Editing Nash Metropolitan (section)

==Production for U.S.==

===Series I===
{{Infobox automobile
|image      = Metropolitan convertible red by lake.JPG
|name       = Series I
|production = 1953–54
}}
[[File:NashCarDealership.jpg|thumb|Nash dealership with a Metropolitan visible, 1954]]
[[File:1957 Hudson Metropolitan hardtop in yellow and white at 2019 AACA Hershey show 4of7.jpg|thumb|Hudson emblem on Metropolitan grille]]

Production at Austin's [[Longbridge]] factory started in October 1953 (Commencing [[VIN]]1001). Nicknamed the "baby Nash", the cars were tiny. They had an {{convert|85|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} wheelbase, overall length of {{convert|149.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} and a gross weight of only {{convert|1785|lb|kg|abbr=on}} for the convertible and {{convert|1825|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} for the hardtop, thus making the Metropolitan smaller than the [[Volkswagen Beetle]]. The two models, a convertible and a hardtop, were powered by the [[Overhead valve|OHV]] {{convert|1200|cc|CID|abbr=on}} [[straight-4]] Austin 'A40' series engine (as used in the [[Austin A40 Devon]]/Dorset) [[rear-wheel drive|driving the rear wheels]] through a three-speed [[manual transmission]]. The initial order was for 10,000 units, with an option to increase the order if sales were sufficient.

The new car underwent rigorous testing at the Nash Proving Grounds, but the first assignment for newly hired Assistant Technical Advisor, Carl Chakmakian, was to conduct supervised testing to achieve advertising and sales training objectives.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/carl-chakmakian |title=Carl Chakmakian: AMC's Sultan of Speed |work=Hemmings |date=23 September 2018 |access-date=21 June 2024}}</ref> In December 1953, two new NKI-branded (serial numbers 1009 and 1013) were driven {{convert|800|m|km|0}} from their arrival port to the new [[Raleigh Speedway]] in North Carolina to conduct two days of speed endurance and fuel economy evaluation.<ref name="Raleigh-Speedway">{{cite web|url= https://www.raleighspeedway.org/nash-metropolitan-at-raleigh |title=Nash Metropolitan at Raleigh |date= |work=Raleigh Speedway History |access-date=21 June 2024}}</ref> The tests were run and certified by NASCAR officials that included [[Bill France Sr.|Bill France]].<ref name="Raleigh-Speedway"/> With two drivers from Shreveport, Louisiana, Roxy Dancey and Herschel Buchanan, one car finished the 24-hour endurance run achieving {{convert|1469.7|mi|km|0}} at an average speed of {{convert|61.2|mph|km/h|0}} and {{convert|21.1|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} overall.<ref name="Raleigh-Speedway"/> It had eleven pit stops to change drivers, add fuel and oil, and make tire changes because of the track's abrasive aggregate surface and fast corners.<ref name="Proving">{{cite web|url= https://www.raleighspeedway.org/secondary-sources/2010_proving_the_metropolitan |title=Proving the Metropolitan |first=Patrick |last=Foster |work=Hemmings Classic Car |date=September 2010 |via=raleighspeedway.org |access-date=21 June 2024}}</ref> The car did not need any service or parts other than the tires.<ref name="Raleigh-Speedway"/> The second car was subjected to a non-stop 24-hour fuel economy test with drivers changing every three hours while the car was in motion, and refueling was also accomplished in motion three times by attaching a gas can to the side window drained into the car's tank.<ref name="Proving"/> The car averaged {{convert|41.7|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="oldcarbrochures1954"/>

The new model was initially to be called the "NKI Custom", but the name was changed to "Metropolitan" just two months before its public release. New chrome nameplates with the "Metropolitan" name were made to fit into the same holes as the "NKI Custom" script on the passenger side front fender. Nash [[Car dealership|dealers]] had to rebadge the early cars that came with the "NKI Custom" name. Still, some factory manuals had already been prepared and distributed to service departments with the NKI name.<ref name="foster05"/> The first examples badged as Nash went on sale on 19 March 1954 in the U.S. and Canada. ''Autocar'' said that "at a production rate of less than 400 cars a week&nbsp;... it was hardly going to be a runaway best seller."<ref name="graham">{{cite magazine|url= http://www.metropolitan-library.com/Autocar5815.jpg |last=Robson |first=Graham |title=A Motoring Cuckoo? |magazine=Autocar|date=May 1981 |page=24 |via=Metropolitan Library Website |access-date=22 March 2022}}</ref>

In surveys, Americans had affirmed a desire for economy cars, but in practice, they bought the Metropolitan in relatively small numbers. Although Nash merged with Hudson in 1954 and marketed the car as a Hudson Metropolitan in 1955, "demand never took off from the original level", primarily because the Metropolitan was slow by North American standards.<ref name="graham"/> In the first month of sales, 862 Metropolitans were sold in U.S. and Canada, while in the first six months, a total of 7,042 were sold. A further order was placed with Austin.

Available exterior colors were P903 "Spruce Green", P904 "Canyon Red", P905 "Caribbean Blue", or P906 "Croton Green", with P907 "Mist Grey" as a contrast color for the hardtops. P906 "Croton Green" was dropped as a color option in April 1954. Cars incorporated the Nash logo on their grille badge, hubcaps, horn button, and spare wheel cover. The [[suggested retail price]] (MSRP) for Series I (also known as NK1) models was US$1,445 (hardtop) and $1,469 (convertible). Adding a radio and a heater pushed the price above $1,500: at the time, the Volkswagen Beetle was priced at $1,425.<ref name="AMS-1974">{{cite magazine|title=Vor 20 Jahren: Erster US-Kleinwagen (a page of extracts from the same magazine's edition of exactly twenty years earlier) |magazine=Auto, Motor und Sport |volume=9 |page=21 |date=27 April 1974 |language=de}}</ref>

In May 1954, [[Nash-Kelvinator Corporation]] announced that it had merged with the [[Hudson Motors|Hudson Motor Company]] to form [[American Motors Corporation]] (AMC). Thus, by August 1954, Metropolitans become available through Hudson dealers. These Hudson Metropolitans carried a Hudson [[Grille (car)|grille]] badge, [[hubcap]]s incorporating an "M" logo, a "bulls-eye" horn button design, and a plain spare wheel cover. Braking performance was {{convert|90|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} from {{convert|45|mph|km/h|0}} to a full stop.<ref name="oldcarbrochures1954">{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Metropolitan/1954_Metropolitan/1954%20Nash%20Metropolitan%20Foldout/1954%20Nash%20Metropolitan-02-03.html |title=1954 Nash Metropolitan Foldout |pages=2–3 |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=22 March 2022}}</ref>

===Series II===
{{Infobox automobile
|name       = Series II
|image      = 1955 Nash Metropolitan (4153274480).jpg
|production = 1955
}}

After the first 10,000 cars were built, the engine was changed to a [[BMC B-Series engine|B-Series]], but still of {{convert|1200|cc|CID|abbr=on}}, (as used in the [[Austin A40 Cambridge]]). Other modifications included a new gearbox and hydraulic actuation for the clutch (Series I models used a mechanical clutch linkage). The change to a new engine and gearbox added {{convert|50|lb|kg|abbr=on}} to the weight. This model is referred to as Series II or NK2 (Commencing with [[Vehicle identification number]] (VIN) E11001 on 19 August 1954).

===Series III===
{{Infobox automobile
|name       = Series III
|image      = 1958 Nash Metropolitan (19402721993).jpg
|production = 1955–58
}}
[[File:Nash Metropolitan Series 3 Austin 1500 engine.jpg|thumb|left|Series 3 1500 engine]]
[[File:Nash Hood Ornament.jpg|thumb|left|Series 3 hood ornament]]

November 1955 saw the start of Metropolitan Series III (NK3) production (Commencing with VIN E21008 on 28 November 1955). The design also included the [[BMC B-Series engine|B-Series]] engine increase in capacity to {{convert|1489|cc|CID|abbr=on}} (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 colors 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 [[hood scoop]] removed. American Motors changed the designation to "Metropolitan 1500" to differentiate it from the earlier {{convert|1200|cc|CID|abbr=on}} models. The interior was also changed to incorporate a "[[houndstooth]]" check material for the seats trimmed with white vinyl. The dashboard was also painted black, rather than the body color, just like the Series I and II Metropolitans.

The MSRP for Series III models was $1,527 (hardtop) and $1,551 (convertible). After VIN E35133 (16 April 1957), the exterior colors were changed to P910 "Sunburst Yellow", P912 "Berkshire Green", and P913 "Mardi-Gras Red" with P914 "Frost White" as a contrast. After VIN E45912 (9 January 1958), the color P910 "Sunburst Yellow" was replaced by P915 "Autumn Yellow" and P908 "Classic Black" was added to the available exterior colors.

In September 1957, AMC announced the discontinuation of the historic Nash and Hudson brand names. The Metropolitan was subsequently marketed under the "Metropolitan" name only and sold through [[Rambler (automobile)|Rambler]] dealers. The Nash and Hudson Grille medallions were believed to have been discontinued around October 1956 (VIN E28326); they were replaced with the "M" style grille medallion.

{{clear}}

===Series IV===
{{Infobox automobile
|image      = File:1959 Nash Metropolitan 01 -- Shanghai Automobile Museum 2012-05-26.JPG
|caption    = 1959 Nash Metropolitan on display at the [[Shanghai Auto Museum]]
|name       = Series IV
|production = 1959–61
}}
[[File:1959 Metropolitan convertible by AMC red-and-white rear view.JPG|thumb|Rear view of the Series IV]]
[[File:Rear of yellow Nash Metropolitan.jpg|thumb|right|Rear view of the Series IV]]

January 1959 saw the start of Metropolitan Series IV (NK4) production (Commencing with VIN E59048 on 12 January 1959). This major redesign saw the addition of an external [[decklid]] (previous models only allowed access to the [[Trunk (automobile)|trunk]] through the rear seatback), one-piece rear window, and [[Quarter glass|vent windows]]. By this time, the engine had been upgraded by increasing the [[compression ratio]] from 7.2:1 to 8.3:1 (Commenced VIN E43116 — 15 October 1957), rated at {{convert|55|bhp|kW|abbr=on}} (as used in the [[Austin A55 Cambridge]]). The additional features added {{convert|15|lb|kg|abbr=on}} to the weight. Exterior color options were the same as for Series III. The interior used a diamond pattern for the seats, with white vinyl trim. The MSRP for Series IV models was $1,672.60 (hardtop) and $1,696.80 (convertible).

Sales rose to 22,209 units in 1959, the Metropolitan's best-selling year, promoting it to second place behind Volkswagen in sales of cars imported to the U.S. American Motors' advertising made much of this ranking while not mentioning that the Volkswagen Beetle outsold the Metropolitan by 5{{frac|1|2}} to 1.<ref name="guide">{{cite web|url= https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1954-1962-metropolitan.htm |title=1954–1962 Metropolitan |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |date=23 October 2007 |author=((Auto Editors of Consumer Guide)) |access-date=21 June 2024}}</ref>

For the 1960 model year, American Motors prepared a Metropolitan convertible for the Easter Parade in New York City.<ref name="guide"/><ref name="Pinky">{{cite web|url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/pinky-goes-to-town-1960-nash-metropolitan |title=Pinky Goes to Town - 1960 Nash Metropolitan - Wherever it travels, this 1960 Nash Metropolitan convertible always makes the scene |first=Mark J. |last=McCourt |date=23 September 2018 |work=Hemmings |access-date=21 June 2024}}</ref> Named the "Metropolitan Fifth Avenue", the car was finished with 15 hand-rubbed coats of pearl-pink lacquer outside and featured pink-and-white cowhide upholstery and pink fur carpeting.<ref name="guide"/><ref name="Pinky"/> Rear fender sides had Fifth Avenue lettering while the front fenders featured triangular badges that combined American and British flags.<ref name="Regional">{{citation |title=Nash Metropolitans had a couple regional models I hadn't heard of |date=11 February 2018 |first=Jesse |last=Bower |work=Just a Car Guy}}</ref> The car was filled with large plush bunnies that were given away every hour.<ref name="guide"/><ref name="Pinky"/> The Fifth Avenue was displayed on the 1960 auto show circuit and ultimately sold to an AMC dealer in Boston.<ref name="guide"/><ref name="Pinky"/> Three other Metropolitan convertibles were prepared with unique region-inspired features by AMC's styling department: "Westerner", "Cape Cod", and the "Royal Runabout" a black-and-gold one-off built for and presented to Britain's Princess Margaret.<ref name="guide"/><ref name="Regional"/>

Production ceased in April 1961 (final VIN — E95981, built 19 April 1961). Sales of the existing inventory continued until March 1962.

A drawing attributed to Richard Arbib, dated 17 January 1956, shows a Metropolitan station wagon with additional fins and sharp edges.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.donaldheald.com/pages/books/18781/richard-arbib-attributed-to/designs-for-a-nash-metropolitan-station-wagon |title=Arbib, Richard (1917-1995) Designs for a Nash Metropolitan Station Wagon |work=Donald A. Heald Rare Books |location=New York |access-date=24 April 2024}}</ref> American Motors contemplated a station wagon version. Two prototypes were built and displayed at car shows, but the project was abandoned. One of the two prototypes has been restored and is on display at a Metropolitan restoration facility in North Hollywood, California.

Approximately 95,000 Metropolitans were sold in the United States and Canada, making it one of the top-selling cars to be imported into those countries at the time, and its sales in 1959 helped to spur the introduction of the Big Three (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) new compact models.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}}

===Yearly shipments===
[[File:AlgiersMetropolitan6.jpg|thumb|right|Metropolitan coupe]]
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
|-
! style="width:100px;"|Year
! style="width:100px;"|US
! style="width:100px;"|Canada
! style="width:100px;"|Total
|-
|1953
|align="right"|571
|align="right"|172
|align="right"|743
|-
|1954
|align="right"|11,198
|align="right"|1,964
|align="right"|13,162
|-
|1955
|align="right"|3,849
|align="right"|2,247
|align="right"|6,096
|-
|1956
|align="right"|7,645
|align="right"|1,423
|align="right"|9,068
|-
|1957
|align="right"|13,425
|align="right"|1,892
|align="right"|15,317
|-
|1958
|align="right"|11,951
|align="right"|1,177
|align="right"|13,128
|-
|1959
|align="right"|20,435
|align="right"|1,774
|align="right"|22,209
|-
|1960
|align="right"|13,103
|align="right"|771
|align="right"|13,874
|-
|1961
|align="right"|853
|align="right"|116
|align="right"|969
|-
|1962
|align="right"|412
|align="right"|8
|align="right"|420
|-
|Totals
|align="right"|83,442
|align="right"|11,544
|align="right"|94,986
|}

===Production dates===
To establish the production date for a Metropolitan (U.S. and Canadian models only), check the VIN or Serial number on a data plate affixed to the firewall. Chassis numbers after 4781 are prefixed by the letter "E". The number on the list below can provide an approximate production date. NB. Since the cars took at least six weeks to be shipped from the Longbridge factory to the U.S. distribution network, the actual titled date will be different from the production date.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|+ Starting VIN by Year and Month
|-
! Month || 1953 
! 1954 || 1955 
! 1956 || 1957
! 1958 || 1959
! 1960 || 1961
|-
| Jan. || -
| 1771 || E14997
| E21127 || E30260
| E45541 || E58631
| E80930 || E94599
|-
| Feb. || -
| 2797 || E15628
| E21606 || E31481
| E47003 || E59384
| E82828 || E94852
|-
| Mar. || -
| 3884 || E16406
| E22175 || E32766
| E48370 || E60743
| E84429 || E95306
|-
| Apr. || -
| E5060 || E17312
| E22826 || E34157
| E49418 || E62310
| E86458 || E95870
|-
| May || -
| E6264 || E18095
| E23557 || E35760
| E50057 || E64459
| E88307 || -
|-
| June || -
| E7678 || E18972
| E24435 || E37654
| E51255 || E65904
| E90274 || -
|-
| July || -
| E9096 || E19502
| E25368 || E39060
| E52201 || E68322
| E91579 || -
|-
| Aug. || -
| E10430 || E19945
| E26022 || E40282
| E53258 || E70426
| E92291 || -
|-
| Sept || -
| E11331 || E20189
| E26652 || E40766
| E54060 || E72235
| E92983 || -
|-
| Oct. || 1001
| E12426 || E20474
| E27526 || E42139
| E55306 || E74795
| E93571 || -
|-
| Nov. || 1066
| E13597 || E20717
| E28431 || E43399
| E56556 || E76745
| E93947 || -
|-
| Dec. || 1271
| E14259 || E20940
| E29463 || E44464
| E57685 || E78833
| E94354 || -
|}