Datsun/Nissan: История компактных пикапов (1934-1997)

Compact pickup truck made by Nissan between 1955 97

The Datsun Truck is a compact pickup truck made by Nissan in Japan from 1955 through 1997. It was originally sold under the Datsun brand, but this was switched to Nissan in 1983. It was replaced in 1997 by the Frontier and Navara. In Japan, it was sold only in Nissan Bluebird Store locations.

The Datsun truck line began with the Type 13 Truck of April 1934, and was later used as the basis of the Datsun DC 3 roadster. A series of small trucks based on their passenger car counterparts, the 14T, 15T, and 17T, continued to be built until early 1944.

The 17T was followed by the post war Datsun 1121 in 1946, which was nearly identical technically but had an extremely simple body made out of simple pressed metal (with almost no chrome) and many body parts made from wood, to enable production in resource starved early post war Japan. Early trucks also depended on leftover stocks of pre war parts. The engine was the Type 7 unit. As the supply situation improved the new 2124 and then 2225 took over in July 1947 and at the end of November of the same year. A rapid stream of changes and new model numbers followed in this early post war area, as pre war parts dried up and new designs were substituted. In January 1949 the 3135 took over, followed by the January 1950 3145 model with a slightly different cabin. In August 1950 the Datsun 4146 arrived, introducing the 860 cc Type 10 engine with The 4146 also had a bit more chrome trim included, as well as a stronger transmission. The power increase allowed for a somewhat bigger cargo area but top speed only crept up from
In 1951 the 5147 appeared, introducing a longer wheelbase of rather than the chassis which had been used for seventeen years. The 6147 was built until the 1955 introduction of the all new 120 series truck.

The Datsun 120 was a load carrying bodystyle version of the Datsun 1000 sedan (110 series), and was introduced in January 1955 as the latest Datsun truck with up to date styling. Delivery van, panel van (120 only), and double cab versions were available. Until 1959 it used the 25 PS, 860 cc Datsun Type 10 engine with a four speed floor shift (column shift for the 123 and later versions) manual transmission. It was joined with a larger commercially focused vehicle called the Nissan Junior. This was one of the first Nissan products to be sold in Europe, when an order of 200 units were shipped to Spain in 1956. During its six years in production six main models were built: 120 (Jan. to Dec. 1955), 122 (Dec. 1955 to May 1956) and 123 (Jun. 1956 to Sep. 1957). For reasons unknown, Nissan skipped the 121 designation. The L123 was the first left hand drive version built by Nissan, in response to requests from importers in the Middle East. The L123 also received the new hydraulic clutch system developed for the upcoming 210/220 cars and trucks, as Nissan's engineers did not want to use a rod to transfer clutch pedal movements, fearing vibrations and noise. This was then followed by the re engined Datsun 125 in 1959 and finally by the Datsun 126 in 1960. While the 124 was still powered by the Type 10 engine, the 125 and 126 received an improved version of this engine called the B 1, rated at .

In November 1957 the type 220 was introduced, able to carry a payload. Largely unchanged in appearance from the 120 series, which continued to be built as a cheaper version, it was produced from 1957 to 1961. The 220 can be identified by its different grille, featuring a more pronounced frame. During this time four models were produced: 220 (1957–1958), 221 (1958–1959), 222 (1960), and 223 (introduced in July 1959). The chassis was based on the 210 series sedans. Two engines were available: the 37 PS Nissan C engine, and the 48 PS Nissan E engine. Introduced in August 1958, the G220 had a payload and a longer wheelbase; there were also G221 and G222 models offered. The E engine was originally only used in models sold on the export market. The 220 was the first Datsun truck to be equipped with a 12 volt electrical system. The clutch was now hydraulically operated, with a hanging pedal. In 1958 the Datsun 220 (and a 210 sedan) was exhibited at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with American exports beginning soon after. It was the 220 series that established Datsun in the American market.

In August 1961 the new 320 series was released. It was produced until 1965 in three series (320–322). The 320 series underpinnings were largely inherited from the earlier 120/220, although with clear improvements and using body panels and overall design language of the new 310 series Bluebird. | (G520/521) It used the new 1.3 litre, 67 hp Nissan J13. In 1965 and 1966 the 520 had two headlights (one per side). For 1967, the 520 was slightly redesigned and received quad headlights (two per side). This design was carried on until the end of 520 production. Single cab (520, and L520 for left hand drive version), LWB Single cab (G520), Double cab (U520) and delivery van (V520) versions were available. "G" was used to identify the long wheelbase versions. The fender emblems said "Datsun 1300". A grille emblem was added in 1966 and simply said "D". In late 1967 a slightly altered model appeared, now with a slightly changed chrome grille with a distinct frame. In 1967, Nissan added the Nissan Sunny pickup truck, which was exclusive to Nissan Saito Store locations, which closely shared the dimensions, engine displacement and load carrying duties of the 520 series truck. The 521 was the facelifted version of 520, with a so called "flat deck" style. This meant a flattened bonnet and front fenders as well as a new grille design. | (G/GN620) A 2.2 liter diesel engine with was later made available in many markets. The 620 was also the first Datsun pickup truck to be available with a longer "King Cab" passenger compartment (called "Custom" in Japan). This used the bed from the normal 620 truck, but has a cabin stretched by , all placed on the longer wheelbase. The 620 was redesigned slightly for 1978, with changes to grille and front bumper. The suspension was also revised, increasing track at both ends by This also marked a name change in South Africa, where it had been sold simply as the Datsun one ton pick up, to "Datsun 680". A four door crew cab variant was also offered in some markets.

In October 1979, Nissan introduced the Datsun 720 as successor to the 620. A four door crew cab version of the 720 was available in most markets (although not in North America). In addition, some overseas models continued with the early style beds in the later model years as well as the lower cost round headlamps, and included various combinations of Datsun and Nissan badging while retaining the Datsun name throughout all model years. In Japan, round headlights were standard but higher end models like the GL received square headlamps. In Japan, the standard engine was originally the J16 but in 1982 this was changed to the more modern Z16 derivative. In 1983, the front end underwent a transformation with a larger grille, bumper, and corner lights. There was also a revised dashboard with round instead of square gauges. At the same time, the regular cab was lengthened slightly and the air extractor vents behind the cab doors changed from the high "flag" look to long, narrow ones that matched the height of the window opening. The cabs of the King Cab versions were unchanged.

In 1980, US models were powered by Datsun's 2.0L carbureted L20B I4 engine, but soon after switched to the Nissan NAPS Z engine line for 1981 (Z22S). "NAPS" was the terminology Nissan used to describe their pollution control technology as a result of emission regulation laws having been enacted in Japan, starting in 1975. In the Middle East, it was powered by Datsun's 1.8 L carbureted L18 engine. The 1981–1982 models used the Z22 carbureted 2.2 L engine and an optional SD22 diesel of the same displacement. In mid 1983, Nissan introduced the Z24 2.4 liter twin spark four cylinder engine, producing , 2.3 L SD23 OHV diesel four, and the SD25 diesel. The diesel engines were sourced from the Nissan Diesel division, which Nissan Motors acquired in 1960. This dominated 720 sales in many markets and was also available in combination with 4WD. In the American market, the diesel engine was only available in the 2WD 720 (from 1982 to 1985). The Z24 was upgraded to Z24i single point fuel injection for some 1986 ST models. The rest of the world had versions with the smaller 1.5 L J15, 1.6 L J16 or 1.8 L L18 carbureted engines. The 720 Series was never available with any of the Z22E or Z20E multi port fuel injected engines.

In the US, the 720 came in regular cab and "King Cab" models, with regular and long bed options with standard (GL), deluxe (DX), and "Sport Truck" (ST) trim packages, all of which had two doors. In addition, from 1984 to 1986 a covered utility body style like that of the first generation 4Runner was available as an aftermarket conversion by a company called Matrix3 called the Bushmaster. The Datsun 720 was available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, the latter having a divorced transfer case. The long wheelbase 2WD trucks (King Cab, short bed, and regular cab, long bed) had a two piece driveshaft with a center support bearing. The dome light could fold rearward, to provide illumination to the bed. The 720 was assembled in the then newly built Smyrna, Tennessee plant from the 1983.5 model year until 1986. However, Nissan of Mexico continued to build the pickup until 1991, 1992 being its last official model year. They were exported to the whole of Latin America. The 1980 to 1983 models were called the "Datsun 720". They had single wall beds with outside rolled lips and rope ties, two faux hood vents (some had real vents), and tail lights on the lower rear valance (similar to the 620). These vehicles were badged with a small Datsun logo on the driver's side of the grill, a raised plastic Datsun badge on the front fenders, a large Datsun embossed on the rear tailgate, as well as Datsun stickers on the bottom left of the tailgate, and model designation on the right. The owner's manual and service manuals retained the Datsun name. For a limited period, 1984 models built in the US had the single wall beds with rope ties, yet used tail lights on the rear bed corners with amber turn signals over the red stop/tail lights while the backup lights remained under the tailgate. These "in between" models were a combination of Datsun and Nissan badging, with Nissan replacing Datsun in similar fashion to the earlier models, but incorporated a "Datsun by Nissan" plastic trim piece on the front fenders, and "Datsun by Nissan" stickers on the tailgate. The late model trucks produced from 1983.5 to 1986 used double wall, smooth sided beds, with revised tail lights on the corners which resembled those on Chevrolet/GMC S series trucks. The badging was exclusively Nissan (going along with Nissan's rebranding and conversion of 1,100 Datsun dealerships to Nissan dealerships), with the name officially being "Nissan 720", which is found in the owner's manual, service manual, and literature from the period.

This was a continuation of the Lil' Hustler line from the 620 generation. It was a bare bones truck that was only available as a regular cab with a 6 feet (2 m) bed, and was discontinued after 1982, although the 1983 model year did have the Hustler logo. Canadian models had a 3 spoke/3 horn button steering wheel with a round central "Datsun" horn button.

Unlike the GL, the MPG model of the Nissan 720 was a stripped down version of the truck to improve fuel economy. Unlike the others it had only a driver side mirror, single walled bed, vinyl bench seat, and other bare bone accommodations. What really set this model apart was its drivetrain. It featured the 2.0L Z20 motor that was fed by a carburetor. Its compression ratio was at a high 9.4 to 1, and produced and of torque. It was able to do this because it featured a knock sensor that would retard the timing by about 10 degrees to prevent the engine from knocking. This resulted in excellent fuel economy but at the cost of emissions. For that reason this truck was not sold in the California market.

The standard (GL) single cab Datsun 720 came with a front bench seat made of single color non patterned cloth and leather in blue, black, or tan to match the interior trim color of the vehicle. It had optional factory air conditioning and contained a simple gauge cluster with speedometer, fuel, and water temperature gauges (with blank faces in place of the tachometer and clock), as well as sliding glass rear window. A radio and cruise control were options installed by the dealership. These vehicles came in long bed, short bed, or cab and chassis styles with the later having a "heavy duty" option of dual rear wheels.

The 2WD deluxe model came with front bench seats of varying patterns to match the door trim and interior in blue, black or tan. 4WD models had two bucket style seats, and incorporated a center console with voltmeter and oil pressure gauges. Both drivetrain options had single and King Cab variants. These models came with factory air conditioning, an AM FM radio of two different types, a tachometer and/or a clock in the gauge cluster, an option of either rear sliding windows or single pane window with defroster, as well as optional cruise control. Beds both long and short were available. In addition, there were roll bar and bumper brush guard options for the 4WD variant that were installed by the dealership with mounting points for off road and fog lights. Switches for these were placed in the center console below (1980 to pre 1983.5) and above (Post 1983.5 to 1986) the voltmeter and oil pressure gauges.

The 2WD Luxury model came only in king cab variants and featured several standard and unique features. For the exterior, it came with a two tone paint job, chrome bumpers, mirrors and grille. It also had Nissan brand hexagonal hubcaps, whitewall tires, and sun roof. For the interior, this top of the line model came with full carpeting, bucket seats, tachometer, quartz clock, intermittent wipers, center console, and woodgrain accents on the dash and door. Like the other trucks, it was powered by the Z24 and offered both a 5 speed manual or 3 speed automatic.

The 2WD and 4WD sport truck package came with factory air conditioning as well as the clock and tachometer in the cluster as standard with exclusive gradient patterned bucket seats for both drivetrains (with the 4WD versions offering the center console and gauges of the DX model, and the 2WD having center console storage in place of the transfer case lever), as well as King Cab variants. It had similar radio, back glass, cruise control, and roll bar/brush guard options as the DX trim. The sport truck package also was the only package with standard power windows and locks (all other packages only received manual locks and windows), as well as a tilting sunroof. ST stickers were placed on the end of the rear quarter panels. Ironically, the ST package had no performance modifications, however in the 1986 model year it had an optional Z24i single port fuel injected engine.

From 1984 to 1986 a covered utility body style was available in the US called the Bushmaster. The Bushmaster was an aftermarket/dealer conversion done by the Matrix3 company. It was created from a King Cab 4WD model, welding the cab and bed of the truck together along with a custom bed topper which increased the height of the whole vehicle. The interior was completely carpeted, and incorporated a rear folding bench seat similar to the first generation Toyota 4Runner. This option is exceedingly rare, and is considered a predecessor to the Pathfinder.

The United Kingdom only received the longer wheelbase, as a standard bed 1 tonner with the L18 engine or as the four wheel drive 2.2 litre King Cab with Australia only received the SD25 and the Z22S. In most European markets the 720 was sold as the Datsun PickUp (regular cab) or Datsun King Cab. As elsewhere in the world, the "Nissan" name gradually replaced Datsun in 1983 and 1984. The SD22 diesel in European trim produces while the 1.8 liter L18 engined versions offered
Fitted with a 1.6 liter engine, this was the first vehicle to emerge from Nissan/TEOKAR's new assembly plant in Volos, Greece, in February 1980.

Engine1471 cc J15 I41567 cc J16 I41595 cc Z16 I41751 cc J18 I41770 cc L18 I41770 cc Z18 I41952 cc L20B I41952 cc Z20S I42188 cc Z22S I42389 cc Z24 I42389 cc Z24i I42164 cc SD22 I42289 cc SD23 I42488 cc SD25 I4Power (JDM) – – – – – – –Power (US) – – – – – – – Power (Europe) – – – – – – Power (others) SWB720C720T720P720D720H720F720M720N720S720A720J720SWB 4WD – – –PY720DY720HY720 –MY720NY720SY720 –JY720LWBG720/U720CG720TG720PG720DG720HG720FG720NG720SG720AG720JG720LWB 4WD – – –PGY720DGY720HGY720 –MGY720/UMY720NGY720SGY720AGY720JGY720/UJY720 Leading letter K is for King Cab, U for the Double Cab (on late models this replaced the "G" for long wheelbase), R for the refrigerated box truck version, and E for the twin wheel version. L after the first letter signifies left hand drive.

The D21 generation was the successor to the Datsun 720, sold as the Nissan Datsun Truck in Japan. The name Navara was used in some markets such as Australia. Unlike previous generations, this model was available worldwide in two body styles. The "A" body was designed in Japan, and was available in single or dual cab variants, while the "S" body King Cab was designed in the United States, at Nissan's styling studios in San Diego, California. Each version had unique front styling, with the American version having a different hood, and wider flared front guards. In a few countries, such as Australia, both versions were sold. This was also assembled in Greece for the local market, where it was marketed as the Nissan Pickup and King Cab. receiving the same engine configuration as the 240SX of the same year. The six cylinder 3.0 litre VG30i (early years) or VG30E (later years) engine increased power and torque only modestly. This was the only engine option for the one tonne longbed truck. Production of this model in China dates back to 1992, when Sammitr, a vehicle assembler of Thai origin, established a joint venture subsidiary in Changchun China: Changchun Sammitr (Sanyou in Chinese) Motor Co. Ltd., to produce parts and accessories. for motor vehicles, managing to produce under license the Pick Up D21 under the name Sanyou CY1020 in Pick Up version, and a van derived from it, the Sanyou CY6500. The CY1020 pickup was on sale for , with a FAW CA488 engine, wheelbase 2950mm, dimensions 4750x 1650x 1560mm, and the CY6500 station wagon was on sale for , had a 2210cc CA488 engine from the manufacturer local FAW. Its wheelbase is 2950 mm and measures (LxWxH) 5050 × 1 1650x 1670 mm. For both models, although Nissan bodies brought in CKD format from Thailand were used, the chassis was of the FAW CA1021U2 model. The manufacture of the Pick Up extends from 1992 to 2001, and the van derived from it approximately from 1999 to 2001. The first purely local models of Nissan D21 series pickup trucks, manufactured by the joint venture established in 1993 between China's Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. and Japan's Nissan Motor Co, an alliance called Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. They first began leaving the Zhengzhou production line in April 1995, remaining in production for a period of six years.