The 1960 Nash Metropolitan, a small car with a big personality, was a product of its time, reflecting the post-war era’s desire for affordable and fuel-efficient transportation. This unique vehicle, born from the ashes of the Nash Motors company, offered a stylish and practical alternative to the larger American cars of the day.
Designed by George Walker, the Metropolitan was a departure from the conventional American car. Its compact size, reminiscent of European models, was a bold statement in a market dominated by behemoths. The Metropolitan’s lightweight construction, featuring a fiberglass body and a simple, economical engine, was a testament to its innovative design philosophy.
Design and Features
The Nash Metropolitan, a compact car launched in 1953, was a bold departure from the conventional American automobiles of the time. It was designed to be a stylish and practical vehicle for urban dwellers, offering a blend of European elegance and American practicality.
The 1960 Nash Metropolitan, with its compact size and unique styling, was a far cry from the larger, more traditional cars of its era. While it may not have the same classic appeal as the 1928 Nash Special 6 , its innovative design and fuel efficiency made it a popular choice for urban dwellers.
The Metropolitan’s legacy lives on as a symbol of Nash’s willingness to experiment and embrace new ideas in the automotive industry.
Its distinctive design and innovative features made it a popular choice for those seeking a more compact and fuel-efficient option.
The 1960 Nash Metropolitan, with its compact size and stylish design, was a unique offering in the American automotive market. While it was a far cry from the powerful muscle cars of the era, its roots were firmly planted in the past, drawing inspiration from the elegant 1927 Nash Roadster.
Despite the decades separating these two models, they both shared a distinct sense of style and a commitment to providing a comfortable and efficient driving experience.
Unique Styling
The Metropolitan’s most striking feature was its compact size, measuring just 150 inches in length. This diminutive stature, coupled with its rounded bodywork and low roofline, gave it a distinctive and almost whimsical appearance. The car’s front end featured a large, chrome-trimmed grille that resembled a smiling face, while the rear end sported wraparound taillights that added to its distinctive charm.
The 1960 Nash Metropolitan, a compact car designed for urban living, shared a lineage with the larger, more powerful 1948 Nash Ambassador. While the Ambassador was a full-sized sedan catering to a different market, both cars embodied Nash’s commitment to innovation and distinctive styling, making them unique additions to the American automotive landscape.
The Metropolitan’s smaller footprint and fuel efficiency, however, would prove to be more in line with the changing tastes of the 1960s consumer.
Construction
The Metropolitan was built with a lightweight steel body and a separate chassis, a construction method common in European cars of the era. The use of lightweight materials, including aluminum for the doors and hood, contributed to the car’s fuel efficiency.
The body panels were made of a thin gauge of steel, which was both lightweight and affordable.
Engine Options and Mechanical Features
The Metropolitan was initially powered by a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine sourced from Austin of England. This engine produced a modest 48 horsepower, but it was sufficient to propel the lightweight car with reasonable performance. The engine was mated to a three-speed manual transmission, which was later replaced by a four-speed unit.
The car featured a conventional front suspension with coil springs and a rear suspension with leaf springs. The brakes were hydraulic drum brakes, which were adequate for the car’s size and performance.
Comparison with Contemporaries
The Metropolitan stood out from its American contemporaries in several ways. Unlike the large and powerful American cars of the time, the Metropolitan was a compact and fuel-efficient vehicle. It offered a more affordable alternative to the larger, gas-guzzling models that were popular in the United States.
| Feature | Nash Metropolitan | Chevrolet Bel Air | Ford Fairlane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 150 inches | 202 inches | 203 inches |
| Engine | 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder | 2.3-liter, 6-cylinder | 2.9-liter, 8-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 48 hp | 140 hp | 180 hp |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual | 3-speed manual | 3-speed manual |
| Price | $1,400 | $2,000 | $2,300 |
The Metropolitan’s compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordability made it a compelling alternative to the larger and more expensive American cars of the era. Its unique styling and innovative features made it a popular choice for urban dwellers and those seeking a more economical mode of transportation.
Performance and Handling
The Nash Metropolitan, despite its diminutive size, offered a surprisingly engaging driving experience. Its nimble handling and fuel efficiency made it a popular choice for city dwellers and those seeking an economical mode of transportation. However, its performance, especially in terms of acceleration, was modest compared to larger contemporary cars.
Engine Options and Performance
The Metropolitan was available with two engine options: a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The 1.2-liter engine, producing 50 horsepower, was the standard option and offered adequate performance for city driving. However, it struggled on highways and hills.
The 1.5-liter engine, producing 60 horsepower, provided a noticeable improvement in acceleration and hill-climbing ability, making it a more desirable option for those who frequently drove on highways.
Fuel Efficiency, 1960 Nash Metropolitan
The Metropolitan’s compact size and lightweight construction contributed to its remarkable fuel efficiency. The 1.2-liter engine achieved an impressive 35 miles per gallon, while the 1.5-liter engine offered slightly lower fuel economy at 32 miles per gallon. These figures were significantly better than the average fuel efficiency of larger cars during that era.
Driving Experience
The Metropolitan’s handling was praised for its agility and responsiveness. Its small size and short wheelbase allowed it to maneuver easily in tight spaces and navigate congested city streets with ease. The car’s suspension provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road.
However, the Metropolitan’s light weight and small engine resulted in a somewhat slow acceleration and a lack of power on hills.
“The Metropolitan was a joy to drive around town. It was so nimble and easy to park. It was also very fuel-efficient, which was a big plus in those days.”
A Nash Metropolitan owner
Transmission Options
The Metropolitan was available with a three-speed manual transmission or a two-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission provided a more engaging driving experience, allowing the driver to control the car’s power more precisely. However, the automatic transmission offered greater convenience, especially in city driving.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Nash Metropolitan, despite its small size and unconventional design, left a lasting mark on American automotive culture. Its unique appeal transcended its practical purpose, making it a symbol of a changing era and influencing the way people perceived small cars.
The Metropolitan’s Appeal
The Metropolitan’s popularity stemmed from its distinctive design and its ability to offer a unique driving experience. Its compact size made it an ideal choice for navigating crowded city streets, while its fuel efficiency appealed to consumers concerned about rising gasoline prices.
Moreover, its stylish design, with its rounded body and chrome accents, resonated with a younger generation seeking a more modern and fashionable mode of transportation.
The Metropolitan in Popular Culture
The Metropolitan’s quirky charm made it a popular choice for filmmakers and television producers. Its appearance in movies and TV shows helped to solidify its place in popular culture, showcasing its unique character and highlighting its appeal to a wide audience.
- One notable example is the Metropolitan’s appearance in the 1960s sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” where it was driven by the show’s protagonist, Rob Petrie.
- The car also featured prominently in the 1967 film “The Graduate,” where it served as a symbol of the protagonist’s rebellion against societal expectations.
- Beyond movies and television, the Metropolitan also made its way into popular music. The car’s distinctive design inspired a song by the band The Beach Boys, titled “The Little Old Lady from Pasadena.”
The Metropolitan’s Lasting Impact
The Metropolitan’s influence on the automotive industry is undeniable. Its success demonstrated that there was a market for small, fuel-efficient cars, paving the way for the rise of compact cars in the United States. Its innovative design, which prioritized functionality and style over sheer size, influenced the development of future vehicles, inspiring carmakers to embrace smaller, more efficient designs.
Closure: 1960 Nash Metropolitan
The 1960 Nash Metropolitan, though short-lived, left a lasting impact on the automotive landscape. Its compact design and fuel-efficient performance paved the way for the rise of smaller, more practical cars in the American market. The Metropolitan’s unique blend of style and practicality, combined with its cultural significance, cemented its place in automotive history, reminding us of a time when innovation and affordability were paramount.