Description

The Datsun 17 Sedan was introduced in 1938 as a successor to the earlier Datsun 16, marking one of the final pre-war passenger vehicles produced by Nissan under the Datsun brand before civilian automotive production was interrupted by World War II.

The Datsun 17 featured a slightly refined design compared to its predecessor, though it continued to use the same 722 cc side-valve four-cylinder engine that had become a hallmark of early Datsun vehicles. This engine produced approximately 16 horsepower, and like its predecessor, the car was rear-wheel drive and fitted with a three-speed manual gearbox. Its mechanical layout was straightforward and aimed at simplicity, durability, and ease of maintenance—key qualities for the growing domestic market in 1930s Japan.

The sedan body style of the Datsun 17 was practical and well-suited to both private and government use. It had a boxy, upright design typical of the era, with rounded fenders, a vertical grille, and a separate trunk compartment at the rear. While modest in appearance, the car represented a move toward more sophisticated and enclosed transportation for Japanese consumers.

The Datsun 17 Sedan offered seating for four passengers in a relatively compact interior. Comfort was basic but functional, and while the trim levels were spartan, the car was dependable and economical to run. It was often used by businesses, taxi services, and government agencies during its short production run.

Production of the Datsun 17 continued into 1939, but increasing military demands and the outbreak of war led Nissan to shift its focus toward truck and military vehicle manufacturing. As a result, the Datsun 17 became one of the last civilian models produced by Nissan until the company resumed passenger car production after the war.

Today, the Datsun 17 Sedan is a rare and significant model, representing the early development of Japan’s automotive industry. Surviving examples are extremely scarce, and those that do exist are often found in museums or private collections that focus on the origins of Japanese motoring.