinely special about the Nash Metropolitan. It isn’t particularly fast, sophisticated or imposing, and it certainly doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it offers something that many considerably more expensive classic cars struggle to deliver: pure, uncomplicated enjoyment and an enormous amount of personality.

With its attractive presentation, interesting ownership history and delightful styling, this 1958 example represents an opportunity to own an unusual and increasingly appreciated piece of automotive history. Whether destined for weekend outings, classic car gatherings, a private collection or simply the pleasure of having something wonderfully different in the garage, the Metropolitan promises to be a constant source of enjoyment.

This is one of those rare little cars that you don’t simply buy and drive; you adopt it. And once it’s yours, we suspect you’ll find it rather difficult to part with!

The Nash Metropolitan occupies a fascinating little corner of the collector car market, where personality, nostalgia and sheer cuteness often matter more than horsepower, prestige or performance. Once overlooked by mainstream collectors, these delightful little cars have developed a loyal international following, attracting enthusiasts of 1950s Americana, automotive design and unusual classics. Park one alongside a collection of expensive European sports cars and there’s every chance the Metropolitan will steal the show! Its wonderfully cheerful appearance gives it an appeal that transcends generations, making it one of those rare classics that almost everyone seems to love.

Although approximately 95,000 Metropolitans were produced, surviving examples are increasingly uncommon, particularly outside North America. Decades of corrosion, neglect and changing fashions have taken their toll, making well-restored examples especially desirable. International values remain relatively accessible, with good examples commonly changing hands in the US$15,000–$20,000 range, while exceptional cars and desirable convertibles can command considerably more. As with many affordable classics, restoration costs can easily exceed market value, making an attractive, properly restored example a particularly appealing proposition. In New Zealand, where Metropolitans are seldom encountered, their scarcity adds another dimension to their collectability.

Looking ahead, we believe the Metropolitan’s enduring appeal lies less in the prospect of spectacular financial appreciation and more in its individuality, historical significance and unmistakable charm. It is an affordable entry into a wonderfully colourful period of motoring history, with the added attraction of being sufficiently unusual to stand apart from more conventional classics. Some cars are purchased as investments, others as status symbols, but occasionally one comes along that is simply impossible to resist. The Metropolitan is one of those cars, and when it comes to smiles per dollar invested, we suspect very few classics can compete!

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.