
Nash Metropolitan 1958

1955 saw the start of Metropolitan Series III (NK3) production (commencing with VIN E21008 on 28 November). A redesign at this time saw the Metropolitan's B-Series engine increased in capacity to 1,498 cc (91.4 cu in) (as used in the Austin A50 Cambridge). Polished stainless steel sweep-spears on the body sides allowed a new two-tone finish to be incorporated, which had the cosmetic effect of lowering, slimming and lengthening the car. The new exterior colours were P905 "Caribbean Green", P910 "Sunburst Yellow", and P911 "Coral Red" with P909 "Snowberry White" as a contrast. The grille was also redesigned, and the hood had its non-functional scoop removed. American Motors changed the designation to "Metropolitan 1500" to differentiate it from the earlier 1,200 cc (73 cu in) models. The interior was also changed to incorporate a "houndstooth" check material for the seats trimmed with white vinyl. The dashboard was also now painted black, rather than the body colour as was the case for Series I and II Metropolitans.
In September 1957, AMC announced that it was dropping the Nash and Hudson brand names, and the model was subsequently marketed under the "Metropolitan" name only, and sold through Rambler dealers. It is believed that the Nash and Hudson grille medallions were discontinued around October 1956 (VIN E28326), and were replaced with the "M" style grille medallion.
Price new in 1957 - Hard top: £713 (£475 + £238 purchase tax) Convertible: £725 2s (£482.10s + £242.12s purchase tax)
Engine
BMC 'B' series
4 cylinder in-line,
8 overhead valves
Displacement: 1,489cc
Bore: 73.025mm Stroke: 89mm
Compression ratio: 7.2:1
Valves: 2 per cylinder
Main bearings: 3
Carburettor: Zenith downdraught
Power output: 78bhp at 4,100rpm
Performance
Maximum speed: 75mph
Acceleration: 0-50mph 15.3secs
0-60mph: 24.8secs
Overall fuel consumption: 29mpg
Construction
Pressed steel monocoque
Transmission
3-speed manual, column change
Ratios: 3rd 4.22, 2nd 6.288, 1st 11.985, rev 14.264
Syncromesh on 2nd & 3rd
Clutch: Borg & Beck s.d.p.Propeller shaft: open Hardy Spicer
Final drive: Hypoid bevel
Rear wheel drive
Brakes
Girling hydraulic, front & rear: 8in drum
Friction lining area: 76.8sq.in
Steering
Cam and lever
Turning circle L: 35ft R: 36ft
Lock to lock 2.87 turns
Suspension
Front: ind. coil & wishbone
Rear: semi eliptic leaf
Wheels & Tyres
Wheels: 4 stud, 13in, pressed steel
Tyres: 520 x 13 tubless
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 7ft 1in
Track front: 3ft 9.25in Track rear: 3ft 9in
Overall length: 12ft 5in Overall width: 5ft
Overall height: 4ft 8in Ground clearance: 6in
Kerb weight: 17cwt
Fuel tank: 8.75gals
Sump: 7.0 pints
Gearbox: 4.5pints
Cooling: 13.3pints
Production
1956 -1961, Longbridge, Birmingham UK
Total 1953-61 production: approx 95,000
Total RHD production: approx 9,390
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