At a time in automotive history when American manufacturers were consistently making every new model bigger than the last, Nash dared to be different. After creating the well-received concept car called the NXI, as well as several other concept and prototype vehicles, Nash believed that a small, efficient car could be successful amongst a sea of large cars being offered by Ford, GM, and Chrysler. In 1953, Nash put the NKI into production, and starting in 1954, the car would be marketed as the Metropolitan. Interestingly enough, this would be the first car designed by an American company to be manufactured overseas for the United States, and Metropolitan sales were counted against England’s war debt to the U.S.

Unlike other small cars made by European manufacturers, like Fiat, the Metropolitan had distinctively American styling, which made the car much more approachable to the American consumer when considering its size. From behind the wheel, it felt like an American car. The ride was soft and luxurious, and the interior was well-appointed, with options that included electric windshield wipers and an AM radio. After getting over the size of the Metropolitan, or lack thereof, potential owners would find that their new car wasn’t too dissimilar from their old one.

This 1957 Series III Metropolitan was the recipient of a concours-level restoration that truly brought it into a class of its own. The quality and authenticity of the restoration is proportionally displayed in the sheer number of awards that this car has received since its completion. Amongst the number of AACA awards, this car was also awarded with the Palmetto Award at the Hilton Head Concours in 2009, a Reserve Class Champion at the Keeneland Concours in 2009, and the Metropolitan Owners’ Club of North America Concours Gold Rating in 2010. Included in the sale are numerous photographs that illustrate the condition of the car immediately before, during, and after the restoration, as well as service receipts that detail the restoration efforts. The paint, which was repainted in its original two-tone combination of Berkshire Green over white, presents flawlessly and contrasts nicely with the two-tone black and white interior and houndstooth fabric seating. This Metropolitan’s odometer currently reads just over 15,500 original miles, which is a stunningly low number for a car over 50 years old.

Today, Metropolitans continue to have a strong following, and it is easy to see why. These small, fuel-efficient, and attractive cars bucked the trend at a time when Americans believed that bigger was better. The Nash Metropolitan dares to stand on its own, and this concours-ready example will surely continue to garner attention and awards for its new owner, as it has in the past.

Perhaps Automobile Magazine summed up the car best in their February 2009 issue, stating that “the Metropolitan makes friends standing still. Driving one anywhere is a bonus.”