Description
The Datsun Cedric 30, officially known as the Cedric 30 series, was introduced by Nissan in 1960 as the company’s first serious entry into the upper mid-size and executive sedan segment. It marked a significant step forward in Nissan’s ambitions to offer larger, more refined vehicles aimed at both domestic and international markets. The Cedric was positioned above the Bluebird in Nissan’s hierarchy, offering more power, space, and luxury features.
The Cedric 30 was initially powered by a 1.5-litre 1H engine, an inline-four producing around 71 horsepower, and paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Later in its production run, a 1.9-litre inline-four (H engine) producing up to 95 horsepower became available, offering improved performance and making the Cedric a more capable cruiser for long-distance driving. In some variants, a three-speed column-shift automatic transmission was also offered, which was an advanced feature for Japanese cars of the era.
Styling was heavily influenced by contemporary American cars, reflecting both global automotive trends and Japan’s fascination with U.S. design during the early postwar years. The Cedric 30 featured a wide, horizontal front grille, tailfins, and a generally squared-off silhouette. Its proportions and brightwork gave it an upscale presence on the road, appealing to professionals and government buyers in Japan. A facelift in 1962 updated the styling with slightly more conservative lines, a flatter roof, and revised headlamp and grille arrangements.
The Cedric 30 series was available in a range of body styles, including a four-door sedan, wagon (van), and two-door hardtop coupe (introduced later). Trim levels varied from basic fleet versions to more luxurious configurations with additional chrome, wheel covers, and enhanced interior finishes. Higher-end models included features such as radio, heater, two-tone paint, and rear seat armrests—elements that gave the Cedric a premium feel within the context of 1960s Japan.
The interior was spacious and comfortable for the time, with bench seating, simple but legible instrumentation, and thoughtful ergonomics. It was designed to be both practical and dignified, catering to white-collar professionals and early business users who needed a step up from compact cars like the Bluebird.
Mechanically, the Cedric 30 was conventional but robust. It used a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, independent front suspension with coil springs, and a live rear axle with leaf springs. The ride was soft and composed, tuned more for comfort than performance. Braking was provided by drum brakes at all four corners, standard for the era.
The Cedric 30 played a vital role in shaping Nissan’s future product direction. It demonstrated that the company could compete in the mid-size and near-luxury segments, not just in Japan but also in select export markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East. It was also one of the first Japanese cars to begin chipping away at the dominance of imported European sedans in certain parts of the domestic market.
Production of the Cedric 30 series ended in 1965, when it was succeeded by the more modern Cedric 130 series, which introduced six-cylinder engines and sleeker styling. Despite its relatively short production run, the Cedric 30 laid the foundation for Nissan’s long-standing success in the executive car segment.
Today, the Datsun Cedric 30 is a rare and highly collectible classic, especially among enthusiasts of early Japanese luxury cars. Its blend of American-inspired styling, historical significance, and early signs of Nissan’s engineering ambition make it a notable vehicle in the development of Japan’s postwar auto industry.