Austin Metropolitan
The British-built American subcompact that pioneered the second-car market.
- Power
- 52 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 22.9 s
- Top speed
- 75 mph
- Est. value
- $8k–$35k
About the Austin Metropolitan
The Metropolitan was a unique trans-Atlantic collaboration, designed by Nash in the US but engineered and built by Austin in Birmingham. It was one of the first cars specifically marketed to women as a 'personal use' second car for errands and shopping. The 1.5-litre 'Series III' models, introduced in 1956, replaced the original 1.2-litre unit with the more robust BMC B-Series engine found in the Austin A50. Despite its American styling, including a 'Continental' spare tyre and two-tone paint, its diminutive size and 85-inch wheelbase made it smaller than a Volkswagen Beetle.
Austin Metropolitan specs
The Austin Metropolitan produces 52 bhp (39 kW) and 104 Nm (77 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 22.9 seconds and has a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h).
| Make | Austin |
|---|---|
| Model | Metropolitan |
| Trim | 1.5 |
| Years | 1956–1961 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Original price | About $1,500 when new |
| Engine | 1.5-litre BMC B-Series inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,489 cc (1.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 52 bhp (39 kW) at 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 104 Nm (77 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 22.9 s |
| Top speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 851 kg (1,876 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 61 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Austin Metropolitan worth?
A typical Austin Metropolitan is estimated to be worth $7,500 – $35,000 (about £5,600 – £26,000).
Its original price when new was about $1,500.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Austin Metropolitan rarity in CarSpot
The Austin Metropolitan is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 25 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Austin Metropolitan fun facts
- The Metropolitan was the first American-designed car to be manufactured entirely in Europe for the US market.
- Though sold as a Nash or Hudson in the US, it was marketed simply as the 'Austin Metropolitan' in the UK and Europe from 1957.
- The car lacked an external boot lid until 1959; earlier models required owners to reach behind the seats to access the luggage area.