You may recall that my plan was to daily drive my Nash Metropolitan once I finished my move from Detroit to LA, with the idea being that a small and efficient car was necessary in “the big city.” Upon my arrival in LA, I ended up buying a BMW i3 to get better acquainted with EVs, and as a result, the Nash languished. I really had no reason to fix it. But now, thanks to an email by a woman from the Pacific Northwest, that has changed.
I’ve been a bit lost on what to do with the Nash Metropolitan that I received for free just before I moved to LA. It was such a nice gesture from the previous owner, and it seemed like such a great car to drive around LA, but the truth is: LA highways are brutal, and there simply is no more perfect vehicle for LA than the BMW i3. The Nash could be a weekend car, I suppose, but I’d much prefer a stickshift for that job, and I already have plenty of weekend vehicles, including my minty-fresh Jeep Wrangler YJ and 1966 Ford Mustang.
So I didn’t know what to do with the Nash. I knew that selling it in its current non-running condition would be tough, and I couldn’t ensure that anyone would actually get it back on the road instead of use it as a parts vehicle. I’d promised the previous owner that his beloved Metropolitan would live on. So the car has sat in the parking lot, in purgatory:
But then, by the graces of the car-gods, I received this email last month from someone named Alice:
I’m probably several days (years) late, but I just read your story about you acquiring an automatic Nash Metropolitan. I’m days away from most likely buying a ‘63 Valiant Signet, it’s a convertible & I’m in the PNW- but it’s beautiful & reminds me of my ‘66 Dodge Dart. I’ve been looking for a Nash switched over to an automatic for *years* with no luck. If you have any leads on one, or know of anyone that doesn’t find this as ‘bastardizing the car!’ -(real comment!) please contact me. P.S. I lived in L.A. for 15 years & would gladly move back for that car, either way- you’re a lucky man, thanks for your story.
Hot damn. Someone who was actively searching for an Nash Metropolitan that had been converted from the incredible three-speed on the column to a slushbox automatic! There have to be, what, maybe three people on earth who would actually want such a vehicle? In any, I’m beyond thrilled, because, no, Alice, you’d only be several years late if I’d actually gotten off my lazy ass and done something to that Nash. But I’ve done exactly zero. The Nash has been a part of various Autopian car shows, and we even towed it to the LA Auto Show (see video below) to put it on display, but it’s never actually driven. In fact, I’ve never seen a single thing on it actually function; all I know is, it has a bad engine, no battery, and apparently an automatic transmission that’s on its way out. The tires are dry-rotted, the suspension is worn, and I could go on and on. The thing is a carcass in a parking lot. But that’s only because I haven’t had incentive to fix the thing, and now I do.
I’m beyond delighted to have found someone who will appreciate this machine. The odds of that are so slim, it’s just hilarious.
Alice has been texting me quite a bit, offering to pay me fore my first round of repairs. I wont take payment until I actually fix the car and she buys it. But I’ve predicted no more than about $3,500 in repairs to get the car on the road (probably $2,500 plus some money for my time). Alice seems to think that’s reasonable, and is anxiously awaiting my wrenching, though a small part of her does want to drive a Nash Metropolitan before making any commitments. From Alice:
Hey David, I’m still in decision mode. Since I’ve never driven a Nash I reached out to a mechanic’s shop that has one parked outside. I left a message & asked if he could maybe give me a quick ride so he’ll either say yes but most likely think I’m crazy. What city is it in & do you know anyone that could fix it? I’m trying to figure out logistics right now, I’m in Humboldt county but I’m going to be in Southern Cal early this summer. I don’t know if you’re willing to wait that long for me to pick it up. Just let me know- thanks!!
And here’s another text:
I’m glad it’s not going to look perfect- that makes me nervous (like I’m going to mess it up) & I appreciate being able to make the aesthetic changes. But it being mechanically sound is what I’m going for.
I’m so glad I found you & this car!! Also that it’s a ‘personal use auto’ is so funny to me. Had you advertised it yet? Anyway, please assure Nate [the previous owner] that I’m beyond excited to own a 65 year old car & it will be driven, not tucked away in a garage. Thank you again for emailing me back so soon, if you need $ to start the project just let me know a way to get it to you- thank you again!!
And here’s another:
Sure, just let me know when you want to talk & I’ll give you a call. I’m watching & reading everything I can in the meantime but you’re right, Nate would know exactly how it handles & breaks, please thank him for this opportunity. I can tell it was well loved.
This is soooo good!
Buckle down and get wrenching David! The Jeeps will keep in the meantime.
Is there something psychologically going on with you and your projects? It happens to me where I loose focus on one or get depressed about the situation im in and then it sits. I would love an article about losing focus on Project cars and why some people hoard vehicles? Your friend from Michigan and a customer that I deal with makes me think about car hoarders.