Datsun Cherry
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 1
Introduction
The Datsun Cherry first appearing in 1970, then weighing 1477 Ib (670 kg). It was 11.84 ft (3.61 metres) long, and was one of the first Japanese front-drive cars.
Over the years the Cherry ripened in size and weight, so much so that the third generation model, released in 1979, weighed 1885-1940 Ib (855-880 kg) in running order, and was 12.76 ft (3.89 metres) long.
The Nissan Group, manuufacturers of Datsun cars, adhered to much the same technical layout for the third generation Cherry (McPherson strut front
suspension, independent trailing arm at rear, rack and pinion steering, servo-assisted disc/drum brakes), but had devised a larger floorpan to be supported by the identical wheelbase of the earlier model (7.85 ft/2.395 metres).
Tracks were widened by 4.13 in (10.5 cm) at front, and 3.14 in (8 cm) at rear. Accordingly it was possible to clothe the car with up-to-the-minute
bodywork in the European style. Occuupant space rivaled the best of the opposition but the boot was still small by
1979 standards.
The Cherry, known as the Pulsar in Japan, was manuufactured as two and four-door sedan, three-door coupe, and there was a station wagon with choice of three or five doors. All models came with a diversity of equipment and
transmission packages (including four or five-speed gearboxes, and in some markets, a semi-automatic two-speed unit).
In contrast the engine changed little over the years, the same transverse 998 cc pushrod ohv unit persisting with maximum power output of 45 bhp DIN (33.55 kW). There was also a 1171 cc derivative with output of 52 bhp DIN (38.77 kW). Respective top speeds were 87 mph (140 km/h) and 90 mph (145 km/h).
In Japan there is also a 1400cc injected model.
