What was the top speed of the Metropolitan car?
The Nash Metropolitan could reach about 70 mph (roughly 112 km/h) under normal driving conditions.
The Metropolitan, produced in the early 1950s by Nash Motors, is widely regarded as one of the first American subcompact cars. Its compact dimensions and modest power output shaped its performance profile: a top speed around 70 mph allowed highway cruising for its era, but acceleration and sustained high-speed stability were limited by its small engine and light, economical construction. Real-world figures varied by model year, mechanical condition, tire setup, and transmission gearing.
Context and what the number means
In the early 1950s, automakers promoted practical urban mobility, and the Metropolitan’s top speed reflects a balance between city-friendly handling and enough highway capability for cross-state trips. While 70 mph was sufficient for regular interstates of the time, drivers would encounter modest acceleration and tighter highway performance compared with larger, more powerful cars.
For collectors and restorers today, the top speed figure remains a reference point rather than a guarantee: a well-tuned Metropolitan in good condition will typically approach the same general speed range, but actual performance can vary with maintenance and updates to tires, brakes, and gearing.
Summary
In sum, the Nash Metropolitan’s top speed is generally cited as about 70 mph (around 112 km/h). This figure underscores its role as an early American subcompact designed to blend urban practicality with light highway capability, rather than to deliver high-speed performance. The vehicle’s legacy lies in its pioneering size and design, not in its speed.
