Key dates for changes to the
Metropolitan
October,
1953 270 cars were named: NKI CUSTOM
Priced: $1,445 Hardtop $1,469 Convertible
All cars produced from Oct. 1953 to August 1954 had the "A" type engine, the
Austin 1200.
January, 1954 The
name "METROPOLITAN" was adopted
March, 1954 Public announcement of the
METROPOLITAN name cars were fitted (and retrofitted) with the Metropolitan name
fender script
May, 1954 Nash
and Hudson merge to form AMERICAN MOTORS CORPORATION
It would take the government over a year to approve the merger. In the meantime, all
Metropolitans sold by Nash Dealers were sold as Nash Metropolitans with the
"NASH" emblem in the grill. All Metropolitans sold by Hudson dealers were sold
as Hudson Metropolitans, with the Hudson emblem in the grill.
May, 1954
Bumper guards added to front and rear bumpers
July, 1954
"M" hubcaps added to all Metropolitans
August, 1954 Start
of Series II. The new engine was a low compression engine of 1200 cc
November, 1955
End of Series II and the start of production of the 1500cc, low comp. engine
April, 1956 Start
of series III, 1500 higher compression engine First price change:
$1,527 Hardtop
$1,551 Convertible
October, 1957
The series III higher compression engine is discontinued and a higher compression engine
introduced and would be used until the end of production.
December, 1957
Metropolitans authorized to be sold in England and overseas.
January, 1958 Changed
tail light lens from amber to red.
The 3-piece rear window replaced with a 1-piece wrap around window.
January, 1959
Series IV introduced. Added some body work, incorporating a trunk lid and wing windows
October, 1959 Third
price increase:
$1,673 Hardtop
$1,697 Convertible
A prototype STATION WAGON
was made on a 1957 body. Two or more were then made in 1960, but it was decided not to
produce the Station wagon. One of the original Station
Wagons is in the
Metropolitan Pit Stop Museum in California.
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