Nissan-Datsun

The Datsun name goes back to 1931, while the Nissan parent company used the Datsun nameplate on cars exported from Japan from 1958 to 1986. Whether under the Nissan or Datsun name, the cars themselves quickly became synonymous with practical, reliable transport. Eager to branch out into more exciting market segments, Nissan began production of the Fairlady convertible sports car in 1959. It was successful enough to remain in production for over a decade.

Replaced in 1971 by the hardtop 240Z with larger six cylinder engine, Nissan had an even bigger success on their hands. The 240Z was so good, and so competitively priced that it all but wiped out the British sports car industry within a decade. Unlike those British cars, the 240Z was comfortable, safe, fast and above all - reliable. A larger 260Z four-seat version was offered in the mid 70s and later Z cars lost some of their sportiness in favor of luxury, they remained popular.

Other famous Datsun models covered here at the 510 sedan (known as the 1600 in some markets) that became a rally champion through the 1970s. Successful models include the beautiful 1600 Coupe of the late ‘60s, to the 1970s era 120Y, 180B, 200B, Sunny and Stanza, and early ‘80s Pulsar and EXA turbos.

From the mid 1970s Nissan cleverly employed the superb alloy 240Z six cylinder engine in a series of sedans and hardtops known as the 240k that soon morphed into the Skyline. Although not raced initially, the Skyline went on to become a champion race car in various touring car competitions around the world thanks to the addition of turbochargers. In GTR guise, with not one but two turbos - the Skyline in racing trim was just about unbeatable.