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Metropolitan Identification Guide

Over the years, many a Met has been modified with non-original parts making identification somewhat challenging. Even data plates have been changed out.

To make matters worse, during production of these fine vehicles, 'running' changes were made during a year, not 'model' changes at year end.
To provide the correct parts for your vehicle, it is essential that you provide accurate identification information in addition to the make, model and year of your vehicle:

Engine Number:

The engine number is typically stamped on a plate secured to the right-hand side of the cylinder block. You'll need this number to order any engine parts.

Data Plate:

This brass rectangular plate is found on the right side of the firewall. Contains the body number, model (hardtop or convertible), trim (refers to upholstery) and paint codes. Note the plate below with the Chassis serial number.

Chassis Number:

The chassis number is stamped on a hexagon aluminum plate secured to the right-hand side of the firewall, door post, or chassis member beneath the bonnet (hood). Typically, this number starts with an "E" and is the VIN. You'll need this number when ordering parts as there are 'running' production changes, not model year changes.

If you are having problems locating your ID plates, give us a call at 888-243-0440 and we'll help you locate them!



What Metropolitan Do I Have?

Use this guideline to assist you in identifying your correct Metropolitan MODEL:

One Color Exterior
(Model 540)
Two Color Exterior
with chrome horizontal strip
(Model 560)

Photo:

Series:

I

II

III

IV

Engine:

A40 Pre-B 1200
1G Prefix

B Series 1200
2G Prefix

1500
1H-low compression
15ANH/CNH/ or FNH - high compression

1500
15A/C/F & H - high compression

Chassis No.

1001 to E11000

E11001 to E21007

E21008 to E58619

E58620 to E95592

Body No.

The Metropolitan body was manufactured by Fisher & Ludlow. Sequential numbers were stamped onto the bodies. Then, the bodies were transported by lorry to Longbridge (Austin plant) and placed on production line. At the end of the line the Fisher & Ludlow body number was stamped onto the data plate. This is NOT the Chassis No. which was assigned by Austin and stamped on its own aluminum data plate. Body and Chassis numbers rarely coincide.

Model No.

541 - Convertible
542 - Hardtop
Bonnet has hood scoop; no side moulding.

561- Convertible
562 - Hardtop
Stainless steel side moulding. No trunk lid.

561 - Convertible
562 - Hardtop
Stainless side moulding, vent windows, external trunk lid.

Trim No.

T1
Black, beige, yellow (Bedford) stripe pattern with beige vinyl and cream escutcheons.

T600/T900
Black & White Hounds-tooth pattern with black and white vinyl trim; black escutcheons.

T971
Black Diamond pattern with black and white vinyl trim; black escutcheons.

Paint No.

Spruce Green P903
Canyon Rd P904
Caribbean Blue P905
Croton Green P906
Mist Gray P907

Snowberry White P909 (to E35809)
Sunburst Yellow P910 (to E45546)
Coral Red P911 (to E35809)
Berkshire Green P912 (from E23545)
Mardi Gras Red P913 (from E23545)
Frost White P914 (from E35810)
Autumn Yellow P915 (from E45547)

Berkshire Green P912 (from E23545)
Mardi Gras Red P913 (from E23545)
Frost White P914 (from E35810)
Autumn Yellow P915 (from E45547)

Company
History

Nash Kelvinator started production of the Nash Metropolitan in late 1953 manufactured in England by Austin Motor Co. The first Nash Met arrived in March 1954. By May 1954, Nash merged with Hudson creating American Motors Corp. (AMC). Some Mets were badged as "Hudson" and sold through Hudson dealers.

American Motors Corp.

By Nov. 1954, new production Metropolitans were sold as 1955 AMC with the B series 1200 engine.

American Motors Corp.

December 1955 to December 1959

American Motors Corp.

January 1959 - March 1961


Note: During the time of Metropolitan production, imported cars were titled at the time of sale, unlike American vehicles which were titled by model year.


Running Production Changes by Month


Running Production Changes by Series


Metropolitan Upholstery Information

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