Datsun is an automobile brand owned by Nissan since 1931. Between 1958 and 1986, vehicles exported by Nissan were identified as Datsun in international markets. However by 1986 Nissan had phased out the Datsun brand name.
In June 2013, Nissan revived the Datsun brand for low-cost vehicles specifically made for emerging markets. Now, however, Nissan has again decided to pull the plugs on the Datsun brand due to its crisis-recovery plan, and Datsun will likely stay alive only in India—the only market in the world where the resurrected brand sells well.
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Obviously for a good majority of young blood, Datsun is all about Go or Go Plus that are being Googled these days. But for those like me with their hair turning into grey, we have seen some very different & popular Datsun cars in our early hood. It used to be a household name back then and plenty of Datsun models saw tremendous success in our market and were found quite frequently on the roads.
One of those successful Datsun cars was the 120Y– the name which was applied to B210 and B310 generations of Nissan Sunny models sold to some export markets including Pakistan. The Datsun 120Y was the third generation (B210) Sunny that debuted in May 1973. It was a perfect example of simple & robust engineering, from the 1.2-liter OHV engine to the rear leaf springs, and above all its phenomenal fuel consumption. This was a prime selling point of the car since it made its debut during the 1973 oil crisis so fuel economy was something people preferred above anything else.
Plus, not only was the 120Y a lightweight car and very easy to drive but it was also known for its effortless gear change and remarkably safe handling. The B210 series Datsun 120Y came equipped with head restraints, two-speed wipers, a cigarette lighter, a clock, and a radio as standard equipment. The design of the vehicle was simple yet attractive with those distinctive lovely tail-lights, which we as kids used to relate to the juicy ice lolly. Its interior was a huge improvement over its predecessor and I can still remember its dashboard with those pull-type switches for headlights, wipers, and a large analog clock right next to the speedometer.
The Sunny was available in different body configurations including a 2 or 4 door saloon, a 5-door station wagon, a 3-door van and a fastback coupe. In our market during the 70s, though the sedan dominated in numbers, one can still come across quite a few station wagons and coupes. And while most 120Y had 1.2 liter engine under their hood, there were more powerful 1.4 liter versions also available in the market.
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Towards 1978 the B210 was replaced by the B310 which was the last rear-wheel driven Sunny model. It was stylistically much more streamlined and looked quite modern considering that era. The facelift was introduced towards 1980 with squarish headlamps, revised broader tail lamps and redesigned dashboard.
Sold between 1978 and 1982, the B310 series 120Y was also available in numerous variants, including a 2 or 4 door sedan, 5-door station wagon, 3-door van and fastback coupe. It received a new A12A engine as well as a slightly larger A14 engine, due to which the car was badged as 120Y as well as 140Y depending on the market where it was exported.
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Of course, the Datsun 120Y was not the epitome of automotive perfection, still it was dependable and saw success not through some technological breakthrough but because it was honest, reliable and faithful everyday transport. By 1982 the B310 series 120Y was replaced by the B11 series Sunny, which was sold under the Nissan nameplate in our market and hence the chapter of Datsun cars in Pakistan came to an end.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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