It’s a recipe for success discovered back in the fifties and has seen its share of wild and wondrous interpretations since then. From rail dragsters to rat rods and the full list of enthusiast vehicles that have been fitted with more than their fair share of power is pretty much endless.

Having said that, were you to comb through that list, chances are that you won’t find too many entries that are based on a Nash Metropolitain, but we’ve found one just for you. See, when Bryan Thatcher purchased a 45 hp, 1956 2-door hard top Nash Metropolitan for $50 in 2002, he intended to make the classic something unique. He succeeded.

Combining a tube chassis, a 2,000 horsepower 502cui Chevy big block, sponsor paint colors and a whole lot of fab work, the “Metro-Nator” debuted at the 2003 Aapex Show and there was no doubt that it was an attention getter. The Pro Stock race car is sponsored by Prolong Lubricants and has the goods to back up its looks.

“The Prolong Metro-Nator can do a quarter mile in just six seconds at over 200-miles-per-hour,” said Thatcher.

the muscle car developed a busy career with countless events around the world, TV appearances and featured magazine articles, making it a huge draw for car enthusiasts.

The Metro-Nator extreme machine has won dozens of awards at shows and competitions, including Best Competition Vehicle, Best Paint, Best Engine, Best of Show several times, and Best in Class with Outstanding Display Award for the Prolong display at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA.

If you’re interested in a closer look at this classic, it will be at the upcoming Goodguys event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, April 1 – 3, in Del Mar, CA.