Sold | 1957 Austin Metropolitan Convertible

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£17,360

1957 Austin Metropolitan Convertible

United Kingdom • 26 Sept 2020 • Lot 117

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1957 Austin Metropolitan Convertible, originally a right-hand drive model, was supplied new to an Oxford student and appears to have remained with the original owner for an extended period. Finished in turquoise over white, this well-maintained car has been repainted at some point but presents well, with an original white interior and is documented to have low mileage, supported by old MoT certificates and the condition of the interior. It's a rare sight on British roads and ready to be used and enjoyed.

Condition

7

While described as being in very good condition throughout, the listing also states that the car has been repainted at some time. The interior is described as original, and the mileage is assumed to be correct due to the condition of the interior and the documentation that comes with the vehicle. Overall, this suggests a well-maintained but not perfect condition, with some signs of restoration or age.

/ 10

Transmission:

[Transmission]

Chassis No:

HD6/LCS219810

Odometer:

43,700 miles

Reg Number:

JSL 431

RHD/LHD:

RHD

In 1950, the Nash Motor Company of America decided to test public reaction to a new small car to get away from the big ‘gas guzzlers’ of the time.

In the survey they showed pictures of a concept car based on a design by William Flajole.

The results from the survey convinced Nash that there was a market for such a car, the problem for them there was not the experience in the USA to build a small car.

So, they looked to England and the Austin Motor Company.

Following various design modifications, the first Metropolitans rolled off the Longbridge production line in October 1953 and went on sale in the USA in the Spring of 1954.

The early cars were fitted with the 1200cc Austin Somerset engines and are easily recognisable by the ‘floating bar’ grille.

None of the early cars remained in the UK, the entire production until 1957 was for export only.

By the time the first cars arrived in America, Nash had merged with Hudson, so Metropolitans were badged as either Nash or Hudson dependin...