in

Datsun, not Austin

Datsun

Wherever you read, whatever you read about the very first Datsun, every time you are made clear that it was an Austin Seven built in Japan for the Japanese market. Unfortunately, that's nonsense.

The DAT Corporation in Yokohama has been producing cars since 1914, but it was realized in the 1920s that profits were made from government assignments. They were heavy trucks. In Japan, it was arranged in 1930 that a driver's license was not required if a car with an engine with a cylinder capacity of less than 500 cm3 was driven. Moreover, such a car was allowed on the road at a greatly reduced rate in terms of motor vehicle tax. DAT moved to that market in 1931 and called it "Datson", the "son of DAT '.

Conclusion

It later became Datsun to distinguish itself from trucks and larger passenger cars. In addition, "are 'in Japanese' loss' and that did not fit directly into the company's strategy. It was hardly surprising that the new Datsun Type 11 was almost a copy of the Austin Seven. An Austin engineer - hoping for expansion in Japan - already summarized all drawings and data from the Seven in 1929 in a book that "The British Light Car was called - left there. Only in 1935, when production was already well underway, did Herbert Austin find out, but did not take action because the Austin Seven would go out of production in the same year ...

In retrospect, Herbert Austin would have been well advised not to take action, because in the early 1950s the Austin Motor Company entered into a deal with the Nissan Motor Company - which DAT had already taken over in 1934 - for the Austin A40 Somerset for the Japanese market. Such a success that the Austin A50 Cambridge followed. Incidentally, this brought a lot of knowledge to Nissan with which they could later produce their own Datsuns and say goodbye to the British car manufacturer in a responsible way. Nissan used the Datsun brand name until the early 1980s. In 2013 it was decided to breathe new life into the Datsun brand name.

For the photo: Datsun Type 11, a 'private' car and not a licensed Austin Seven

DON'T MISS ANY ARTICLE AGAIN

REGISTER FOR FREE

AND WE SEND YOU OUR NEWSLETTER EVERY DAY WITH THE LATEST STORIES ABOUT CLASSIC CARS AND MOTORCYCLES

Select other newsletters if necessary

We won't send you spam! Read us privacy Policy .

2 Comments

Leave a Reply
  1. Yes, Datsun. In 1971 I bought a Datsun cherry 100A, the first 4 drs. In the Netherlands, which stood 6 weeks dressed up at the then dealer Nonnekes in the center of Hilversum. So with the narrow rear lights, headrests in the back seat and just like the mini a plastic air tunnel next to the engine with radiator, this made a lot of noise! Believe that 2 months later a change came with the radiator with an electric fin. This has been adjusted by Datsun free of charge for my 100A! In 1972 engine replaced by an 1200 copy of Jan-Speed, car weighed 670KG and with about 85 / 90 hp that laughter the front tires were on quickly! Technically you know, the link was replaced within the 15 minutes, how I can tell that later.
    My Datsun is 20 years old with about 310.000km and four owners, he was good in the Dinitrol anti-rust but the last owner brought him to the demolition because the windshield was broken !!

  2. I have had a Datsun Stanza, one of the last Datsun models from '83.
    The successor, the Bluebird, was already a Nissan.
    Datsun is now seen as Nissan's budget brand, like Dacia is Renault's… but they were fine cars on the same level as their parent brand.

Give a reaction

The email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

The maximum upload file size: 8 MB. you can upload: image. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here




Now on newsstands

View the nearly forty-page preview at this link or a click on the cover.

The December issue, containing:

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super
    Erik van Putten explores the timeless charm of the Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super, with images of Bart Spijker and himself. The story delves into the world of Alfaenthusiast Koen de Groot, whose family is deeply rooted in the Alfa Romeo culture. Koens' special relationship with his Giulia, a car he has cherished for years and which will soon receive an impressive upgrade, is highlighted. The Giulia symbolizes car love and heritage, a passion enriched by Koen's father Frans, a Alfa Romeo expert and enthusiast.
  • Double Used Type Designations
    Peter Ecury unravels fascinating stories from the automotive world in the 32nd episode of his series on double-used type designations. This edition provides an update on the rumors surrounding Peugeot and Porsche and delves into the history of the type designation '142', used by brands such as Volvo and Austin. Ecury also discusses the evolution of the term 'GT' and the controversial use of the letters 'SS' in car names after WWII, with examples such as the Chevrolet Impala SS and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS.
  • Ducati 750GT, 860GT and 900GTS
    Hans Smid highlights the Ducati round carts, produced from 1972 to 1974, which combine minimalist beauty with unique technology. This article describes Ducati's drive for innovation and the creation of these models, highlights the challenges and costs of collecting them, and shows Ducati's journey from near ruin to iconic status.
  • Horex Imperator
    Marina Block tells the story of the Horex Imperator, an iconic motorcycle from the 50s, known for its sportiness and advanced technology. Despite the closure of the factories, Horex remained known, partly due to the cartoon character Werner and recent reissues. The Imperator, with its innovative parallel twin and overhead camshaft, inspired later designs and has been praised for its quality and design, despite limited sales success.
  • ClassicPost
    Readers of Auto Motor Klassiek share their discoveries and experiences. Eddy Joustra discovers a Peugeot 203 pickup in Heerenveen, while Robert Reessink photographs a unique Moto Guzzi moped in Italy. Stories range from Chris van Haarlem's Scottish scooter adventures to Bram Drooger's discovery of a Rolls-Royce Corniche and two FIAT 850s. Ben de Man finds a special Chevrolet Step-Van in the Netherlands, and readers share corrections and additions to previously published articles.
  • Nissan Silvia 1.8 Turbo
    Aart van der Haagen reveals the history of a rare Nissan Silvia 1.8 Turbo, originally registered as a commercial vehicle. The first owner transformed the car into a family-friendly vehicle, and Jan Manenschijn now cherishes this unrestored gem with only 67.000 kilometers on the odometer.
  • Peugeot 205 collection Team VCC Twente
    Aart van der Haagen highlights Team VCC Twente's collecting passion for Peugeot 205 models. Brothers Peter and Niek Olde Veldhuis collected unique examples such as the GTI and CTI, and even a rare 1.9 GTI Dimma. Their collection shows the transformation of a once ordinary model into a special classic.
  • Volvo and Classic Cars
    Alain Pondman from Volvo Lotte speaks about the true value of classic cars. He criticizes the trend of cheap, poorly maintained classics on Marktplaats, emphasizes the importance of making memories with vintage cars, and advises buyers to invest in quality and durability.
  • Volkswagen Beetle 1955 - Second life
    Max de Krijger tells the story of Hendrik Jan Hofman, a passionate Kever restorer. Hofman brought a badly damaged 1955 Beetle back to life with a dedication to perfection and detail. This green Beetle, complete with handmade high chair and open roof, reflects his craftsmanship. Hofman is now considering selling the Beetle to focus on a new project.
  • ClassicPost
    In the KlassiekerPost section of Auto Motor Klassiek enthusiastic readers share their unique finds and personal experiences. Eddy Joustra comes across a rare Peugeot 203 pickup in Heerenveen. Robert Reessink captures a unique Moto Guzzi moped on camera in Italy. Chris van Haarlem shares his Scottish scooter adventures, including an unexpected encounter with an Austin A30 on the Isle of Skye. Bram Drooger spots an elegant Rolls-Royce Corniche and two FIAT 850s. Ben de Man discovers a special Chevrolet Step-Van in the Netherlands. This section illustrates the diversity and deep-rooted passion of classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts, with stories ranging from local discoveries to international treasures. In addition, readers provide valuable corrections and additions to previously published articles, such as PBTM Matthijssen's input on the Ardie/Dürkopp Dianette, which contributes to the rich and versatile content of the magazine.
  • Once again almost twenty pages of short messages about everything that has to do with classics
  • And of course our section 'Classics' where you can shop around in search of your next classic.

The perfect reading material for an evening or more of undisturbed dreaming. It is now in stores. A subscription is of course better, because then you will no longer miss a number and you are also much cheaper. Not bad in these expensive times.

Mainstream

Classics: Mainstream or unique?

BMW

BMW mono suspension boxers