History Any interest in the little Nash Metropolitans of the 50-ish era?

I have seen a couple at Crusi'n the Coast (with blown SBC engines) but none on HAMB...
They have such a short wheel base(2 seaters) and cramped engine compartment it's a real chore to stuff more modern engines in them.... let alone a V-8 with a huffer!
Anybody wanna share ?!
TIA
6sally6

 

Last time I saw Nash Metropolitan like that it sported a full custom ch***is and blown big block pushing around 700hp at the rear tires.

 

I had this restored one with a Judson supercharger. It was built by Steve Mank. A few months ago he was going to sell one that Gene Winfield chopped at a car show. https://conestogomotors.com/

 

I love those little cars. I’ve lusted after one for a long time, but never scratched that itch-yet. I would keep it stock, and just putt around.

 

Me too. Always wanted one. Some day maybe, and plain stock would be fine

 

They have a strong following; I like the little ******s myself. Could have bought a Hudson Met for $500 a few years back. There was one across the street from my neighborhood in Florida up until last year.

 

The pro street thing was popular with them, they usually had that "over the top" look.
It was kind of neat.............for awhile, for sure not HAMB friendly, maybe on the OT forum.
Like most cars, not much that hasn't been tried on them.

 

Though thhey were cute,,,when brand new. Was Nash dealer,a shor bike ride from home,when they first came out..

 

This one was built in my area many years ago.468 BB.

Gary

 

Got a buddy with one on a narrowed/ sectioned bug pan. With the engine in back. Worked slick they are teeny!

 

Yes, I like them. No, I do not own any, & since I'd want to use it as a dd(seriously less than practical in MN), it'd rot to hell(read: MN) in a short time(read: w/in a couple short chinese minutes).

Iffen you want more power outta the oem mill(or another oem mill that'd fit, read David Vizards' books on hopping-up that particular British series mill. They have limitations(mostly due to design-faults).

If you want real power, & fuel economy, it's Off-Topic-City for you, since a lot of modern-type 4bangers will fit, & probably a lot of the small v6's too, & have maybe twice the mpg, & probably 3+ times the hp. At the same or less weight.

But you're also talking swapping driveline parts, suspensions, et-al(& now we're deep in Off-Topics-Ville) = a lotta work. But at least the car will be well-balanced.

I've seen some Mets, some similar foreign sized, & the ones w/small mills inserted were the most interesting - but they were completely built. Me, I don't like them quite that much... . To look at, yes. .
Idk, what do you want & how do you want to use it? + willing to spend in both Time & $$$ ??? Your choice.
Marcus...

 

My wife thought she wanted one so I built this one. I knew she wouldn't deal with a stick, so this had a Chevette engine and an automatic trans. Found out she also couldn't deal with manual steering and brakes so i sold it. Shoulda put a straight axle under it and g***erized it.

Gary

 

There is one around here with a GM 3.1L V6. The narrow 60 degree engine seems to fit without much surgery. The owner says it is fun to drive.

 

I’ve always liked “weird” small cars, so they appeal to me. There are a couple for sale locally for under $1500 each. I’d probably like a stock one the most, but it would be cool to do a hamb friendly hop-up on one. Maybe one of those small aluminum buick V8s!

 

Like others, I like the size and looks, BUT as a big guy, they were not reasonable to covet. I've seen a number modified, but as mentioned most are OT.
Unibody and tiny components that the folded steel wrapped around means rust concerns and limited swapping or even power/braking upgrades unless you go full tube and an outer shell.

 

The rare ones. Had that power bulge on the hood - to hide the Twin H air cleaner???
But are they HAMB friendly having been made in England?

 

Always wanted one to swap my 3 cyl Geo engine into. Unfortunately the affordable ones are usually stupid rusty. One day.....

 

Beep beep.
Beep beep.
His horn went beep beep beep.

 

"cute" not always fun, even early Birds without power steering, etc can dampen the fun of the drive

 

Thames
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/thames-panel-truck-g***ers.1018345/
Anglia
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1948-1953-anglia-build-and-frame.1071851/
I'm sure there are more!

 

that is superb!--hope it has continental kit too!

 

Should have bought the 55 Chev two door post sitting beside it in 1964 but at the time gas mileage counted for as much as cool.
55 Rag top photo taken probably in spring of 65 out in what is now my driveway.
They are unibody with no frame and the rag top body flex something terrible. The good thing is that on Friday night a couple of my buddys and I would put a 50 cents to a buck each in the tank and we could cruise the Ave all night on it.
Personally I'd put a newer 4 banger or V 6 in it. Even a strong running 2300 out of a Mustang II would almost tripple the power of that banger they came with.

 

Over the years there have been some really clean engine swaps in the magazines. My only complaint is I don't like the front wheel arch, something more conventional would suit me.

Phil

 

It is my understanding that you can swap the door right to left and hinge them suicide style without much modification.

 

A buddy of mine is turning one into a pretty cool 2 door wagon...

 

Car I built for my wife in 2004

 

My neighbor has a 60 convertible he dis***embled and lost interest in it. Can't seem to give it away.

 

The death sentence for many old cars, "I'm gonna restore it".

 

My dad always dug these. Was always singing that song....beep beep.