Datsun Story 1973-1982

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http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1973_h250.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1973_h250.jpg)H250 - 1973
In 1973 an all new Nissan President was launched. Initially it featured the same four litre V8 engine as the previous H150 model but this was changed to the new 4414cc unit. In 1975 the H250 got a minor facelift which included a slightly different grille and a new rear bumper design (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1975_h250.jpg). 1n 1982 another facelift brought new dual rectangular headlights (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1985_h250.jpg) and a totally new interior and dash.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1973_evtruck.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1973_evtruck.jpg)? - 1973
Nissan Prototype truck with electric power. Anybody got any info on this one?

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1973_710.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1973_710.jpg)710 - January 1973
The all new Datsun Violet was launched in January 1973 to fit the gap in the Nissan model lineup between the Sunny and Bluebird. The first Violets came as two (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1973_710_2dr.jpg) and four door sedans as well as a two door hardtop (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1974_kp710.jpg). Right from the start there was an SSS available as either a four door sedan or hardtop coupe with the two door sedan available as a 1400 GL or deluxe. Not all hardtops were SSS either ...in fact the most lowly model was a very spartan 1400 GL followed by the 1400 DX and the 1600GL. Only the top of the range were SSS or SSS-E (the SSS-E was fuel injected). All SSS models, be they sedan or hardtop featured independant rear suspension in place of the ordinary models' leaf sprung axles. Early 710 sedans had fastback (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1973_710_r.jpg) styling similar to the hardtop but this all changed in February 1976 when the restyled 710 sedans (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1976_710_r.jpg) were unvieled. The cars now had a more conventional trunk design similar to the 610. This allowed not only better rearward visibility but a larger trunk too. At the same time as this restyle, the two door sedan was dropped and the hardtop recieved a very minor facelift. In Europe and most other territories apart from the USA the 710 was known as either a 140J or 160J. In the US it was just called 710. In Japan and the US a 710 station wagon (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1976_wpl710.jpg) (called a van in Japan) was also available. American spec (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1976_hl710_usa.jpg) 710's are very different from any others as they have huge safety bumpers and totally different front end styling. Most US spec 710's are powered by L20B's (very early cars have L18's) and all cars have live rear axles.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1973_esv3.jpgESV-3 - 1974
I'm not too sure when exactly the ESV series started but I believe may be earlier than 1974. However, I know the ESV-3 was in existance in '74 as it was replaced by the GR-1 the following year. The ESV stood for experimental safety vehicle. The ESV was a platform to show the world that safety was a concern of auto manufacturers, as at that time there major concerns were being raised about road safety. the car featured impact absorbing bumpers and a rear view periscope on the roof. I believe the ESV also had anti-lock brakes and air bags which Nissan had been working with as early as 1970. I'll write more about this series when I have some information.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1974_c130_ev.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1974_c130_ev.jpg)C130-EV - 1974
Nissan continued their Electric Vehicle experiments by building six C130 Laurel based EV's in 1974. The "Laurel Electric" as it was known used a trunk full of lead acid batteries to drive a 16kw motor mounted under the hood along with all the control systems. The motor drives the rear wheels via a single speed forward and reverse transmission. The Laurel Electric had a range of 40 miles and a top speed of 53mph. It weighed in at a suprisingly reasonable 1645kg. It also featured air conditioning and a full quota of electric gadgets.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1974_b210_2dr.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1974_b210_2dr.jpg)B210 - May 1973
The third generation Datsun Sunny feature all new styling, more in keeping with the 610 and 710 models and was distinctly Japanese looking. Initially there was little different from the B110 underneath as the suspension and drive train were the same... even the 12" wheels were carried over. The body and interior, however were all new. The B210 was also available as two and four door sedans (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1973_b210_4dr.jpg), a coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1974_kb210.jpg), a wagon (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1974_wb210.jpg) and panel van (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1974_vb210.jpg). There was also a three door wagon in some markets. The stock bodied B210 used A series engines, initially of 1200cc then later of 1400cc. American B210's also came with the A13 engine. As with all Nissan the range of models was huge in Japan. Outside of Japan the B210 was more commonly known as a 120Y. In 1975 the B210 underwent a revamp during which the front suspension was changed, 13" rims were fitted and the later type A12 used. As with the previous Sunny there was an L series version (see below).http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1974_pb210.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1974_pb210.jpg)PB210 - May 1973
The Datsun Sunny Excellent continued on in the B210 body, again with L series engines although this time an L16 was also used. The Excellent models featured a more pointed front end and different grille and bumper assembly. The coupe had triple round tail lights fitted in a new panel. The Excellent models appear to have only been available as a four door sedan or coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1974_kpb210.jpg) and came out at the same time as the A series version of the B210.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1972_g610_gt.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1972_g610_gt.jpg)G610 - August 1973
The four door sedan and hardtop coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1973_kg610_gtx.jpg) versions of the 610 sedan were given a longer nose to accomodate a 115hp 2000cc six cylinder engine in 1973. The first models were launched as the 2000GT and 2000GT-X and feature totally different front end styling to the four cylinder 610 as well as much more elaborate tail lights (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1973_g610_gt_r.jpg). From 1975 all models had EGR fitted and the 130hp fuel injected versions followed in 1976. The G610 was not officially exported outside of Japan as far as I know.


http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1974_f10.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1974_f10.jpg)F10 - September 1974
In September 1974 the F10 Cherry was launched. It came in the usual varients of two and four door sedan, a coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1975_kf10.jpg), a wagon (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1975_wf10.jpg) and a panel van (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1975_vf10.jpg). In Europe the car was again called either the 100A or 120A depending on engine size with the curious added moniker "FII". In Japan the F10 could be bought with an A14 engine as it could in the US where the coupe and wagon versions were sold. The F10 underwent various styling changes over the years and came in a multitude of diffent specifications and trim levels. An interesting variant was the semi automatic version that used a clutchless manually shifted three speed transmition...an idea ahead of it's time back then.


http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1975_ad1.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1975_ad1.jpg)AD-1 - 1975
The AD-1 concept appeared at the Tokyo Motorshow and was a personal sports coupe based on 1400 Cherry (F10) running gear. It featured a strong cantilever roof design allowing for remarkably thin front pillars. Despite having impact resisting bumpers and other safety related features it actually looks reasonably good. This model looks as if it could have made it to production with relatively few changes had that been the case. sadly it didn't get past the concept stage.


http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1975_gr1.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1975_gr1.jpg)GR-1 - 1975
Also appearing at the 1975 Tokyo Motorshow was the GR-1, a development of the ESV-3. GR-1 stands for General Research Mk1. The GR-1 was a concept based on the Japanese 610 Bluebird-U and was more of a serious reserch vehicle than the earlier Experimental Safety Vehicles.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1975_330.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1975_330.jpg)330 - June 1975
Strangely the 330 Cedric and Gloria look more dated than the previous 230 models. Externally the Cedric and Gloria variants differ less than before with changes beibng confined to grilles and lights. The styling is much more exagerated but the car is mecanically identical to the previous 230 model. The interior was all new as were the power steering (an option on the 230) and electric windows. High spec models came with air conidtioning. The first 330's in the UK came with the L26 engine (the car was badged a 260C) which was replaced by the L28 later (becoming the 280C). In Japan the stock model came with the L20A 2000cc six cylinder and up market versions the L28 and in some cases the fuel injected L28E. A diesel engine was also offered in the 220D model. This was also available in parts of Europe. The 330 came as a sedan, two door (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1975_k330.jpg) and four door hardtop (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1975_330_4drht.jpg) or a wagon. As with most later Japanese market models there is a huge range of different specifications and models.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1975_s10.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1975_s10.jpg)S10 - October 1975
The wierd Datsun Silvia S10 is a truly odd looking car, a fact that seems to have left it with few friends these days. This is particularly true in the USA where the cars were fitted with federal safety bumpers which ruined the cars original lines. The S10 seems to have much in common with the B210 underneath but under the hood there is an L18. In the USA where the S10 was badged as a 200SX, it came fitted with an L20B. The S10 Silvia was given a new look in 1977 with a new grille (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_s10.jpg) design and rubber protectors on the bumpers. I am unsure where else in the world the S10 was sold and would be most interested to hear from anybody who still has one.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1976_gr2.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1976_gr2.jpg)GR-2 - 1976
I'm not sure of the year for this model so I've taken a guess. I have no information on it except that it's a prototype safety vehicle. GR-2 will mean General reseach Mk2.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1976_810.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1976_810.jpg)810 - July 1976
In 1976 the Datsun Bluebird grew ever larger with the introduction of the 810. Although similar in concept the entire underside of the 810 was new, in fact all that was carried over from the 610 were the L series engines. Four door sedan, coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1976_k810.jpg) and wagon were all launched at the same time as were the G6 models with there longer front ends and straight six engines (see below). The sedan and coupe models were available in GL, deluxe and SSS trim and there were fuel injected engines available on SSS and GL models. The coupe was still a hardtop like the 610 but with an added opera window in the rear pillar. The first change came in October 1977 with the introduction of the NAPS-Z (Nissan Anti Pollution System) engines and a change to large bumpers with rubber end caps. In 1978 the range was updated with new dual rectangular headlights and a new grille (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_810.jpg) although this update did not appear in all markets. In Europe the 810 was still known as the 160B or 180B while Australia had their own locally built version fitted with an L20B engine and called a 200B.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1976_g810.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1976_g810.jpg)G810 - July 1976
Alongside the four cylinder 810 range were the luxurious six cylinder cars with their longer front ends and different grilles. These cars were sold as G6 models in Japan and as the 810 in America where the four cylinder 810 was not sold. As with the 610 you could have a carburettor engine or fuel injection and a choice of sedan or coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1976_kg810.jpg) (or wagon in the US). The G6 recieved a similar new front (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_g810.jpg) to the four cylinder models in 1979 with the addition of dual rectangular headlights. This facelift also appeared in America.


http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1977_ad2.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_ad2.jpg)AD-2 - 1977
The AD-2 was an amazing awkward looking concept car which was really a taste of what was to come in the 80's. Square cars were to become all the rage for a short period. Thankfully none of them ever looked like this.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1977_c230.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_c230.jpg)C230 - January 1977
The 1977 Nissan Laurel was bigger and more luxurious than the out going C130 model and came with a choice of four cylinder 1800cc or 2000cc and 2800cc six cylinder engines. Some models were available with EFI and on hardtops you got independant rear suspension. Alongside the four door sedan there were four door hardtops (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_c230_ht.jpg) and two door hardtop coupes (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1978_kc230.jpg), each of which featured slightly different grille and tail light designs. The Range was facelifted with new rectangular headlights (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_c230.jpg) and very large tail lights with minimal chrome surrounds in 1978. some of the last models in Japan had steel sliding sunroofs and Z20 2000cc four cylinder engines. In Europe these cars like the previous C130 models were sold with 2000cc of 2400cc sixes and were badged as 200L or 240L depending on engine size.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1977_a10_4dr.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_a10_4dr.jpg)A10 - May 1977
In 1977 the new A10 Nissan Violet made it debut along with it's "badge engineered" brothers, the Auster and Stanza (see below). The styling was a radical departure from the swoopy 710 and feature very angular shapes. The leaf sprung rear axle was changed to a coil sprung one and 1400cc versions now had an A series engine rather than an L series (1600cc ones were still L series). The usual range of two and four door sedans, coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_kpa10_violet.jpg) and wagon were available but this time the coupe was not a hardtop. The Violet still had dual round headlights but that's where the similarity with the previous Violet ends. Inside everything was different. Incidentally, although the Violet coupe (still called a 160J in Europe) was badged as an SSS in Europe it seems this was not the case in Japan where the early top of the range car was designated the GL-E-L. GX spec sedans and coupes were added to the Violet range in September 1978. In June 1979 the Violet was restyled. The dual round headlights went in favour of dual rectangular (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_a10_violet.jpg) ones and the tail lights were made to look more modern by dropping the heavy chrome surrounds. The last addition to the A10 Violet range came in April 1980 with the introduction of the five door hatchback (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_a10_hatch_violet.jpg). In America the A10 Violet was sold under the name 510 in an attempt to build on the sucess of the original '68-74 PL510. In Australia the four door sedan version of the late style Violet was sold as a Stanza. In Europe the Violet was know as either 140J or 160J still as it was in some South American countries. When European Violets were facelifted, instead of the rectangular dual headlight model being introduced, the late Auster was sold instead although it was not badged as such.

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http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1977_a10_auster_4dr.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_a10_auster_4dr.jpg)A10 - May 1977
An all new model, the Auster arrived at the same time as the new Violet. It was essentially the same car but with slightly revised styling and was only available as a four door sedan or coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_kpa10_auster.jpg). The Auster was also available as a 1400cc or 1600cc until June 1976 when 1800cc models were introduced. At this point the Auster was updated with a new rectangular headlight grille (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_a10_auster.jpg) and the smooth modern tail lights that the Violet had gained. The sporty model of the Auster range was dubbed the 1800 GT-E. As with the Violet, a five door hatchback arrived in 1980.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1977_c210.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_c210.jpg)C210 - August 1977
The new four cylinder, short wheelbase Skyline of 1977 came with a choice of L16 or L18 engines, with the option of EFI on the L18. The four cylinder car came as either a four door sedan or hardtop coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_kc210.jpg) but in either case didn't have the now characteristic twin round tail lights, only the six cylinder cars came with those(see below). All the four cylinder C210's had live rear axles as far as I know. The cars featured an odd looking centrally divided grille. This was changed in July 1979 (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_c210.jpg) for a more conventional design although the twin round headlights reamained. By the end of 1979 there was a wagon (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_wc210.jpg) available, based on the short wheelbase chassis

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1977_gc210.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_gc210.jpg)GC210 - August 1977
The six cylinder, long wheelbase Nissan Skyline continued production but there was to be no GT-R version this time. Again, four door sedan and hardtop coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_kgc210.jpg) were available with a slightly better looking grille and dual round tail lights. The Japanese cars were fitted with L20A six cylinder engines but a lot of exported models came with larger L24E engines as standard. I believe most domestic and all European C210's had independant rear suspension but some other markets got live axles on coil springs. These were sold in some countries as 240K-GT's. In mid 1979 the cars were facelifted with new grilles and large rectangular headlights (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1980_gc210.jpg). in April 1980 a turbo version was added to the Japanese market called the 2000GT-Turbo. By June 1980 a 2.8L diesel version was offered.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1977_a10_stanza_4dr.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_a10_stanza_4dr.jpg)A10 - August 1977
In August 1977 a third version of the A10 was introduced as the Stanza (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_a10_stanza_f.jpg). This was not the same Stanza that was sold in Australia (that one was a Violet re-badged). The real Japanese Stanza A10 featured large single rectangular headlights and a rear end (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1977_a10_stanza_r.jpg) that looked similar to the 810 sedan. The Stanza was only available as a four door sedan until the five door hatchback (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1978_a10_stanza_hatch.jpg) was introduced in 1980. All early Stanza's were 1600cc until the 1800cc version arrived in late 1978.
http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1979_b310_4dr.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_b310_4dr.jpg)B310 - November 1977
The B310 launched in November 1977 was the final rear wheel drive Sunny to be built. The car now had a four link rear axle with coil springs in place of the B210's leaf sprung rear. The first B310's came with round headlights and all chrome bumpers although rubber end caps were soon added. The car came as a 1200 or 1400 in Japan initially in a bewildering range of models and specifications. Two (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_b310_2dr.jpg) and four door sedans as well as a coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_kb310.jpg) and wagon (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_wb310_sb.jpg) were the first body styles but were joined by a new fastback wagon (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_wb310_fb.jpg) in January 1979. There was also a panel van (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_vb310.jpg) version which was a three door rather than a five door like the wagon. At the end of 1979 the range was restyled with new square headlight grilles (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_b310_sq.jpg) but still with chrome bumpers. At the same time the dash was revised too. The new A15 1500cc engine was employed in various models (only coupes in the UK) and a 5 speed transmittion was added. As a point of interest, the very last B310's in Japan came as 1300cc (in CT and GS models) and 1500cc. these could be the A13 and A15 but although I can't be 100% sure I believe these may possibly have been E series engines as it was then November 1980 and four months later the N10 Cherry range also recieved an upgrade to the new E series engines. Anybody know for sure?

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1979_s130.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_s130.jpg)S130 - 1978
The Nissan Fairlady or Datsun 280ZX was more of a tourer than a sports car. As with the S30 model it could be had as a two or four seater (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_s130_4.jpg). In Japan the car could be bought with a two litre engine but elsewhere it got a fuel injected 2800cc unit and in some markets a turbo version as well. In 1980 the cars were fitted with T-tops and underwent a minor facelift with new tail lights and trim.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1978_n10_3dr.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1978_n10_3dr.jpg)N10 - May 1978
The new, bigger Datsun Cherry arrived in 1978 with much more conventional styling but the same A series engines as the F10. The original four door sedan (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1978_n10_4dr.jpg) was joined by three and five door hatchbacks (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_n10_5dr.jpg) and a coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_kn10.jpg) three months after launch. As with most of Nissan models a wagon (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1978_wn10.jpg) and panel van (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_vn10.jpg) were also available. As with all Datsuns from this era the range of different options was huge ...far too many to cover here. The N10 had a major facelift in 1980 with all new square headlight front ends and plastic bumpers Less than a year later in March 1981 the A series engines were ditched in favour of the new E series units whuich required a major redesign of the front subframe. A curious move as the car only remained in production for another eleven months before being replaced by the N12 model. The late N10's were also sold as Pulsars and included an odd C211 Skyline lookalike (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1981_n10_pulsar.jpg) version badged as a Langley. The N10 was sold as a 310 in North America.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1978_sado.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1978_sado.jpg)Unknown model code - 1978
This curious little commercial vehicle was called the Sado and was named after the river running near the Entreposto assembly plant in Portugal where it was built. The Sado used Datsun 1200 Sunny running gear and an A12 engine under a very simple body. Only the engine, suspension and frame were sourced from Japan , the rest of it was locally produced in Portugal. Because over 60% of the vehicle was locally produced it was considered a domestic vehicle rather than an import and as such was cheaper. The Sado came is a variety os styles including pickup, van and mini-bus.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1979_s110_coupe.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_s110_coupe.jpg)S110 - March 1979
The S10 Nissan Silvia was replaced by the S110 in 1979. The S110 was sold both as a Silvia and a Gazelle with quite a large choice of models and engines. L series engines featured in most models although the new Z series made an apearance in a few, most notably in the Turbo Silvia and Gazelle. The original coupe S110 was joined by a fastback (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_s110_hatch.jpg) version in August 1979. Many countries only ever got this version of the Silvia S110. The last version of the S110 is probably the best of the bunch. The 2000RS model was introduced in 1982 and was powered by the potent FJ20E, a rally bred DOHC 16V 2000cc engine. The 2000RS was available in both Silvia and Gazelle bodies.http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1979_430.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_430.jpg)430 - June 1979
The 430 was the last of the straight six L series powered Cedrics and Glorias. The sedan now had coil springs on the rear and the double wishbone front suspension was revised. The new styling was somewhat dull in comparison to the 330 model but was not a bad looking car. Differences between the cedric and Gloria were externally small. Buyers now could choose between 2800cc petrol engines and 2200cc Diesel. This time there was no coupe version only the foor door sedan, four door hardtop (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_430_4drht.jpg) and wagon.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1979_910_4dr.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_910_4dr.jpg)910 - November 1979
The last Bluebird to feature rear wheel drive and carry the Datsun name was the 910 series. The 910 came as a four door sedan, wagon (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1981_w910.jpg), two door hardtop coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1979_k910.jpg). the range came with L series engine varying from 1600cc to 2000cc as wells as Z series and CA series in various markets. The most potent was probably the Z18ET powered SSS-S model that came in 1980. A four (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1982_910_4drht.jpg) door hardtop joined the lineup in 1982 and the cars recieved updated black plastic bumpers minus the chrome tops of earlier cars. the 910 was replaced by the front wheel drive U11 in 1983 except for Australia where the rear wheel drive model continued on as the TRX. A six cylinder model of the 910 was marketed in America as the Maxima in both sedan and wagon versions although I cannot find mention of such a version being sold in Japan. I know it had an L28E fitted and had the customary extended front of the previous G6 models. I will add details when i know more about this one.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1980_f30.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1980_f30.jpg)F30 - September 1980
The Nissan Leopard came in two body styles, the four door sedan (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1980_f30.jpg) and two door coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1980_kf30.jpg). The Leopard was not officially exported although many did find their way to other countries in private hands. The engines used include 1800cc four cylinder and 2000cc or 2800cc six cylinder. In 1984 a V6 model was intoduced using the VG30E 3000cc engine as used in the 300ZX (Z31).

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1980_c31.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1980_c31.jpg)C31 - November 1980
The 1980 Laurel was the last to be badged a Datsun in export markets. This time the sedan and four door hardtop (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1980_c31_ht.jpg) remained but there was no coupe version. Initially the C31 came with a choice of 1800cc, 2000cc and 2800cc engines plus a choice of 2000cc or 2800cc diesels. The styling was pretty uninteresting but it was not an ugly car, most typical of Nissan range for the 1980's. the C31's got a minor facelift in late '81 and in 1982 the Z18 engined models were replaced by CA18's. Export models could be bought with carburettor L20A or L24 engines or a diesel. the hardtop models came with IRS and sedans had live axles.160 - 1980
Nissan Patrol

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1981_r30.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1981_r30.jpg)R30 - August 1981
The R30 Skyline was largely based on the underpinnings of the C31 Laurel, in fact nearly all the floor, chassis and inner structure is the same. Depending on specification and market, the cars could have either indpendant rear suspension of a live axle and a choice of 1800cc four or 2000cc six cylinder engines. There was also a turbo 2L six cylinder and a 2.8L diesel version. Body styles includes four door sedan, two door hardtop (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1981_kr30.jpg), a wagon and a hatchback (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1981_r30_hatch.jpg). In October 1981 the awesome DOHC 2000RS model was introduced with a 190hp 2000cc four cylinder 16 valve turbo engine. I'm fairly sure that the R30 never carried Datsun badges in any country but it does fall into the Datsun era so I've included it here.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1982_n12.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1982_n12.jpg)N12 - April 1982
The N12 was the last to be called a Cherry although the Pulsar name lived on the the family line continued afterward with the N13, N14 etc. Only the first N12's were badged as Datsuns and all used the E series engine. The Datsun versions came as three and five door hatchbacks. The N12 went on to be produced as a Nissan in other body styles including the coupe (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1983_n12_exa.jpg) and cabriolet known as a Pulsar EXA and a sedan (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1982_n12_4dr.jpg) version that had an extended trunk. The N12 was also produced with the flat four Alfa Romeo Alfasud engine as an Alfa Romeo Arna (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1982_n12_arna.jpg) and by Nissan as the Nissan Cherry Europe. The N12 also became available in the high performance E15ET powered Cherry Turbo version (Pulsar ET) eventually.

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1982_m10.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1982_m10.jpg)M10 - August 1982
The M10 Prairie just about qualifies for a mention here as the very first ones carried the Datsun badge. The Prairie was quite a pioneer in a way as it was an early version of the mini MPV's (Multi Purpose Vehicle) that are so popular today. Access was excellent with it's dual sliding rear side doors and high roof. Another unusual aspect if it's design was the total absence of a center pillar (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1982_m10_side.jpg) between the front and rear doors. The front wheel drive Prairie was initially available with the E15 SOHC engine that featured in the smaller N12 Cherry or the CA18S, also a SOHC design. In late 1985 a 2000cc four wheel drive Prairie (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1985_M10_4wd.jpg) was launched in Japan and a few selected countries around the world.


http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1982_k10.jpg (http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/images/1982_k10.jpg)K10 - October 1982
The Nissan March or Micra as it's sometimes known was one of the last models to carry the Datsun name. Only the very first of these little hatchbacks wore the Datsun badge alongside the Nissan name that was to replace it. The March was a conventional small FWD car with a transverse 1000cc engine and four speed transmittion. The early model ran for about six months before being updated and losing the Datsun badges forever. The early models feature slightly different rear styling and rather odd looking high back seats with built in headrests.

[Chito]

Yo tuve un N12 de agencia!!!! Solo que era Nissan Pulsar!!!! Excelente carro...

[LordPhantom***]

X3
Que buen info..

[DanCG]

http://www.ratdat.com/history/1973to1982/thumbnails/1977_a10_stanza_4dr.jpg

Algun dia voy a levantar mi A10 Violet y dejarlo parecido a este :adorar:

http://homepage3.nifty.com/group4rally/img649.gif http://homepage1.nifty.com/rally43/Models/Vote/Result/160js.jpg

[Sammy]

otra vez no esta el B120 :llanto:

[full17]

el 710 me gusta. fue el carro de mi mama un carro recontra fiel