Hudson Motor Car Company and Nash-Kelvinator combined to form American Motors on 1 May 1954. The merger was a survival move, not only for Hudson, but for Nash as well. Under the leadership of George Mason, the company broke new ground in several areas, including the importation of cars built jointly by Nash, British automaker Donald Healey, and Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina. Mason’s philosophy was to offer buyers something the Big Three did not, and in 1950, he broke new ground yet again, with the compact Rambler.

Still another trick up his sleeve, Mason hatched the idea for another collaborative automobile called the Metropolitan in 1954. The jaunty hardtop and convertible duo was built in Great Britain – $1,445.00 for the coupe and $1,495.00 for the convertible. Mason did not want a “cheap” car, so Weather-Eye heat and ventilation, AM radio, turn signals, and a nylon/vinyl interior were made standard. Looking not unlike a scaled-down version of the big Nash, the little car featured enclosed front wheels along with a continental spare tire out back. Styling was based on the NX1 show car with styling by William J. Frajole and bodies built by Fisher and Ludlow, while its four-cylinder engine came from Austin, which did the final assembly. Both Hudson and Nash dealers offered the car with claims of up to 40 mpg.

Beginning with the 1956 model year, Metropolitans were equipped with a larger, 52-hp, 1,500-cc engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission. For 1959, an outside trunk lid greatly improved access to the rear storage area. Front vent windows were added to improve ventilation, and larger tires were fitted along with two inches more seat travel and redesigned seats. The little car was discontinued after 1962 with total U.S. retail sales from the start of production at 84,028 units.

The Metropolitan is the very definition of the word “cute,” and this red and white example is no exception. Described as “a recent repaint that shows well, chrome, trim, interior, engine bay, underside, and glass are all very good; a very clean little car,” it is certain to bring a smile to everyone.