The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a 1957 Nash Metropolitan Hardtop to its collection through The Ron Sturgeon Collection, acquiring a vehicle that represents a pivotal moment in mid-20th century automotive history. Finished in its original Sunburst Yellow and Snowberry White factory colors, this Metropolitan is notable as one of the earliest American-designed cars built in Europe and sold in the United States, embodying a unique transatlantic production story. The car, owned by a single individual for nearly forty years, underwent a careful refurbishment during the 1990s that returned it to period-correct specifications, ensuring its authenticity for future generations.
Mechanically, the vehicle retains its original 1.5-liter Austin B-Series inline-four engine, which produces 52 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque, paired with a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. The interior features black and white houndstooth cloth and vinyl upholstery, matching its original aesthetic and enhancing its historical value. Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's appeal, stating, "The Nash Metropolitan is as fun as it is historic. With its pastel paint, retro charm, and compact design, it's impossible not to smile when you see it in person." This acquisition matters because well-preserved examples like this one are becoming increasingly rare, underscoring the importance of its preservation in a public collection.
When introduced in the 1950s, the Nash Metropolitan was marketed as an ideal second car for suburban families, designed for short trips and daily errands, reflecting changing American lifestyles during a period of economic growth and suburban expansion. Its compact size and distinctive styling made it a recognizable icon of the era, illustrating post-war automotive innovation and cultural shifts. The Metropolitan's production—designed in America by Nash and built by Austin in the United Kingdom—highlights early globalization in manufacturing, making it a valuable artifact for understanding mid-century industrial and social history. Visitors can view the Metropolitan alongside other automotive and toy exhibits at the museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, which offers free admission and parking. More information about the museum's hours and offerings is available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This acquisition preserves a tangible example of automotive history that goes beyond mere nostalgia, serving as an educational tool for exploring broader themes of innovation and societal change. The vehicle's role as a suburban utility vehicle captures the essence of American transportation needs in the post-war era, while its transatlantic origins offer insights into evolving global economic practices. By housing such artifacts, museums like the DFW Car & Toy Museum play a crucial role in safeguarding cultural heritage, allowing the public to engage directly with history and appreciate the interconnectedness of design, technology, and daily life in the mid-20th century.
