There were other small, economical cars before the Metropolitan, but few others were able to successfully join efficiency with style like the Met. A small car in a sea of land yachts, the Met still looked appropriate and today represents a great way to own a ‘50s icon without spending a fortune. Originally intended to be a second car for running errands or commuting to work, it packaged big car looks and feel in a compact footprint, which was entirely the point—it looked just like its bigger brothers in the Hudson and Nash showrooms. By 1960, however, mainstream automakers were taking notice and cars like the Ford Falcon and Dodge Dart were crowding the Metropolitan out of the market. Production ended in April 1961, but leftover models were sold until March 1962 under the Metropolitan name, as Hudson and Nash had merged to become American Motors and the Ramber became their mainstream product. Regardless, the diminutive little Met remains a beloved favorite of collectors and it’s a great way to have fun in the old car hobby without a big investment.

With jaunty and period-perfect Berkshire Green over Frost White paint, this can be nothing other than a product of the 1950s. The styling cleverly hides the car’s small proportions and the semi-skirted wheel openings were a Hudson and Nash styling trademark throughout the ‘50s, so it fits right in. This is a ’62 model, the final year of Metropolitan sales, and as such it has a simpler grille with only a stylized “M” badge to signify Metropolitan. The continental kit out back certainly helps it look substantial and adds space in the trunk area. This is an older restoration that was finished perhaps 15 or 20 years ago, but it is holding up quite well with nice paint that has a soft shine like period enamel. The cut lines and trim are right, the body fits together well, and we can find almost no evidence that this was ever a rusty car. It is not perfect, of course, but for a car that you’re going to drive and enjoy, it’s certainly going to get a lot of waves out on the road. It’s also got nice chrome and trim, including the Series III hood ornament with a touch of whimsy that’s ideal for the Met’s personality. If you want one to drive, this is a great choice.

The interior isn’t quite correct with its white vinyl pleats, but it’s durable and, more importantly, weatherproof. The pattern looks very right for the period and the workmanship is good enough to work with the rest of the car. The material cleans up easily and is virtually impervious to moisture and dirt, so it should look great for years to come. Black carpets match the black dashboard to keep it from being white overload and despite its size, there’s a modest back seat that’s ideal for kids. Technically, the Met was designed in England, so the single gauge pod with speedometer and fuel gauge shouldn’t be too surprising and the steering wheel with its integral turn signal lever should feel familiar to MG and Triumph owners as well. The 3-speed manual shifter looks a little odd but it works just fine and the neat headlight switch integrated with the ignition key keeps the dash looking tidy. An accessory AM radio still lives in the dash, although it is sadly inoperable. The convertible top fits reasonably well and has no serious marks or tears, and while the trunk opening is way up high, there’s plenty of room in there, even with a spare wheel and tire assembly.

Late production Mets received a bit of a horsepower bump thanks to increased compression, a reasonable 55 horsepower from the 91.4 cubic inch Austin A-40 inline-4. It’s not fast, so don’t expect to be blasting through traffic with the Metropolitan, but it’s torquey, energetic, and as the advertisements read, quite thrifty. The turquoise engine enamel isn’t quite authentic and it’s almost a match for the bodywork, and it’s a neat touch in the engine bay, which shows signs of use but no critical issues. All the original hardware is there, from the unique air filter assembly and carburetor to the big, round heater assembly right in the middle of the firewall. Period-correct touches include the plug wires and coil, and there’s a recent radiator up front so it stays cool. It starts easily and has a pleasing 4-cylinder sound, and if your expectations are modest, it’ll be a faithful companion for many years to come.

Handling is tidy and surprisingly nimble for a car with such small tires, but then again, that’s the benefit of less weight. The 3-speed manual transmission shifts cleanly and it’s geared to buzz along at 50 MPH or so without working too hard. The suspension puts a big car ride into this small package, so it’s comfortable just about anywhere and the brakes, while manual drums, don’t have much weight to contend with so they’re effective. Period road tests lauded the Metropolitan’s combination of durability and surprising comfort, and even today parts are readily available so they remain quite economical to own and maintain. Even the legendary Floyd Clymer said, "I can not praise the Metropolitan too highly. It is a fascinating little car to drive, its performance is far better than one would expect, and the ride is likewise more than expected." It’s finished with 5.20-13 Firestone tires on painted steel wheels, so it has a ‘50s look that’s just about right.

We have no illusions that this is a high-end car, but the cute personality, well-designed hardware, and appealing colors make this Metropolitan convertible a great way to get into the hobby for not a lot of cash. You’ll also find that Metropolitan fans are enthusiastic and knowledgeable and with their reputation for reliability, you’ll find that it’s a favorite to drive around town. With only 420 1962 Metropolitans sold before the end in 1962, it’s somewhat rare yet remains a familiar staple of the hobby. Best of all, it’s small so it’ll fit in your garage no matter what else you have in there. Call today!