Description

The Datsun Bluebird 410 was introduced in 1963 as the next evolution in Nissan’s growing family car lineup. Designed to replace the Bluebird 312, the 410 marked a significant leap forward in both styling and engineering, and it was the first Bluebird styled by the famed Italian design house Pininfarina. With its sleek lines, lower profile, and modern appearance, the 410 was a clear signal that Nissan intended to compete with European manufacturers in design sophistication and mass appeal.

The Bluebird 410 came with a 1.2-litre inline-four engine, the E1 unit carried over from its predecessor, producing around 55 horsepower. Later variants would be offered with the J13 engine, a 1.3-litre unit producing roughly 67 horsepower, which improved drivability, especially in export markets. The engines were mated to a four-speed manual transmission, and the car retained a rear-wheel-drive layout. Independent front suspension and a live axle with leaf springs at the rear provided a balance between comfort and durability, suitable for a variety of road conditions.

One of the standout features of the 410 was its styling. The Pininfarina influence brought elegant, clean lines, modest tailfins, and a refined front grille, setting it apart from the boxier Japanese and American compacts of the time. The design was more aerodynamic and visually modern, appealing to a wide range of customers both in Japan and abroad. Available body styles included a four-door sedan, a two-door sedan, and a five-door wagon, with trim levels ranging from standard to deluxe and eventually the sporty SSS variant.

Inside, the Datsun Bluebird 410 featured a practical and uncluttered dashboard with round gauges and a horizontal speedometer. The materials were durable and functional, reflecting its position as a family car, though higher trims introduced added chrome, two-tone interior colors, and better upholstery. The car was relatively spacious for its class, capable of seating four adults comfortably, with a usable boot space for everyday needs.

The 410 was also one of the first Bluebirds to find real traction in international markets. In the United States and Australia, it was seen as a well-built, economical, and stylish alternative to domestic and European small cars. Its mechanical simplicity and low cost of ownership helped it gain a strong following, and it played a major role in establishing Datsun’s reputation in export territories.

Production of the Bluebird 410 continued until 1967, when it was replaced by the Bluebird 510. While it did not achieve the cult status of its successor, the 410 laid the groundwork for Nissan’s global expansion. Its design collaboration with Pininfarina, improved mechanical refinement, and growing export appeal made it a key step in the evolution of the Datsun brand.

Today, the Datsun Bluebird 410 is a relatively rare sight, particularly outside Japan. It is appreciated by collectors for its elegant lines, historical significance, and the beginning of the Bluebird’s transformation from a modest domestic car into a global automotive nameplate. Enthusiasts value it as a stylish and accessible classic that marks a turning point in postwar Japanese car design.