Datsun Reviews and Road Tests

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2015-04-06.

Grew from a prototype develped by engineer Masujiro Hashimoto of Tokyo, and funded by K. Den, R. Aoyama and A. Takeuchi (the first letter from each last name making the acronym DAT). Went into production as a DAT 31 in 1915, powered by a 122ci 2 litre 4 cylinder engine. Concentrated on truck manufacture from 1926, although the Lila light car became increasingly popular, particularly with cab drivers. Acquired in 1931, the new owners quickly set about mass producing vehicles for the export market, their first attempt being an almost identical copy of the Austin Seven. Wanting to use the Japanese rising sun as part of its trademark, added the word SUN to DAT, creating DATSUN and having the rising sun as a background to their emblem. Turned again to Austin for inspiration after World War 2, the Bluebird’s quickly gaining popularity for robustness and reliability.

Collector Notes: The embryo of the Datsun 280ZX series was born with the Bluebird sports car of the 1960s. The original design was based on the components from the four-cylinder Datsun sedan, which in turn was based on the Austin A40. It started in 1963 as a Fairlady 1500, then graduated to a 1600cm3 engine in 1965 and finally with a five-speed 2000cm3 unit in 1967. Imports ceased in 1969. A promising investment, and owners that have sold their car soon regret their decision. Still affordable and highly desirable. Better yet, highly rewarding behind the wheel.

Also see: The History of Datsun | Nissan Car Reviews