Description

The Datsun Bluebird Fancy Deluxe was a special trim level of the Bluebird 310/312 series, produced by Nissan during the early 1960s. It represented one of the highest available specifications in the early Bluebird range, aimed at offering a more luxurious and stylish alternative to the base and standard Deluxe models. While not widely exported, the Fancy Deluxe was a popular choice in Japan and select Asian markets, targeting middle-class buyers seeking a bit of refinement in a compact family car.

The car was based on the Bluebird 312 platform, which featured the 1.2-litre E1 engine producing around 55 horsepower. It retained the core mechanical features of the standard Bluebird 1200, including a rear-wheel-drive layout, a 3- or 4-speed manual transmission, and a body-on-unibody construction that provided good rigidity and lightness for its time. The engine’s increased capacity over the earlier 988 cc unit allowed for smoother highway driving and better performance in more demanding conditions.

What set the Fancy Deluxe apart was its visual enhancements and upgraded interior appointments. On the outside, it typically featured more prominent chrome detailing, including bumper overriders, side moldings, and a more elaborate grille design. Some versions came with two-tone paint schemes and distinctive badging that set them apart from standard trims. Whitewall tires and wheel covers were often fitted, giving the car a more upscale appearance.

Inside, the Fancy Deluxe trim included improved upholstery, often in vinyl or cloth patterns with contrasting piping. The dashboard was given a more polished finish, and additional features such as a clock, ashtray, heater, and push-button radio were either standard or available as factory options. The instrument cluster was more elaborate, and some models featured a padded dashboard top—considered a luxury at the time.

Though the Bluebird Fancy Deluxe didn’t alter the car’s mechanical fundamentals, it reflected a shift in consumer expectations during Japan’s postwar economic expansion. Buyers increasingly wanted not just affordability, but also style and comfort. Nissan responded with these special trims that gave a modest family sedan the feel of something more elegant and personalized.

Today, the Bluebird Fancy Deluxe is a rare survivor, especially outside of Japan. Many of these vehicles were used extensively and few were preserved. For collectors of early Japanese cars, the Fancy Deluxe holds particular appeal due to its unique combination of classic styling, subtle luxury, and historical importance in Nissan’s lineup. It stands as an example of how Nissan began to blend reliability with visual flair, foreshadowing the brand’s future in both domestic and international markets.