So, my wife and I just purchased a 1961 Nash Metropolitan. She wants to rebuild the original engine, but she would like to ditch the 3 spd and put an automatic in it. Does anyone know what automatic tranny would fit...or can somebody direct me to somebody that might know? thanks
Metro's never had automatics, and I don't think Austin ever used one in the A40 which was what the Metro was based on. That little peppermill engine wouldn't like the power loss though a slushbox.
my family has several of these (3 currently--2 original and 1 pro-street SBF v-8 version) and i've never seen one with the orginal engine and an A/T. that's not to say they're not out there, but unless your stuck on the original motor it might be easier to swap the whole motor/trans assembly for something else. Personally I like the idea of the thunderbird turbocoupe motor/trans--or maybe if you're feeling really frisky the toyota mini-hemi's. but there's plenty of other small RWD mills that should fit and work well. FWIW it's the same motor as a MG midget, but again I don't think they had a AT version of that either--the disc brakes will interchange, though.
http://www.mocna.us/ somebody here's bound to be able to help. they have had some great tech through the years.
thank you google http://www.mgexperience.net/archive/MGB_motor_in_a_Nash_Metropolitan/626091 read down a bit. bolt in app's discussed. not sure if they're available stateside but...
I really should have posted all of this at once http://www.autabuy.com/Vehicles/Details.cfm?VID=526225&Year=1959&Make=NASH&Model=METROPOLITAN
I've seen one with an auto. I believe it was a Borg Warner T35. Same transmission used in early Datsun 510s and Austin Marinas ('73ish). I don't know if it's a direct bolt-in, but the bellhousings should match up. Mike
As I said earlier in the thread I had one of those when I was 18 and I'd highly suggest not using the stock engine if she plans to drive it on a daily or regular basis. They don't have a rear seal on the crank shaft and relie on threads on the crankshaft that run in the block to keep the oil in the pan. The engines didn't don't have a lot of power with the three speeds and might not pull an automatic very well. I'm thinking a little 1600 out of an early Pinto or Capri with an automatic behind it would be a pretty nice engine/trans for that car and give it enough poop to get out and go. There are also a few speed goodies for those engines. It would also be one you should be able to readily find parts for.
I have a 1959 I am restoring. You will be better served posting this question here: http://metropolitan.freeforums.org/index.php Lots of information.
Metros used the Austin A engine. This engine was made in various versions from 1200 to 1800cc and used in various BMC cars up to the seventies. In 1961 they began offering an automatic trans in family sedans with this engine. Austin A60, Wolseley, Morris, MG, Riley and others. I think the last rear wheel drive car with this engine and automatic was the Austin Marina of the seventies. The transmission was the Borg Warner 35 which was used in most English cars that offered automatics, not to mention Studebaker, AMC and other cars. Parts are still available. I haven't seen an Austin Marina in years but if you could find one with an automatic it would be the easiest swap. Use the engine and trans, the engine is nearly the same as yours in external appearance but has many internal improvements like 5 main bearings and larger displacement of 1800 cc.
The Jalopy Journal
