Datsun
Datsun traces its origins to the DAT automobile created in Japan in 1914, while the Datsun name was adopted in 1932 for a range of compact vehicles. As a Nissan marque, Datsun gradually built an international reputation with cars that were straightforward, affordable and suited to a wide range of markets. The Bluebird, Sunny, 510 and 240Z represent different sides of that history: family transport, economy-car mobility, export success and accessible sports performance. The brand also played a role in Japan’s shift toward private car ownership during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly through models such as the Sunny 1000. After Nissan progressively replaced the Datsun name in the early 1980s, the marque returned in 2013 with the GO, aimed primarily at developing and fast-growing automotive markets.
Models from A to Z
100A
1200
120Y 140Y
140J 160J
1500 1600 Sports
1600
1800
180B
200
2000
200SX
210
220
240C
240Z
260C
260Z
280C
280Z
280ZX
510
810 Maxima
B-210
Bluebird
Cedric
Cherry
Cross
Fairlady
GO
K-Series
Laurel
mi-DO
on-DO
Patrol
Silvia
Stanza
Sunny
Sunny AD
Truck
Vanette
Datsun overview
Datsun history
Datsun’s story begins with Kwaishinsha Jidosha Kojo, the company behind the DAT automobile. According to Nissan, the DAT name was formed from the initials of three investors connected with the project. In 1931, the company developed a small 500 cc car called Datson, but the name Datsun was chosen when the vehicle went on sale in March 1932. This development reflected the growing importance of compact vehicles within Japan’s automotive industry. After Nissan Motor was established in 1934, Datsun became one of the company’s main names for passenger cars, particularly in export markets. The Bluebird, introduced in 1959, marked an important stage in the brand’s expansion, while the 1966 Sunny 1000 supported Japan’s movement toward widespread private car ownership. During the 1960s and 1970s, the range grew to include sedans, estates, utility vehicles and sports cars. The 510 became notable for its four-wheel independent suspension and strong international reputation. The 240Z, sold as the Fairlady Z in Japan from 1969, gave Datsun a high-profile sports car and increased its global visibility through competition success. Nissan then began replacing the Datsun name with Nissan branding during the early 1980s. The marque returned in 2013 with the Datsun GO.
Datsun positioning
Datsun occupied different positions depending on the period and market. In its classic era, the marque mainly represented Nissan’s compact passenger cars for buyers seeking controlled prices, accessible mechanicals and practical everyday use. The Bluebird and Sunny reflected that approach, offering sedans designed for family transport and international distribution. Models such as the 120Y, 140Y, 160J and 210 continued the same formula during the 1970s, while pickups and commercial vehicles broadened the range. That practical identity did not exclude a sporting dimension. The 510 and 240Z helped associate Datsun with lightness, responsive handling and attainable performance. It would nevertheless be misleading to define the brand only through the 240Z: much of Datsun’s historical presence came from small cars, family sedans and export models. When Nissan revived the marque in 2013, it once again placed Datsun at the entry level, this time with vehicles intended primarily for developing and fast-growing automotive markets. The result was a brand with a distinct historical identity but a changing commercial role.
Recognizing a Datsun in a photo
Identifying a Datsun starts with the vehicle’s period and original market. Older cars may carry Datsun badges on the grille, steering wheel or trunk, but model names often changed between countries. The same family can therefore be identified by a model name, a chassis code or a different export designation. Bluebird and Sunny models are generally compact sedans with restrained styling, while the 510 is commonly associated with its boxier shape and more responsive driving character. Sports models require additional care: the Fairlady Z sold in Japan corresponds to the 240Z in several export markets, including North America. Chassis references such as P310, P510 and S30 can be more useful than badges alone when determining a generation. Restorations, facelifted grilles and locally assembled cars can further complicate identification. A manufacturer plate, chassis number, engine type and lamp design are therefore stronger evidence than a logo by itself. Period brochures and market-specific specifications are especially useful when two visually similar cars carry different names.
Important Datsun models
The Bluebird is one of the central lines in the range, with ScanRacer coverage extending from 1959 to 1979. The Sunny, represented from 1966 to 1978, forms the other major family of compact and affordable sedans. The 510 deserves particular attention: Nissan describes it as using a single-overhead-cam engine and four-wheel independent suspension, while its rally results helped establish its reputation for capable handling. The 1200, 100A and 120Y 140Y illustrate the importance of small cars during the 1970s. The 180B, 140J 160J, 200, 2000, 210 and 280C demonstrate the breadth of the catalogue, ranging from family sedans to larger models. Although it is not included in the supplied model selection, the 240Z remains essential to understanding Datsun’s international profile. Introduced at the end of 1969, it combined a six-cylinder engine and sports-car layout with a price positioning that made its performance more accessible than that of many European competitors.
References
- Birth of Datsun and origin of the brand nameNissan Heritage Collection
- Nissan’s BeginningsNissan Motor Corporation
- 1960s company historyNissan Motor Corporation
- Nissan Legends: Datsun Bluebird 510Nissan Heritage Collection
- Datsun 240ZNissan Heritage Collection
- 115th Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting Business ReportNissan Motor Corporation
- https://www.autobelle.it/en/b/DATSUN.xhtmlautobelle.it