Nash Metropolitan....used to own one but nothing like this hot rod.

[John Schmidt]

I drove mine from Ft. Dodge, IA to Orlando, FL in January, 1967, about 1500 miles through one of the worst snow storms of the century. I was alone with clothes and some material goods, answering a job offer from Xerox. That little 46hp Austin motor hummed right along, after my wife and daughters joined me I eventually sold the car for more than I paid for it. Sure wish I still had it, like a few other cars I've owned over the years; '69 Dodge Charger RT(440 w/Hurst H pattern), '50 repainted to baby blue 4-door Mercury, '49 98 Olds fast back that I had "played" with the motor a little, '53 98 Olds w/'56 non-stock engine, '59 Lion Hearted Chrysler w/413(wife tore up the differential in a drag race).

But this little Metro in the video goes through two different engine swaps that turns it into a beast. I think you'll get a kick out of it. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PArif7T8GGc

[old2soon]

        The sheer Amount of fab work done IS nuttin short of amazing!  Way danged KEWL!  Dad bought Brand New a 60 or 61 Rambler American three on the tree with O/D and a flat head six. He was putting about 500 miles a week on just back and forth to work. While I have driven em I have Never owned one. Dad crapped a brick with the first G M product I bought!  VEDY interesting there John!  Thanks. RIDE SAFE.

[sandy]

On our Sat night ride in, there’s 2 of them show up with small block Chevies. Both are tubbed with big rubber and one is blown with a big hole in the hood. Scary thought to drive them.

[Willow]

I owned one some fifty-three years ago, but, as John said, mine was not even a shadow of that one.   

[John Schmidt]

I owned one some fifty-three years ago, but, as John said, mine was not even a shadow of that one.   

Come to think of it, 53 yrs. ago is about the same time I had my little black and white. My first few nights in Orlando I had to sleep in it. Not a good idea now but Orlando was still a pretty decent place to live back then.

[Willow]

I owned one some fifty-three years ago, but, as John said, mine was not even a shadow of that one.   

Come to think of it, 53 yrs. ago is about the same time I had my little black and white. My first few nights in Orlando I had to sleep in it. Not a good idea now but Orlando was still a pretty decent place to live back then.

LOL!  That's some tight sleeping room.   

Mine was black and white also.  I think most of them were.  The shift lever came right out of the dash and the access to the "trunk" was through a locking door behind the back "seat".

[John Schmidt]

Yup, the trunk was nearly inaccessible. Those nights I slept in the car were quite warm, being Florida. Even in winter it's often warm enough to sleep outside so I rolled down the window and let my feet stick out. No bugs that time of year but the cops stopped by a few times, always chatted a few minutes then wished me well after I explained my lot. Yes...was rather small living quarters but I was 29 at the time so much more limber than today...or yesterday even! 

[0leman]

Friend of mine in High school had one, red and white color.  We could get 5 of us in the thing,  we were a lot more flexible back then.   Not the fastest car in the parking lot, but was really cheap to drive.

[BCoy]

Great little cars, I have fond memories of my 4’ 11” grandmother driving hers. Looked liked the family had a great time modifying this one, great memories for sure.

[Rams]

One has to admire the work and dedication that went into restoring and building that Nash.  Credit given where credit is due.

But, I've worked on and done similar projects in my past and that's where I want them to stay.   Too much damn work and money put into that passion and ya never get it back.   While I do think it's a cool ride, no thanks.   I wouldn't do that again if someone else was paying for all the parts.   I am not knocking it in the least, it's cool, just not for me.   I'm done turning wrenches (I hope).

Rams

[John Schmidt]

Rams, I'm kinda thinking along the same line re. wrenching on a major level. I did a lot when younger, partly because I had to in order to provide the family with transportation. The only thing I'd seriously consider doing now would be a resto-mod of a late 60's or early 70's pickup. Aside from that, keeping the Valk trike up to snuff will be my only concern...I hope. 

[old2soon]

          Those amongst that have been Bitten by that cursed speed bug Know all too well The COST involved with it.  Course in some ways kept me outa the bars and away from wild wominz!    Well NOT really!  And my Speed Fix is currently parked in Her cave!  But I also Git the WHY of doin that stuff.  RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

          Those amongst that have been Bitten by that cursed speed bug Know all too well The COST involved with it.  Course in some ways kept me outa the bars and away from wild wominz!    Well NOT really!  And my Speed Fix is currently parked in Her cave!  But I also Git the WHY of doin that stuff.  RIDE SAFE.

Yep, wild women was what caused me to do all that silly stuff.   That's my story and I'm stick'n to it. 

Rams

[Bronxboy]

Cool Video John, thanks for sharing. We have a guy that comes up to the Speedway (Dumpster) Who has one in original condition. No way as nice as this but all original and running pretty good.

[John Schmidt]

I'm surprised by the number of members that either owned one or knew of a close friend or relative that had one. I think I might do a little YT search for someone that modified a Crosley. If you have first hand knowledge of that car, you're OLD! 

A little story re. our high school superintendent's Crosley back about 1954-55. In short, he was a jerk. He was a big man with an ego to match and only liked by the bean counters, but noone else. He owned a little Crosley that was always parked in front of his house which was across the street from the HS. The neighborhood had alleys and his main car was parked in the garage which was accessed via the alley. While he & his wife were out of town, some members of the football team had a brainstorm after practice one day. Various members met after dark, picked up the Crosley and carried it up the few steps of the huge front porch, parking it against the front door. He never noticed it when he and his wife returned since he entered through the alley. It did become apparent the next morning when he attempted to leave via the front door to cross the street to his office. After weeks of trying to find the culprits, he finally admitted defeat and hired a crew to remove the car. It had become a bit of a laughing stock in the town.

PS: I played football!