In the 1970s, we became acquainted with the Japanese car industry on a larger scale in the Netherlands. The Nissan Cherry, sold here until 1983 as Datsun, was one of the models with which the Asians really established themselves in our country.
Just as many still look suspiciously at the advance of Chinese car manufacturers in Europe, 50 years ago, Japanese brands were looked at. That wouldn’t stay that way for long, because it soon turned out that they were good cars for a relatively friendly price. Also the Nissan Cherry, which was first sold as Datsun. A compact front-wheel drive car with a carriage that is still reasonably different from the European competitors.
The success of the first generation (E10) left us wanting more, so the second generation F-II appeared in 1974, which came to the Netherlands in 1976. It was a bit bigger than the E10 and, moreover, for the American market, the engine range was expanded at the top with a 1.4 four-cylinder. This 1977 copy has the more modest 1.0 in its nose. The smallest motor, to which the Datsun also owes its ‘name’ 100A. Whoever had a 120A had the 1.2.
As quickly as these compact Datsuns populated the Dutch roads, they disappeared again. That makes it extra fun that this red one is still there, although you should not expect a competition condition car. At first glance, the grille frame seems to hang a bit loosely and we also spot a tear in the driver’s seat, but these shortcomings should hardly have a name. The paintwork and the body still look pretty sleek and the interior certainly doesn’t look bad either.
However, we do question the technical condition of the car. According to the registration data, it has not had a valid MOT since 1999. That is very long. With a little love it can probably be made roadworthy again and then you have a nice piece of Japanese car history at home. You must first be prepared to pay just under €7,000 for it.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl