What year did Datsun come out?
Datsun, the iconic Japanese automotive brand, first came onto the scene in 1931. Founded as the Dat Motorcar Company, the brand would go on to become a household name around the world, known for its affordable and reliable vehicles.
The Early Years of Datsun
Datsun's origins can be traced back to 1914, when the Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works was founded in Tokyo. The company's first car, called the DAT, was introduced in 1914. The name "DAT" was derived from the last initials of the company's three founders: Kenjiro Den, Rokuro Aoyama, and Meitaro Takeuchi.
In 1931, the company merged with the Jitsuyo Jidosha Co. and was renamed the Dat Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. It was at this time that the "Datsun" name was first used, a combination of the original "DAT" name and the English word "sun."
The Rise of Datsun
Over the following decades, Datsun grew to become one of Japan's leading automakers. The company introduced a series of popular models, including the Datsun 210, the Datsun 240Z, and the Datsun Pickup. Datsun's vehicles were known for their affordability, reliability, and innovative design, helping to establish the brand's reputation both in Japan and abroad.
In 1958, Datsun began exporting its vehicles to the United States, where they quickly gained a loyal following. The Datsun 240Z, introduced in 1969, was particularly successful in the American market, helping to cement Datsun's status as a global automotive brand.
The Nissan Takeover and the End of Datsun
In 1986, Datsun's parent company, Nissan, decided to consolidate its brands under the Nissan name. As a result, the Datsun name was retired, and all Datsun models were rebranded as Nissans. This marked the end of the Datsun brand, but the legacy of the company's innovative and affordable vehicles lives on to this day.
Why was the 240Z so famous?
With a 2.4L 151 horsepower engine, the 240Z brought power and style to the everyday driver. In competition with now-classic muscle cars and other sports cars, the 240Z two-seater offered a top speed of 125mph and 0-60 in only 8 seconds – a feat that beat out most competitors by far.
What does Datsun stand for?
Origin of the “DATSUN” name comes from “DAT Car” that Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works first produced in 1914. “DAT” are the initials of three investors in Kwaishinsha and “SON” stands for a son of DAT. But it was changed to “DATSUN” because the word SON evoked a negative image of “loss” in Japanese.
What year did Datsun become Toyota?
Well, before there was Toyota, there was Datsun. Its first cars went on sale in Japan in 1931, a half a decade before Toyota's. Datsun was a key part of the global car market until 1986, when Datsun's owner, Nissan Motor Company, controversially scrapped the brand name in favor of its own.
When did Datsun enter the US?
1958
Datsun comes to America
The first Datsun introduced to the U.S. market in 1958 was the Datsun 1000, built on the same platform as the Datsun pickup truck.
Why did Datsun change name to Nissan?
"The decision to change the name Datsun to Nissan in the U.S. was announced in the autumn (September/October) of 1981. The rationale was that the name change would help the pursuit of a global strategy.
Is Datsun 280Z rare?
With so many examples having been produced, the cars are far from rare, which has helped to keep prices reasonable. While a mint condition early 240Z will fetch $65K at auction, a driver 280Z can be had for less than $10,000, and you'll find an entire universe of options below the $20K mark.
Why did they stop making Datsun cars?
Ultimately, the decision was made to stop using the brand name Datsun worldwide, in order to strengthen the company name Nissan.
What did Toyota used to be called?
Vehicles were originally sold under the name "Toyoda" (トヨダ), from the family name of the company's founder, Kiichirō Toyoda. In September 1936, the company ran a public competition to design a new logo. Of 27,000 entries, the winning entry was the three Japanese katakana letters for "Toyoda" in a circle.
How much is a Datsun 240Z worth today?
A: The average price of a Nissan Datsun 240Z is $34,626.
What is the most reliable car brand?
The Scores:
| Rank | Brand | Predicted Reliability Score (100-point scale) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru | 68 |
| 2 | Lexus | 65 |
| 3 | Toyota | 62 |
| 4 | Honda | 59 |
