Nissan Bluebird

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Nissan Bluebird
Production period: 1957-2001
Class : Middle class
Body versions : Sedan , hatchback , station wagon , coupe
Previous model: Datsun 110
Successor: Nissan Bluebird Sylphy

The Nissan Bluebird (originally Datsun Bluebird ) is a mid -range passenger car built from 1957 to 2001 by the Japanese car manufacturer Nissan .

The competition between the Datsun Bluebird and the Toyota Corona between 1959 and 1967 is referred to as BC war . Nissan was more focused on technology, while Toyota put the emphasis on marketing and later also on reliability through quality circles. A first and a second BC war are distinguished. The first started in 1959 and ended in Toyota's defeat. The second started in 1963 and ended in Nissan defeat in 1966 when Toyota overtook its competitor in export markets.

The Datsun Bluebird was also offered in Germany from the beginning of 1973 and at the end of 1983, when the Datsun brand was discontinued in export, it became the Nissan Bluebird, which was replaced by the Nissan Primera in autumn 1990 . After that there was no other Nissan car in Germany that bore the name "Bluebird". In other countries, however, there were still vehicles that were offered under the name "Bluebird".

In the summer of 2001 the name was given up on the Japanese home market, as was previously the case in export; but there has been the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy for some time , which continues the name. In Taiwan, however, the model is still offered as a Bluebird and manufactured there by the Yulon Motor Company . Initially, the model was built there under its own brand name Yue Loong and was one of the most successful models there. Still, the 1971 model was replaced by another model, the Yue Loong VIP Brougham , for the next eight years . The first Bluebird model offered there under the Nissan brand name came on the market in 1992. Other generation designations are used for the Yulon-manufactured models, which result from the numerical appendix to the name and the preceding abbreviation of the manufacturer's name, i.e. YLN.

Overview

In the course of time there were the following series:

  • Blue Bird 210 (1957-1961): Four-door sedan, 1000 cm 3 , 34 SAE-PS.
  • Bluebird 310 (1959–1963): sedan, 1.2 liter displacement, 48 SAE hp.
  • Bluebird 410/411 (1963–1967): sedan, 1.2 or 1.3 liters, from 1964 sport version Bluebird SS, from 1965 Bluebird SSS.
  • Bluebird 510 (1967–1972): sedan, coupé and station wagon, displacement 1.3 to 1.6, later 1.4 to 1.8 liters. Very successful in the USA, called Datsun 510 there, in other markets 180B / 200B or Datsun 1600. First Bluebird available in Germany.
  • Bluebird 610 (1971–1976): sedan, coupé and station wagon, displacement 1.6 to 2 liters. Designation in Japan Bluebird-U, in Europe Datsun 160B / 180B.
  • Bluebird 810 (1976–1979): sedan, coupé and station wagon, displacement 1.6 to 2 liters. Designation in export Datsun 160B / 180B / 200B. Derived from the 610.
  • Bluebird 910 (1979–1983): sedan, coupé and station wagon, displacement 1.6 to 2 liters. First Bluebird available in Germany.
  • Bluebird U11 (1983–1986): sedan, coupé and station wagon (in Japan also four-door hardtop sedan ), front-wheel drive, displacement 1.6 to 2 liters.
  • Bluebird T12 / T72 (1985–1991): sedan and hardtop sedan, front-wheel drive, 1.6 to 2.4 liters; actually a Nissan oyster.
  • Bluebird U12 (1987–1991): sedan, hardtop sedan and station wagon, no export to Europe.
  • Bluebird U13 (1991–1997): sedan and hardtop sedan (Bluebird ARX), front-wheel drive, 1.6 to 2 liters, no European export.
  • Bluebird U14 (1996-2001): sedan, front-wheel drive, 1.8 to 2 liters, no European export.

Datsun 210 (Bluebird; 1957–1961)

1st generation
Datsun 210

Datsun 210

Production period: 1957-1961
Body versions : limousine
Engines:
Petrol engines : 0.86-0.99 liters
(20-25 kW)
Length: 3860 mm
Width: 1466 mm
Height: 1535 mm
Wheelbase : 2220 mm
Empty weight : 925- kg

The Datsun 210, introduced in mid-1957, was the successor to the Datsun 110 . The 3.80 meter long, 930 kg heavy four-door model had a one-liter four-cylinder with a side camshaft and 34 SAE-PS, plus front and rear rigid axles and drum brakes all around. It was offered as Datsun 1000 in the USA and other export markets as early as 1958; in the first year, 52 copies were sold in the USA.

As the Datsun 114, a cheaper variant of the 210 was offered in October 1957. This had a different grille and used the old 860 cc 19 kW (25 PS) Nissan D10 engine from the Datsun 110. From October 1958, the Datsun 211 was built, which replaced the 210 with a larger rear window and slightly redesigned front. As the Datsun 115 with the same engine, but now with 20 kW (27 hp), it replaced the 114. Specially equipped versions of the 210 and 211 were called the Datsun Bluebird.

From the spring of 1959, the model officially became the Bluebird in the home market.

Datsun Bluebird (PL 310, 1959–1963)

2nd generation
Datsun Bluebird (310), 1959-1963

Datsun Bluebird (310), 1959-1963

Production period: 1959-1963
Body versions : Limousine , station wagon
Engines:
Petrol engines : 0.99–1.2 liters
(28–37 kW)
Length: 3860-3915 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2280 mm
Empty weight : 900-960 kg

From mid-1959, the PL310, now officially known as the Datsun Bluebird, supplemented the model range. It was slightly larger than the expanded PL210 (wheelbase + 6 cm, length + 3 cm) and was powered by a 1.2 liter OHV four-cylinder with 48 SAE horsepower. Since the machine was somewhat more elastic than the one-liter of the 1000, Datsun equipped the Bluebird with a three-speed gearbox instead of a four-speed gearbox, and it was also fitted with a front independent suspension via wishbones. In addition to the four-door sedan, a three-door station wagon and a pick-up were also offered.

Datsun Bluebird (PL 410 / PL 411, 1963-1967)

3rd generation
Datsun Bluebird Station Wagon (1964)

Datsun Bluebird Station Wagon (1964)

Production period: 1963-1967
Body versions : Limousine , station wagon
Engines: Petrol engines :
1.2 liters
(40-44 kW)
Length: 3860-3915 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2280 mm
Empty weight : 900-960 kg

The dimensions of the PL410 grew again by a few centimeters (length around 4 meters) and received a more powerful 1.2-liter engine (55 to 60 SAE hp). The range offered four-door sedans and five-door station wagons with either a 3- or 4-speed manual transmission and leaf-sprung rear rigid axle. A small facelift in 1965 gave the Bluebird the type number PL 411.

Datsun Bluebird (PL 510, 1967–1972)

4th generation
Datsun Bluebird Coupe (1967)

Datsun Bluebird Coupe (1967)

Production period: 1967-1972
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines: Petrol engines :
1.3-1.6 liters
(49-81 kW)
Length: 4000-4165 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2380-2420 mm
Empty weight : 885-965 kg

The Bluebird of the PL 510 series ( called Datsun 510 in the USA ) represented a major step forward . It was available as a sedan, station wagon and, for the first time, also as a coupé, plus it received front disc brakes, rear wheels independently suspended from semi-trailing arms and the 1.6-liter four-cylinder with overhead camshaft from the Datsun Fairlady sports car with 71 kW (96 hp) a four-speed gearbox or, on request, a three-speed automatic. An 81 kW (110 SAE-PS) sports variant called the Bluebird SSS was offered in some markets.

This generation of Bluebirds was particularly popular as a small sports sedan in the United States. In Germany, the newly founded Nissan importer in 1972/73 offered the PL 510 under the name Datsun 1600 deLuxe (59 kW / 80 PS) exclusively as a sedan for DM 8890 (corresponds to around € 14,445.55 today). In Australia, however, the model was sold in all model variants as Datsun 1600 .

Datsun Bluebird (PL 610, 1971-1976)

5th generation
Datsun Bluebird station wagon

Datsun Bluebird station wagon

Production period: 1971-1976
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines:
Petrol engines : 1.6–1.8 liters
(74–92 kW)
Length: 4215-4280 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2500 mm
Empty weight : 955-1065 kg

The PL 510, with its decidedly simple and angular design, was followed in the summer of 1971 by the PL 610 (called Datsun 1600 , Datsun 160 , Datsun 180B in export and Datsun 610 in the USA ) with a rounded American-style body, which came as a sedan, coupé and station wagon 1.6- and 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines were offered in a large number of variants.

In Germany, the PL610 was available from the beginning of 1973 under the name Datsun 180B (sedan / station wagon) and 180B SSS (coupé) with a displacement of 1.8 liters (65 kW / 88 PS, Coupé 66 kW / 89 PS) at prices of DM 9,850 to 10,990. A facelift followed in autumn 1975 with changes to the radiator grille, rear lights and interior, and the coupé received a five-speed gearbox.

Datsun Bluebird (PL 810, 1976–1979)

6th generation
Datsun Bluebird Berline 1.8 GL (1979)

Datsun Bluebird Berline 1.8 GL (1979)

Production period: 1976-1979
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines:
Petrol engines : 1.6–2.4 liters
(60–89 kW)
Length: 4260-4570 mm
Width: 1630-1645 mm
Height: 1375-1430 mm
Wheelbase : 2500-2650 mm
Empty weight : 1030-1275 kg

The PL810 presented at the end of 1976 was a visually heavily redesigned PL610 (called Datsun 810 in the USA ).

In Germany, the PL810 was sold as the Datsun 180B Bluebird from August 1977 to May 1980, again as a sedan, coupé and station wagon with the well-known 1.8-liter engine, which with a double carburetor system in the coupé produced 90 hp (66 kW) two more horsepower than in the limousine. The prices in 1977 ranged from DM 12,390 to 13,390. In Australia it was known as the Datsun 200B . At the same time, it was also built in New Zealand, where it was named Datsun 160B , Datsun 180B or Datsun 200B depending on the engine installed .

Datsun Bluebird (PL 910, 1979-1983)

7th generation
Datsun Bluebird notchback (1979–1983)

Datsun Bluebird notchback (1979–1983)

Production period: 1979-1983
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines:
Otto engines : 1.6–2.4 liters
(60–90 kW)
Diesel engine :
2.0 liters (48 kW)
Length: 4350-4660 mm
Width: 1665 mm
Height: 1335-1430 mm
Wheelbase : 2525-2650 mm
Empty weight : 980-1270 kg

Already introduced in Japan in autumn 1979, the youngest Bluebird of the 910 series made its debut in Germany in May 1980 (again Datsun 810 in the USA).

The program included a four-door sedan, a two-door hardtop coupé (until 1982) and a five-door station wagon called the Bluebird Traveler. The engines were taken over unchanged from the predecessor (in Japan there was also a turbo and a two-liter version, in other European countries also a 1.6-liter and in the USA under the name Datsun Maxima there was also a six-cylinder version ).

At the beginning of 1981 a two-liter diesel with 44 kW (60 hp) was added to the German range. The prices in 1980 were DM 13,795 to 14,795, the diesel version cost from DM 16,160 when it was introduced.

Datsun Bluebird Coupe (1981)

Nissan Bluebird (U 11, 1983–1986)

8th generation
Nissan Bluebird (1983–1986)

Nissan Bluebird (1983–1986)

Production period: 1983-1986
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines:
Otto engines : 1.6–2.0 liters
(66–99 kW)
Diesel engine :
2.0 liters (43 kW)
Length: 4360-4500 mm
Width: 1690 mm
Height: 1395-1400 mm
Wheelbase : 2550 mm
Empty weight : 955-1210 kg

The Bluebird U 11, introduced in Japan in November 1983 and in Germany in April 1984, was the first Bluebird with front-wheel drive. The two-liter gasoline or diesel engines sat across the bow. In Japan, 1.6- and 1.8-liter four-cylinder units, also with a turbocharger, were available. Prices started in 1984 at DM 17,200.

Nissan Bluebird (T 12 / T 72, 1985-1990)

9th generation
Nissan Bluebird Hatchback (1985–1988)

Nissan Bluebird Hatchback (1985–1988)

Production period: 1985-1990
Body versions : Sedan , hatchback , station wagon , coupe
Engines:
Otto engines : 1.6–2.0 liters
(66–99 kW)
Diesel engine :
2.0 liters (43 kW)
Length: 4360-4500 mm
Width: 1690 mm
Height: 1395-1400 mm
Wheelbase : 2550 mm
Empty weight : 955-1210 kg

The T 12 series Bluebird was manufactured in Great Britain by Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. Europe variant of the Nissan Stanza, which is related to the Bluebird, manufactured by Washington . It was launched on the Japanese market in December 1985.

The introduction on the German market took place in March 1986. The technology corresponded to the Bluebird U 11. New in the offer was a five-door hatchback sedan.

A facelift took place in November 1988 (T 72). From spring 1989 the Bluebird Grand Prix was offered as the top model with a 2-liter 8V engine and 75 kW / 102 PS or a 1.8-liter 16V engine and 93 kW / 129 PS (from DM 27,345).

In October 1990, the Bluebird was replaced by the Nissan Primera in Europe .

In Taiwan, the European version of the Bluebird was produced under the name Yue Loong Feeling and appeared in two generations at the same time, the latter of which was actually just a lifting version. YLN-101 was available as a four-door sedan as well as a five-door station wagon and hatchback. In terms of interior and design, these models corresponded to those offered in Europe. At the same time, the YLN-102, which was the sports and luxury model of the model series, was also ranked from 1986. In addition to the luxurious interior, which was adopted from the Japanese Stanza, special features were the aggressive design of the YLN-102 generation models. The front headlights in the upper part were angled at 45 ° to the outside of the vehicle in order to achieve a sportier appearance. In addition, Yulon used darkened headlights at the rear of the YLN-102, which made the vehicle more aggressive with plastic cover in connection with the rims and the rear spoiler. Ford later applied a similar design to its Mustangs .

Nissan Bluebird (U 12, 1987–1991)

9th generation
Nissan Bluebird (U 12) SSS-R, Japan

Nissan Bluebird (U 12) SSS-R, Japan

Production period: 1987-1991
Body versions : Sedan , hatchback , station wagon , coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 1.6–2.4 liters
(66–99 kW)
Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :
Empty weight :

While in Europe the U 11 was replaced by a derivative of the Nissan Stanza, as can be seen from the type number T 12, there was a new "real" Bluebird with the type number U 12 in Japan and other countries. It was a revised one U 11, which was sold as a notchback and hatchback sedan and station wagon, and in Japan also as a hardtop sedan without B-pillars . In Australia the U 12 was offered as the second generation of the Nissan Pintara , in the USA as the Nissan Stanza. The engines ranged from 1.6 to 2.4 liters displacement, and for the first time there were also versions with all-wheel drive.

Nissan Bluebird (U 13, 1991–1997)

10th generation
Nissan Bluebird ARX (U 13), 1991

Nissan Bluebird ARX (U 13), 1991

Production period: 1991-1997
Body versions : Sedan , hatchback , station wagon , coupe
Engines:
Gasoline engines : 1.6–2.4 liters
(71–154 kW)
Diesel engine :
2.0 liters (56 kW)
Length: 4600 mm
Width: 1695 mm
Height: 1370-1410 mm
Wheelbase : 2550 mm
Empty weight : 1090-1370 kg

The Bluebird U 13 was reserved for Japan, Asia and the USA (again under the name Nissan Stanza until 1992, replaced by the Nissan Altima ). The U 13 was only available as a four-door sedan with or (as Bluebird ARX) without B-pillars, with four-cylinders from 1.6 to two liters and with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. While the regular Bluebird was more angular, the ARX had more rounded lines.

The Bluebird U 13 has been built under license by Dongfeng Motor Corporation in China since around 2001 in a further developed form.

Nissan Bluebird (U 14, 1996-2001)

11th generation
Nissan Bluebird (U 14), 1998

Nissan Bluebird (U 14), 1998

Production period: 1996-2001
Body versions : limousine
Engines:
Petrol engines : 1.8–2.0 liters
(92–107 kW)
Length: 4600 mm
Width: 1695 mm
Height: 1410 mm
Wheelbase : 2550 mm
Empty weight : 1140-1165 kg

The last Bluebird sold in Japan was the U14, only available as a four-door notchback sedan with 1.8 or two-liter engines.

After the U 14 ran out, the traditional name Bluebird was only available in Japan on the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy , the first generation of which was in a class below the last Bluebird; the size of the second generation is comparable to the U 14.

swell

  • Automobil Revue , catalog numbers 1960, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1973, 1979, 1982, 1995, 1998, 2001 (technical data)
  • auto catalog , edition 1985/86 (technical data)
  • Joachim Kuch: Japanese automobiles . Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 1990, ISBN 3-613-01365-7 , pp. 178-185.
  • Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946-2002 . Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87341-605-8 , pp. 209-231.

Web links

Commons : Nissan Bluebird  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Koji Nakae: Cultural change: a comparative study of the change efforts of Douglas MacArthur and Carlos Ghosn in Japan. In: MBA thesis. 2005, accessed June 26, 2019 .
  2. ^ Tetsuji Okazaki: The Evolution of the Financial System in Post-War Japan . In: Business History . tape 37 , no. 2 , 1995, p. 107-119 , doi : 10.1080 / 00076799500000059 .