Classic Car Catalogue
Datsun / Nissan 1978
Japan
DATSUN CHERRY From £2,296
Slightly enlarged last year, the popular Japanese model offers more internal space, and there are no less than seven Cherries for the picking. The front-drive Cherries come in two and four-door saloon guise, and there is a useful three-door Estate as well, all powered by transverse 998 cc engines. The FII two-door manual is offered in 'L' trim only but all other models, saloons and estate come as GLS versions which are available also with automatic transmission. There is also a 2+2 Coupé, with 1171 cc 52 bhp engine and 85 mph performance. The Coupé's rear seat folds and there is a lift-up rear door for loading the big luggage area.
London show review
Slightly enlarged last year, the popular Japanese model offers more internal space, and there are no less than seven Cherries for the picking. The front-drive Cherries come in two and four-door saloon guise, and there is a useful three-door Estate as well, all powered by transverse 998 cc engines. The FII two-door manual is offered in 'L' trim only but all other models, saloons and estate come as GLS versions which are available also with automatic transmission. There is also a 2+2 Coupé, with 1171 cc 52 bhp engine and 85 mph performance. The Coupé's rear seat folds and there is a lift-up rear door for loading the big luggage area.
London show review
DATSUN LAUREL From £4,347
Six-cylinder Datsun saloon has executive trim, upholstery, and appointment. Seats are deep, steering column instantly-adjustable for angle, a quartz clock is standard equipment, seat belts retract into body pillars for neatness, and the radio aerial is housed in the windscreen pillars to minimise wind noise. The smooth-running in-line six-cylinder engine has seven main bearings and a chain-driven overhead camshaft. A relatively low compression ratio enables the engine to run on the lower-grade fuels, but it is a spirited performer, and cruises quietly on motorways. There is a choice of four-speed manual gearbox or fully-automatic transmission.
London show review
Six-cylinder Datsun saloon has executive trim, upholstery, and appointment. Seats are deep, steering column instantly-adjustable for angle, a quartz clock is standard equipment, seat belts retract into body pillars for neatness, and the radio aerial is housed in the windscreen pillars to minimise wind noise. The smooth-running in-line six-cylinder engine has seven main bearings and a chain-driven overhead camshaft. A relatively low compression ratio enables the engine to run on the lower-grade fuels, but it is a spirited performer, and cruises quietly on motorways. There is a choice of four-speed manual gearbox or fully-automatic transmission.
London show review
DATSUN 280C From £5,614
Known in Japan as the Cedric, the 280C is another of Datsun's six-cylinder models, with 2.8-litre engine, and is made both as a four-door saloon and five-door Estate. With a width of 169 cm there is plenty of elbow room, and the saloon's 18.5 cu. ft. luggage boot is cavernous. With rear seat folded the estate has 38 cu. ft. of load space. Both saloon and estate models are available with manual or automatic transmission. The big saloon (and estate) are rather transatlantic in appearance, particularly in the front bumper treatment, but the 280C is a fast, quiet cruiser with the accent on comfort. There is also a diesel model, not available in Britain.
London show review
Known in Japan as the Cedric, the 280C is another of Datsun's six-cylinder models, with 2.8-litre engine, and is made both as a four-door saloon and five-door Estate. With a width of 169 cm there is plenty of elbow room, and the saloon's 18.5 cu. ft. luggage boot is cavernous. With rear seat folded the estate has 38 cu. ft. of load space. Both saloon and estate models are available with manual or automatic transmission. The big saloon (and estate) are rather transatlantic in appearance, particularly in the front bumper treatment, but the 280C is a fast, quiet cruiser with the accent on comfort. There is also a diesel model, not available in Britain.
London show review
DATSUN SUNNY SALOON From £2,659
Latest Sunny from the big Japanese manufacturer replaces the Sunny 120Y (which was Britain's best-selling 'traditional' imported car) and is available with two or four doors. The restyled body has more room and comfort, the latter being contributed to by a new knitted nylon velour from a British mill. The body has a big-car look, is fully-carpeted, and complete with electric clock, pushbutton radio, and heated rear window. Luggage boot capacity has been increased by 11 per cent, and bootlid opens wider for easier loading. Much work has gone into anti-corrosion measures with door drain channels, and front wing arches lined with plastic.
London show review
DATSUN SUNNY COUPE From £2,981
Smart and sprightly new Sunny Coupé has crisp lines, a 1.4-litre engine, and five-speed gearbox. The two-door body is roomy, and there is a clever "walk-in" facility which slides the front seat forward as it is folded to permit passengers to enter the rear compartment (the two-door Sunny saloon also has this feature). The Coupé is equipped with radio, rev-counter, tinted glass, and the luggage compartment is reached through a rear panel which opens on pneumatic struts. The rear seat folds for a near-estate interior. Like the Sunny saloons, the Coupé has its rear axle located by four links, and brakes are servo-assisted.
London show review
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