Nissan’s journey in the automotive world is intertwined with the story of Datsun. While Nissan faced headwinds in 2020, including the fallout from the Carlos Ghosn scandal and global economic shifts, leading to cost-cutting measures and strategic realignments, the heritage of the Datsun Car brand remains a significant chapter in automotive history. This article delves into the fascinating evolution of Datsun, from its early beginnings to its most celebrated models, highlighting why the Datsun car holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide.
The story begins before the Datsun name even existed, with the creation of the DAT car in 1914 by Kaishinsha Motorcar Works (KMW) in Tokyo. This marked the genesis of what would eventually become Nissan. The name “DAT” was ingeniously formed from the initials of KMW’s founding partners. Datsun’s own production started in 1931, and from 1958 until 1986, Nissan vehicles exported globally proudly carried the Datsun badge. Initially intended to be named ‘Datson’ to signify its smaller size compared to the existing DAT car, the name evolved to ‘Datsun’ when Nissan took control in 1934. This change was influenced by the negative connotation of “son” in Japanese as “loss,” and the positive symbolism of the rising sun in Japan’s flag, making ‘Datsun’ a more auspicious and globally appealing brand name.
By 1986, Nissan transitioned to using its own name worldwide, phasing out the Datsun moniker. However, in a strategic move in June 2013, Nissan resurrected Datsun as a budget-friendly brand aimed at emerging markets like India, Indonesia, and Russia, addressing the need for affordable transportation in these regions. As Nissan refocuses on key markets and premium segments, the legacy of the Datsun car, with its blend of affordability, reliability, and surprising innovation, continues to resonate. Let’s explore ten significant Datsun models that exemplify the brand’s vibrant past.
Datsun 11 Phaeton – 1932: The Controversial Start of the Datsun Car
The Datsun 11 Phaeton, launched in 1932, was Datsun’s first passenger car. Approximately 150 units were sold in various body styles during its single year of production. Its resemblance to the Austin Seven Ruby, with similar engine displacement and dimensions, sparked controversy. The Datsun 11 was seen as a direct copy of the Austin, raising questions about licensing and approval from the British automotive giant. Intriguingly, years later, this early connection paved the way for a beneficial partnership. Post-World War II, Austin licensed its A40 Somerset and A50 Cambridge models to Datsun for production in Japan, aiding Datsun’s growth as a car manufacturer.
Datsun Fairlady Sports 1000 (SPL213) – 1960: Birth of the Fairlady Legacy in a Datsun Car
Despite its unassuming aesthetics, the Datsun Fairlady Sports 1000 (SPL213) of 1960 holds immense significance as the precursor to a long line of Datsun and Nissan sports models. This four-seater, fiberglass-bodied roadster was the first to bear the Fairlady name, a moniker that would become legendary and is still used today for models like the Nissan 370Z. The Fairlady name itself is said to have been inspired by the musical ‘My Fair Lady’, reflecting Nissan’s aspiration for enduring popularity for this new Datsun car. Built on the chassis of the Datsun 1000 (PL210) sedan, the Fairlady Sports 1000 was Japan’s first attempt at a sports car. Due to its complex fiberglass construction, production numbers were limited, quickly leading to a steel-bodied successor with enhanced power and easier manufacturing.
Datsun Patrol MK II (60) – 1960: Conquering New Terrains with a Datsun Car
In 1951, Nissan introduced the Patrol, a rugged 4×4 designed as a Japanese response to the American Willys Jeep. Powered by a 4.0-liter straight-six engine producing 125PS, the original Datsun Patrol was a compact yet capable off-roader with a ladder frame chassis and leaf spring suspension. The second-generation Patrol 60, launched in 1960, further enhanced Nissan’s global reach, particularly in export markets like the United States and Australia. In the US, Datsun enlisted Roy Rogers, the “singing cowboy,” to promote the Patrol 60, alongside other Datsun vehicles, in television commercials, boosting brand awareness. In Australia, the Datsun Patrol 60 reportedly achieved a remarkable feat by being the first vehicle to cross the Simpson Desert, although this claim is debated. The Patrol 60 remained in production until 1980, paving the way for the more refined third-generation model, which marked the Patrol’s introduction to the UK and European markets.
Datsun (Fairlady) 1500-2000 Roadster – 1962: The True Sports Datsun Car Emerges
Resembling a Japanese MGB, the second-generation Datsun roadster debuted in 1962 as the Fairlady 1500 SP310. It featured a 1.5-liter, 85PS engine and was built on the platform of the Bluebird sedan. Evolving into the 1600 (SP311) in 1965 and the powerful 2000 (SR311) in 1967, the latter boasted a 145PS engine and a top speed of 125mph (205km/h), making it the fastest Nissan car at the time. The Fairlady 2000 marked Datsun’s entry into the realm of genuine sports cars, significantly enhancing the brand’s image globally, especially in the US. The Fairlady achieved a class victory at the inaugural Japanese Grand Prix in 1963 and, by the late 1960s, the 2000 Roadster captivated sports car enthusiasts worldwide, setting the stage for the iconic Fairlady Z in 1969.
Datsun Silvia 1600 Coupe – 1965: Italian Flair in a Datsun Car
The Datsun Silvia 1600 Coupe, introduced in 1965, exuded Italian style, reminiscent of the Lancia Fulvia or Alfa Romeo Giulia GT. Designed by German Count Albrecht Goertz, known for the BMW 503 roadster, the Silvia was sold as a Nissan in Japan but as a Datsun in export markets. This elegant coupe, internally designated CSP311, had a limited production run of only 554 units over three years. Positioned above the Fairlady range, the Silvia was a high-performance “personal coupe” sharing components with the Fairlady 1600. Its largely handmade construction contributed to its exclusivity and high price tag, almost double that of the next most expensive Nissan model in Japan at the time. Despite its brief production, the Silvia is often considered one of the most beautiful Datsun cars ever made, and the Silvia nameplate would later return in 1974 with the more angular Datsun 180SX-200SX coupe range.
Datsun (Bluebird) 510, 1300-1600 – 1968: Datsun Car Enters the Global Stage
The Datsun Bluebird 1300-1600 sedan and wagon range, along with the smaller Sunny 1000, marked Datsun’s entry into the British and European car markets in 1968. Offering value and generous equipment compared to domestic rivals like the Ford Escort and Vauxhall Viva, initial sales were modest as Japanese brands were still relatively unknown. However, in the United States, the Datsun 510 (as the Bluebird was known there) quickly gained popularity as a sporty and affordable alternative to the BMW 2002 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Berlina. With its advanced specifications including a 97PS 1.6-liter OHC engine and independent suspension, the Datsun 510 achieved motorsport success, winning the 1970 East African Safari Rally. This contributed to global sales exceeding 1.5 million units in five years. The Datsun 510 also excelled in the American Trans Am Series, winning its class in 1971 and 1972, and remains popular in amateur racing today. Nissan’s IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO concepts of 2013 were a clear homage to the iconic Datsun 510.
Datsun (Fairlady) 240Z – 1969: The Iconic Datsun Car That Changed Everything
The Datsun Fairlady 240Z, launched in 1969, is arguably the most famous and admired Datsun model. This groundbreaking sports car established the Datsun/Nissan Z lineage that continues with the current Nissan 370Z. The first-generation 240Z was an instant sensation, becoming Datsun’s halo car and firmly establishing the brand as a major global automotive player. Its sleek design, powerful 2.4-liter straight-six engine, lively performance, excellent value, and rally successes resonated worldwide, selling over 520,000 units. The 240Z redefined public perception of Datsun cars, cementing its place in automotive history. Initially co-developed with Yamaha, the 240Z evolved into 2+2 and larger-engined variants, including the 260Z and 280Z. While later Z models like the 280ZX became more grand tourers, the 240Z’s legacy as a pure sports car endures, and subsequent Z coupes have continued under the Nissan banner.
Datsun Cherry (E10) – 1971: Front-Wheel Drive Revolution in a Datsun Car
The Datsun Cherry, Nissan’s first front-wheel-drive car, was instrumental in Datsun’s sales surge in Britain and Europe in the early 1970s. Sales in the UK jumped from just over 6,000 in 1971 to over 30,000 the following year. Despite its somewhat unconventional styling, particularly the 120A Coupe version, the Datsun Cherry attracted buyers with its affordability, comprehensive standard equipment, and long warranty. Features like a radio and heated rear window, often optional extras on competitors like the Austin 1100 and Ford Escort, were standard on the Cherry. Even after the introduction of its F10 successor, the original 1.0-liter E10 Cherry remained popular and was sold until 1977, with even Janspeed racing versions to enhance its image.
Datsun Skyline GT-R (C10) – 1971: The Birth of a Performance Legend in a Datsun Car
Following Nissan’s merger with Prince Motor Company in 1966, the Prince Skyline, a respected Japanese performance model, transitioned to the Datsun banner. The third-generation Skyline C10, launched in 1968, marked this shift. The Skyline C10 generation introduced the first GT-R high-performance variant in 1969, initially as a sedan, followed by the GT-R Coupe in 1971. This 160PS 2.0-liter DOHC coupe established the signature flared wheel arches and quad taillights that became iconic GT-R design elements, still seen in today’s Nissan GT-R. While the C10 GT-R was primarily for the Japanese market, later Skyline models were exported, including to the UK as the 240K GT. The Datsun Skyline GT-R coupe has since become a global cult car, renowned in video games and among car enthusiasts.
Datsun GO – 2013: Datsun Car Reborn for a New Era
After Nissan retired the Datsun brand in 1986, it was revived in 2013 as a low-cost brand for emerging markets. The Datsun GO, a Fiesta-sized hatchback, was the first model of this new era. Sharing components with the Nissan Micra, including its engine and interior elements, the GO was designed to be an affordable car for markets like India, Indonesia, South Africa, and Russia. The GO was soon joined by the GO+ estate and the Cross crossover-styled variant. Despite a zero-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests, which raised concerns about its structural integrity, the Datsun GO continued to be sold in its target markets. In Russia, Datsun also offered the on-DO sedan and mi-DO hatchback, based on the Lada Granta, through the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Conclusion:
The Datsun car story is one of remarkable evolution, from its early Austin-inspired models to iconic sports cars like the 240Z and performance legends like the Skyline GT-R. Datsun’s legacy is built on a foundation of providing reliable, value-packed vehicles that resonated with diverse markets globally. While the brand has undergone transformations and strategic shifts under Nissan, the name Datsun evokes a rich history of automotive innovation and a lasting impact on the global car landscape. From pioneering front-wheel-drive technology to creating some of the most celebrated sports cars, Datsun’s contribution to the automotive world remains undeniable, and the story of the Datsun car continues to fascinate enthusiasts and historians alike.
