DFW Car & Toy Museum Acquires Rare 1957 Nash Metropolitan, Highlighting Mid-Century Automotive History

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has expanded its collection with the acquisition of a 1957 Nash Metropolitan Hardtop from The Ron Sturgeon Collection, 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 exemplifies the distinctive aesthetic of its era while serving as a tangible artifact of post-war industrial and social shifts.

This particular vehicle, owned by a single individual for nearly forty years, underwent careful refurbishment during the 1990s to return it to period-correct specifications. The interior features authentic black and white houndstooth cloth and vinyl upholstery, while mechanically it retains its original 1.5-liter Austin B-Series inline-four engine producing 52 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque, paired with a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. Such well-preserved examples are becoming increasingly rare, making this acquisition significant for historical preservation.

The Nash Metropolitan holds historical importance as one of the earliest American-designed cars built in Europe and sold in the United States. Its transatlantic production—designed by Nash in America and built by Austin in the United Kingdom—represents early globalization in manufacturing. "The Nash Metropolitan is as fun as it is historic," said Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "With its pastel paint, retro charm, and compact design, it's impossible not to smile when you see it in person."

When introduced in the 1950s, the Metropolitan was marketed as an ideal second car for suburban families, designed specifically for short trips and daily errands. Its compact size and distinctive styling made it a recognizable icon that illustrates changing American lifestyles and transportation needs during a period of economic growth and suburban expansion. The vehicle's role as a suburban utility vehicle provides valuable insight into mid-century industrial and social history.

The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, offers free admission and parking, making this piece of automotive history accessible to the public. Visitors can view the Metropolitan alongside other automotive and toy exhibits. More information about the museum's hours and offerings is available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

This acquisition matters because it preserves not just a vehicle but a tangible example of post-war innovation and cultural adaptation. The Metropolitan's unique production history and specific market positioning make it a valuable educational resource for understanding how automotive design responded to evolving consumer needs and global manufacturing capabilities. As such artifacts become scarcer, their preservation in public collections like the DFW Car & Toy Museum ensures future generations can study and appreciate these important chapters in industrial development.