Description

The Datsun 1000T Pickup was part of Nissan’s early postwar light commercial lineup, introduced in the mid-1950s. It represented a step forward from the earlier and more utilitarian trucks like the 25T, reflecting a growing focus on reliability, modern styling, and improved mechanical performance.

Launched around 1955–1956, the 1000T was based on the Datsun 110/112 passenger car platform. It shared its underpinnings with the Datsun 110 sedan, which was Nissan’s first car developed after World War II with a fully in-house design. This close relationship with the passenger car gave the 1000T Pickup a more refined ride and slightly more comfort than earlier purely utilitarian trucks.

Under the hood, the Datsun 1000T was powered by a 1.0-litre side-valve inline-four engine, producing approximately 25 to 27 horsepower. While still modest in output, it offered more power than earlier Datsun work trucks and could manage light to moderate loads efficiently. The truck used a 3-speed manual transmission and featured rear-wheel drive.

The body design of the 1000T was functional but modern for its time. The cab was more spacious and better finished than previous models, with rounded fenders, integrated headlamps, and a simple horizontal-bar front grille. The cargo bed was constructed with steel panels and a wood floor, and it could carry a payload of around 500 kg, making it suitable for use in both urban deliveries and rural settings.

As Nissan continued to improve its export efforts, models like the 1000T helped demonstrate the company’s growing manufacturing quality and reliability. While the 1000T wasn’t as widely exported as later pickups like the 220 or 320 series, it was a transitional model that bridged the gap between Nissan’s basic prewar-inspired trucks and the more globally competitive vehicles of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Today, the Datsun 1000T Pickup is a rare survivor. Few were exported, and fewer still remain in operational condition. However, its place in the evolution of Datsun pickups is significant, marking the point at which Nissan began developing light trucks that appealed to both domestic and international buyers with better design, stronger engines, and more refined engineering.