1955 Nash Metropolitan Convertible
1955 Nash Metroplitan Convertible Description:
1955Nash Metropolitan ConvertibleIt is rare to find a 64 year old car that is as wellpreserved as this one. This Metropolitanwas originally purchased new by a woman in Los Angeles. She drove the car forabout 2 years, then bought a used car and kept this car for weekends andspecial occasions.
In 1982, she retired and moved back to her home state of Iowa,bringing the car along with her other belongings in a Mayflower movingvan. When she died, the car was passeddown to her sister and her family, who maintained it as a collector car anddrove it very few miles.
Eventually it was sold to a car collector in the area. Heonly drove it a few times, then parked it in a climate controlled building,where it sat for 22 years.
I bought the car in 2009 and spent a considerable amount ofmoney going through the fuel, cooling and mechanical and other systems to bringthe car back to life. Using some very conservative methods andproducts, the paint was cleaned and other parts brought back to life withoutthe use of aggressive compounds and chemicals.The gas tank was cleaned and sealed, all fuel systems rebuilt, radiatorand cooling system cleaned and checked, brakes gone through, seals replaced,all fluids changed, etc. The paintcleaned up beautifully and has a nice muted shine like the car had when it wasnew, not a shiny clear coat sheen.
I did make contact with the 90 year old sister who inheritedthe car after I found a ladies diamond ring in the rear bumper guard. It turned out to be her mother’s ring! She wanted to do something for me, so I interviewedher about her sister (who bought the car new) and put together an affidavitwhich will is signed and notarized and will go with the car. Not often can the history of a car can betracked over a span of 64 years.
There is virtually no rust on this car. Note the original paint that is still intacton the underside of the car. The frontfloors had some very light surface rust from moisture held by the jute carpetbacking. Most of the paint is stillthere and the surface was treated with a product that stops the rust and turnsit white. I must point out that this issurface rust, not perforated floor pans.
The part that I have left untouched is the interior. Theupholstery in the early cars did not hold up well. At some point the front seat was reupholsteredin black and white vinyl. I purposelyhave left the interior as it is, I prefer to leave the choice of what to dowith it be left to the new owner.Whatever that person decides, the cost for the interior panels andcovers are quite reasonable. The otherunusual thing is that the original rubber mat is still intact. I did glue some backing in spots to stabilizethe mat. Having the original mat willscore big points in competition.There are two minor dings in the car, one on the rear lowerleft quarter panel and a slight indentation on the right upper quarterpanel. I have chosen to leave thesealone, but perhaps a paint-less dent removal person could help them.Mechanically, the car is in good shape. There are a couple of things that needattention, but nothing major. If the caris used very much, it should have hardened valve seats installed. The clutch needs some adjustment by someonemore familiar with hydraulic clutches than I am. The clutch engages and holds, but does notengage until pedal is almost clear out. The radio still works!
I have entered the car in many shows. What I have learned is that many collectorsdo not understand original “survivor†cars.I have several cars and this one just does not get used and enjoyed likeit should be. I have decided that it istime to pass the car along to enjoy and hopefully preserve it for the nextowner.
The photos pretty well tell the story of the car. Note the factory grease pencil marks on thefirewall and the yellow date stamp on the heater housing. Also how nice the original paint in theengine bay is preserved.
VIN: E17296
They are only original once!
