Tag: Nissan

  • Mixed feelings: Datsun 411 Wagon with rotary

    Mixed feelings: Datsun 411 Wagon with rotary

    Here we have another Datsun with a rotary swap, but this one’s in one of my favorite models, the 411 Wagon. This looks like it could use some finishing, but it qualifies as a bit of a rat rod, as is.  If the claimed mechanical work was done and done well, this isn’t a terrible…

  • At least it’s not a Fiero: 300ZX F40 Kit Car

    At least it’s not a Fiero: 300ZX F40 Kit Car

    Here’s a kit we’ve never seen – sorta-kinda F40 looks on a Z32 Nissan 300ZX. Honestly, this is not as hideous as a lot of these kits, but we just have to ask why.  It’s not a convincing Ferrari from any angle and likely from any distance.  Also, this doesn’t appear to be a twin…

  • Vitamin Z

    Vitamin Z

    Yes, someone actually did this to a Z32 Twin Turbo.  Here we have an over-the-top show car based on a 1990 300ZX TT.  Fittingly, the car is stock mechanically and has an automatic trans, despite all the souped-up looks and the faux nitrous tank.  If you want to pose, this is the car for you!…

  • Rare and Complete with Battle Scars: Nissan Stanza 4WD Wagon

    Rare and Complete with Battle Scars: Nissan Stanza 4WD Wagon

    In the mid-to-late 80s, the three major Japanese automakers decided they needed small- to medium-sized wagons with 4WD, perhaps to compete with Subaru and Eagle.  Or, maybe they knew AWD was coming on the Tempo/Topaz twins and that they wouldn’t add wagon variants.  This was Nissan’s version, known as the Prairie in Japan and some…

  • Recent, yet Rare: Altima SE-R 6MT

    Recent, yet Rare: Altima SE-R 6MT

    The Altima SE-R was one of the best cars Nissan never really launched.  It came with an upgraded engine (vs. the regular V6 Altima), drove well, handled well, soundned great, had some cool interior bits and had beautiful forged wheels.  Why have you hardly heard of it?  It’s because almost nothing was spent to launch…

  • We love costume rims

    We love costume rims

    The second generation Infiniti M was a bit of a stopgap.  At the time, the brand had launched the last-generation Q45 and was launching the G35, so this filled the mid-luxury segment and fit with the new rear-drive image.  It was put together pretty quickly and based on the Japan market Gloria – you know,…

  • Another fly in/Drive home car?

    Another fly in/Drive home car?

    We love the 411 series Datsun Bluebird, what with its groovy Pininfarina styling and bichin, curved dash.  This ’66 is likely a 1.3-liter car.  We’d prefer a 1967 with the 1.6L, but none of these is going to be fast.  They’re fun in a slow way.  These come up fairly often in poor condition, but…

  • Fly in drive home?  Datsun U320 extended cab

    Fly in drive home? Datsun U320 extended cab

    In our recent feature on a ‘normal’ 60s Datsun 320 Truck, we mentioned there was a version called the U320.   That was the more car-like, extended cab version.  While the regular cab reminds one of an early 60s Falcon Ranchero, we’re not sure there’s ever been another ‘truck’ like this one.  They basically stuck…

  • Clean, early Datsun truck

    Clean, early Datsun truck

    Trucks effectively made Datsun in the US and few realize their history goes back to the 1930s.  This is an early 60s 320 model and is the one that caught on from a volume perspective.  Apparently, the can on this one was extended after the fact, but this modification appears to be so well done…

  • We’re in love: 1978 Datsun 200SX five speed

    We’re in love: 1978 Datsun 200SX five speed

    We’ve thought of this car as “so ugly it’s cool” ever since a friend down the street had one very similar to today’s subject car.  These days, the styling is growing on us in its own weird way, plus it’s clear that the F10 will always be the ugliest Datsun (barring anything new out of…