Description
The Datsun Sports DC-3 was one of the earliest Japanese sports cars and a direct precursor to the more widely recognized Datsun Fairlady models. Introduced in 1952, the DC-3 was a small, lightweight roadster that showcased Nissan’s growing interest in producing cars with performance and style—an early attempt to rival European sports cars in a domestic market that was just beginning to embrace postwar motoring.
The DC-3 was powered by a 988 cc inline-four engine, derived from the Nissan Type D10 engine, producing around 25 horsepower. While modest by today’s standards, this was a notable step forward at the time and gave the car reasonable performance for its size and weight. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a 3-speed manual transmission, and the DC-3 featured a ladder-type frame with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
The design of the DC-3 was heavily influenced by Western sports cars, particularly British roadsters. It had a long hood, short rear deck, and an open two-seater configuration. The body was sleek and curved, with simple chrome details and low-set fenders. The interior was spartan, with basic instruments and minimal comforts, reinforcing its character as a true sports roadster rather than a luxury vehicle.
Nissan produced only a limited number of DC-3 units—fewer than 50, by most estimates. These were largely hand-built, making the DC-3 one of the rarest Datsun models ever made. It served as an experimental platform for the company and provided valuable experience that would inform the design and engineering of future models.
The DC-3 also holds historical importance as the first Datsun-branded car exported after World War II, with a few units reportedly shipped to countries such as Australia. It marked the beginning of Nissan’s move toward international markets and sports car production.
Today, the Datsun Sports DC-3 is considered a highly significant vehicle in Japanese automotive history. With only a handful believed to survive, it is extremely rare and valuable, cherished by collectors and historians alike as the foundation for Nissan’s legendary line of sports cars, including the Fairlady and Z series.