Austin - Austin Metropolitan
Designed in the USA as a very small economic family car, but more as a second car in the family, designed as both a covertible, or hard top. The Nash Metropolitan was built at the Austin works using Austin components, with bodywork supplied by Pressed Steel in Castle Bromwich, bearing in mind that both Austin and Pressed Steel were both part of the BMC group. Shortly afterwards Nash and Hudson merged to become AMC (American Motor Corporation) so the Metropolitan was also sold through Hudson dealerships as Hudson Metropolitan. The 1200cc A40 engine gave way to the B series and by 1956 the B series had a capacity of 1498cc.
Manufacturing at Longbridge started in late 1953 with all the production destined for export to the USA, as it was designed for the American market and styled as such, which is why all vehicles built had left hand drive steering. From late 1956, under a new deal with AMC, Austin were allowed to sell the Austin Metropolitanthe Austin Metropolitan in countries where AMC did not have representation, which included the UK. Production continued to 1961.
Tyre size for the Nash Metropolitan / Hudson Metropolitan / Austin Metropolitan was 5.20x13 which is radial equivalent 145R13 tyre size. Blockley make a superb 145R13 tyre with a good speed rating and the tallest diameter 145R13 available - see full details of this tyre below. Later on the Meropolitan was fitted with larger 5.60x13 tyres, which is radial equivalent size 165R13, and Blockley also produces a great steel belt construction, period correct high speed rated 165HR13 tyre - again see full details below:
