1957 Nash Metropolitan Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection, Highlighting Mid-Century Automotive History

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has acquired a 1957 Nash Metropolitan Hardtop in Sunburst Yellow and Snowberry White, adding a significant piece of mid-century automotive history to The Ron Sturgeon Collection. This particular vehicle represents more than just a colorful classic car—it embodies a unique chapter in automotive manufacturing and American consumer culture during the post-war era.

What makes this acquisition noteworthy is the Metropolitan's historical significance as one of the earliest American-designed cars built in Europe and sold in the United States. Manufactured by Austin in the United Kingdom, the Metropolitan was specifically marketed to suburban families as a practical second car for short trips and daily errands. This strategic positioning made it an important vehicle in the evolution of American automotive consumption patterns during the 1950s.

The museum's newly acquired example stands out for its exceptional preservation and authenticity. Owned by the same individual for nearly four decades, the vehicle underwent a careful refurbishment in the 1990s that restored it to its original factory specifications. It features the period-correct two-tone paint scheme and a black and white houndstooth cloth and vinyl interior that accurately reflects its 1950s origins.

Mechanically, the Metropolitan retains its original 1.5-liter Austin B-Series inline-four engine, producing 52 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque through a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. While modest by modern standards, this powertrain was adequate for the vehicle's intended purpose as an urban and suburban runabout. The preservation of these original mechanical components adds to the vehicle's historical authenticity and educational value.

Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasizes the vehicle's cultural significance, noting that "the Nash Metropolitan is as fun as it is historic" and that its retro charm and compact design continue to captivate audiences. The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, provides public access to this and other historically important vehicles. Visitors can find more information about the museum's collection and hours at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

This acquisition matters because well-preserved examples of the Nash Metropolitan are becoming increasingly rare, particularly those with documented ownership histories and authentic restoration work. As automotive museums play a crucial role in preserving industrial history, the addition of this vehicle to a public collection ensures that future generations can study and appreciate this unique intersection of American design and European manufacturing. The Metropolitan's story reflects broader trends in globalization, consumer behavior, and automotive innovation that continue to influence the industry today.