Nissan Bluebird
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Nissan Bluebird is a compact- to medium-sized car launched in 1957. The nameplate still exists today on the Nissan Pulsar-based Nissan Bluebird Sylphy in Japan, and on the U13-based Nissan Bluebird in mainland China.
It is one of the longest-running nameplates from a Japanese automaker.
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[edit] Export and foreign-built model names
Export versions were sold variously as the Datsun 510, Datsun 180B (with 160B and 200B versions) and the Datsun Bluebird. The Nissan Bluebird nameplate began appearing around 1982 as the Datsun marque was phased out in favour of Nissan.
From 1981 to 1985, Australia followed the Japanese convention by calling its car the Bluebird, and had a unique, facelifted rear-wheel-drive version for 1984 and 1985. That car was replaced in 1986 by the Nissan Pintara. It would be replaced by the successive Bluebird, also called Pintara, until 1992; then the range was brought in line with the Japanese model, for the U13 series from 1993 to 1997.
In the United States, the Bluebird was eventually sold as the Nissan Stanza. In 1992, the Stanza became the Nissan Altima. Currently, the Bluebird is not sold in North America; in 2002, the Altima was completely redesigned, becoming a model unique to the North American market.
The Bluebird sold in Europe between 1986 and 1990 was in fact a rebadged Nissan Auster—this was replaced by the Primera in Nissan's European line-up in 1990.
A six-cylinder version called the Maxima was released in the 1980s and became a separate model.
[edit] 210 series
Although Nissan's own materials indicate that the Bluebird name emerged in 1959, some records show that the name first adorned a 988 cm³, 34 hp four-door sedan in 1957, which was part of the company's 210 series. Its engine was based on an Austin design, as Nissan had been building the Austin A50 Cambridge under licence in the 1950s.
The 210 was known for doubling Nissan's production at the time and was the first Nissan to be exported to the United States.
In some markets, this model was exported as the Datsun 1000.
The 210 established an early reputation for reliability, with two of them winning the 1,000 cm³ class in the 1958 Australia Mobilgas Rally.
The 210 had succeeded the 110 series, sold as a two- and four-door sedan and offered from 1955 to 1957. This model bore the Convar or A110 model names and was powered by an 860 cm³, 20 hp four-cylinder engine. In some respects, the A110 is the forerunner of the modern Bluebird line. Incremental changes were denoted by 112, 113 and 114 codes, with the last model a 113 with a 210 engine.
Subsequent models included the 211 (October 1958) with cosmetic changes.
[edit] 310 series
The Datsun Bluebird which débuted for August 1959 was an all-new car. The 310 series had a 1 L engine from the 210 model.
In July 1960, a five-door station wagon was added. By February 1961, a 1.2 L overhead-valve engine (codenamed E1) became an option on a higher-trim DX model.
Styling tended to ape larger American cars. A very small number did make it to the United States, but were flops.
[edit] 410 series
In September 1963, Nissan brought the Bluebird up-to-date with boxier styling, apeing the more European designs being produced in the United States. A sporting model, the Bluebird SS, was launched in March 1964, with a tuned 1.2 L engine.
Initially, only a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon were in the range, but a two-door was added in September 1964. The two-door SS was launched in February 1965.
The base engine was enlarged to a 1.3 L unit in May 1965 and a 1.6 L SSS model was launched the same month. This began a line of famous Nissans in Japan, with the Bluebird SSS a mainstay of the range until its deletion in 2001.
[edit] 510 series
The 510 is arguably the most famous Nissan Bluebird of them all, with the 510 moniker used in the United States for this range. The 510 tag would also be used there for unrelated models, in an effort to capture this range’s glory.
Launched in August 1967, it was one of the most comprehensive Bluebird ranges in terms of body styles: a two-door sedan, a four-door sedan, a five-door station wagon, and a two-door coupé (added in November 1968).
This range became famous for Nissan's rallying successes outside Japan and paved the way for greater Nissan sales internationally.
In many markets, it was sold as the Datsun 1600.
In September 1970, the 1.3 and 1.6 L engines were replaced with 1.4 and 1.8 L units.
Australian versions of the Datsun 1600 were delivered either as a full import, or assembled in Austrlia from local and Japanese parts.
The PL510 was the most prevalent model, with the 1968 import H510 two door twin SU version arriving in a batch of just a few hundred.
The last of the series went through Australian assembly lines in 1972, and due to the extensive use for rallying, the cars are now quite hard to find in any reasonable condition.
[edit] 610 series
The 610 series, launched in August 1971, became more overstyled compared to the 510, with a pronounced "coke-bottle" line in profile. It was criticized by some period journalists as having no real advancement over the 510, but it was still a credible rival in Nissan's range in export markets against vehicles such as the Ford Cortina.
In most export markets, this Bluebird generation had 160B and 180B model names.
Body styles were two- and four-door sedans, two-door hardtop coupé, and five-door station wagon.
There was no 1.4 L engine, the base being a 1.6 L. A five-speed 1800 SSS model was launched in May 1972. A two-litre 2000 GT model was added in August 1973 with more aggressive front-end styling, but this model was not exported.
With the range having become more plush, its competition edge now de-emphasized, Nissan added more luxuries. Fuel injection became available in September 1975 with the two-litre unit, and on the 1.8 L in March 1976.
[edit] 710 series
The 710 series was marketed by Nissan in various markets as the Violet or the 160J, and it was conceived as an intermediate model between the Sunny and the Bluebird. It was a development of the styling already seen in the 610 and marked Nissan's entree to international rallying. Markets such as Australia, where the Bluebird was manufactured rather than imported, continued to sell the 610 and skipped the 710 series. A minor upgrade to the front suspension (offset strut tops) for the 610 led to slightly improved handling before the introduction of the 810.
[edit] 810 series
The 810 was introduced in July 1976. Engine options were carried over but a 1.4 L was reintroduced in August 1978. The 160B, 180B and 200B were sold in export markets, with Australian magazine Wheels calling the 200B 'a 180B with 20 more mistakes.' Styling was an evolution of the 610's, with slightly squared off features but retaining a slight "coke bottle". No two-door sedan was available, but the four-door sedan, two-door hardtop coupé and five-door station wagon were offered.
The Datsun 180B makes a cameo appearance as a monster truck in Pirate Baby's Cabana Battle Street Fight 2006.
[edit] External links
[edit] 910 series
Nissan began realigning its export names with the home market with the 910 series in November 1979. The 'B' tags were dropped in favour of 'Bluebird', though the models were 'Datsun Bluebird' initially. The body style options remained the same but the look was characterized by a boxy style, considered modern at the time. There was no 1.4 L this time; only 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 L engines. The SSS trim was offered on the larger two engines, with the 2.0 L producing 135 PS.
For the export models, a small 'Nissan' badge began appearing in 1982, and the following year the Datsun name disappeared.
The Maxima name first appeared in this generation. In the United States, these models were sold as the 810 Deluxe or 810 Maxima. The Maxima name was solely used from 1982. The name 910 was never used in the US.
Australia had the 910 from 1981 - 1984 with the L20B, and 1985 - 1986 with the CA20S engines. It was a downgraded, locally produced version of the Japanese model with no independent rear suspension, electronic fuel injection, or turbo versions. However the cars were offered in a sporty version, known as the TRX. The main difference between these Bluebirds and the base models are a sporty trim, including a front air dam, alloy wheels, a small rear spoiler, internal reading lights and so forth. Mechanically the cars weren't much different, the only main difference to be found are the larger carburettors.
However the 910 Bluebird has become part of Australian motor sport history, the car (although an import version with a Z18ET turbo motor and fabricated IRS) holds the fastest lap time on the old Bathurst track, considered by many as the best racing circuit in Australia.
[edit] U11 series
The Bluebird switched to front-wheel drive in October 1983, but retained the boxy styling of its predecessor, much to the market's dismay. At the time, Nissan's design chief balked at curvy shapes and believed boxy ones would remain popular. With hindsight, that went directly against the trend and the market's obsession with drag coefficients.
The range was offered in four-door sedan, four-door hardtop and five-door station wagon forms. The coupé was deleted.
Australia made do with the 910 series, which was facelifted in 1985.
New Zealand marketing for the U11 proclaimed the vehicle as the 'Widetrack Bluebird', to differentiate it from its very similar-looking predecessor.
This model was offered in Europe for two years before Nissan began building the Auster as the Bluebird in England in 1986.
Although the U11 sedans were replaced for the 1988 model year, the station wagon continued in to 1990.
The range was available with 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 L petrol engines. A V6 was offered for the first time in 1986 in Japan, in a model with an extended front end, called the Bluebird Maxima.
In the UK, the following versions were offered:
- 1.6 DX (1983-86)
- 1.6 GL (1983-86)
- 2.0 GL estate (1983-86)
- 1.8 Turbo ZX (1984-86)
In Australia, the 1982-1986 Nissan Bluebird was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "significantly worse than average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.[1]
[edit] T12/T72 Series
The T12 and the later T72 Nissan Bluebird, is in fact a third generation Stanza/Auster, rebadged and sold in Europe. However, it’s well known build quality and reliability and the influential role it had in what is now Europe’s most efficient Car factory merits the T12/72 its Bluebird badge.
The T12 was introduced in Europe in 1985. From July 1986, the T12 was assembled from parts shipped in from Japan, at Washington, England. The saloon versions were available first and the hatchback became available in January 1987. The later T72 models replaced the T12 during 1987, followed by a face lift around a year later. The facelift models had a more modern and European look, with round front and rear bumpers and the corporate slatted grill. These were eventually built entirely in England. In 1990, Nissan replaced the Bluebird with the Primera series. In the late 1980s and early 90s, Nissan Bluebirds were very commonly seen as taxis, their drivers racking up phenomenal mileage on just routine servicing. Nowadays the Bluebirds reliability and all round robustness has ultimately lead to it’s demise – as a banger racers car of choice.
All petrol T12/T72 Bluebirds came with Nissans 8 valve CA Engine and either a 5 speed manual or a 4 speed automatic transmission. The diesel models used the normally-aspirated LD20 engine. Performance was average for it’s class, the 1.6 struggling more with it’s lower torque characteristics that didn’t seem suited to the weight of the car.
Although all but the most basic models were already well kitted out, the real pick of the crop from the Bluebird range were the Executive models. These had their own range of colours, leather interior, body kit, lattice alloy wheels, air-conditioning and a vast array of standard equipment, even with electrically adjustable suspension (turbo Executive).
The turbo models used the CA18ET engine with 135 bhp and a 0 - 60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. This is the same block used in the European Nissan Silvia S12. The incredibly strong nature of this engine allows enthusiasts to modify its power output to 200+ bhp without having to change the basic parts of the engine (Cams, Pistons, etc). Front mounted intercoolers, larger turbo chargers and higher capacity fuel injectors are vital parts in the 200 bhp+ challenge!
Trim levels were as follows:
- 1.6 L, 1.6 Premium (replacing L, from 1989), 1.6 S, 1.6 LS, 1.6 LX
- 1.8 SLX, 1.8 Premium, 1.8 GS
- 1.8i Turbo SR (1985) 1.8i Turbo Executive, 1.8i Turbo ZX
- 2.0 LX, 2.0 SGX, 2.0 SLX
- 2.0i GSXi, 2.0i Executive
- 2.0D L, 2.0D LX
[edit] U12 series
Nissan evolved the boxy shape of the U11 slightly, released in September 1987. This model was sold as the Nissan Pintara in Australia, replacing a larger Skyline-based model, from 1989 to 1993. There, it had been codenamed ‘Project Matilda’, leading the press to speculate it was a car developed uniquely for Australia—which was not the case.
In Japan, a four-door sedan and four-door hardtop were offered, although Nissan of Australia did create a five-door Pintara Sportshatch model that was sold as the Bluebird in some export markets, including New Zealand.
Innovations for the U12 included the introduction of Nissan's four-wheel-drive system, called ATTESA and the ever popular SR20DET engine was introduced in the series 2 bluebirds (89-91). With the Maxima having been spun off into its own range, U12 Bluebirds were all four-cylinder models, with either a 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 L petrol engine and also the option of a LD20 2.0l diesel. The sports and luxury versions came with a factory viscous LSD.
Australian models came with the CA20E SOHC 2.0l EFI and KA24E SOHC 2.4l EFI motors.
Sadly for Nissan Australia, Project Matilda was not the success it had hoped, even with a twin built for Ford Australia called the Corsair, which was even less successful. This led to the collapse of Nissan’s Australian manufacturing operations in the early 1990s..
The U12 was also sold in North America as the Nissan Stanza.
Trim levels of the Australian U12 Pintara were as follows:
- GLi: 2.0L manual 5 speed, high mounted brake light, AM/FM radio cassette
- Executive: 2.0L auto 4 speed, as above plus, power steering, remote boot release
- T: 2.4L manual or auto, as above plus 4 wheel disc brakes, tacho, split fold rear seat
- Ti: 2.4L manual or auto, as above plus limited slip differential, cruise control, climate control, central locking, electric windows, graphic equaliser, fog lamps, alloy wheels
- TRX: 2.4L manual or auto, as above plus sports seats, sports suspension, body kit, alarm, 6Jx14" alloy wheels (all other models have 5.5Jx14" wheels)
Note: All models were available as a 4 door sedan and 5 door hatch, except the TRX, which was only available as a 4 door sedan. Note 2: The Corsair was available as a GL (CA20) and Ghia (KA24, and similar features as the Ti).
[edit] U13 series
The U13 series was launched in Japan in September 1991 as a four-door sedan and four-door hardtop. The two models were visually distinct: the four-door sedan had curves where its U12 predecessor had edges, while the hardtop, called the Nissan Bluebird ARX, had more traditional styling.
Several Japanese models included an All Wheel Drive version (ATTESA).
The Australian delivered U13 Bluebird was released in late 1993 and terminated in 1997. The US delivered U13 (Altima) was released in 1993 and was similar to the Australian U13. Series 1 ran from 1993 until 1995 while Series 2 ran from 1995 to 1997. Series 2 saw the addition of a driver's airbag, revised grille styling, and a seat belt warning light. The Series 1 LX model came equipped with cruise control standard but strangely it was an option on the Series 2. The Australian U13 Bluebirds were available in three different models, LX—the base model but very well equipped, Ti— the luxury model, and the SSS—the sports model. The U13 Bluebird was introduced in New Zealand during 1993, and was produced at Nissan's assembly plant in South Auckland until 1997, when it was replaced by the Primera. New Zealand models were; S (base model), SE (mid-spec), and top-of-the-line SEL.
Compared to the LX, the Ti had climate control, a sunroof, woodgrain styling, and gear selector display on the instrument cluster (automatic models only). while comparing the LX to the SSS, the SSS had a HUD (heads-up display—digital speedo on windscreen), climate control, fog lights, ski-port, woodgrain styling, and gear selector display on the instrument cluster (automatic models only).
Despite there being a sports model (SSS), the LX was the fastest of the Australian models due to having the least weight.
The engine used in the Australian and US U13 models was the KA24DE (112 kW, 210 Nm of torque).
The engines used in the Japanese models ranged greatly in capacity and type. The SSS ATTESA LTD model used a redtop SR20DET (154 kW). This was a very similar engine/drivetrain package to the Pulsar GTi-R (169 kW). It had only a single throttle body as opposed the GTi-R multiple throttle body, smaller bearings, hydraulic rather than solid lifters, and a smaller turbo. The GTi-R had a large top mount intercooler, while the SSS ATTESA LTD had a smaller front mount intercooler. To cope with the extra power, the SSS ATTESA LTD borrowed the front rotors and calipers from the R33 GTS Skyline.
[edit] EQ7200 series
Nissan Motor signed an agreement with Dongfeng Motor Co. of China, to build the Bluebird there under a in the early 2000s. It was the U13 model that was chosen, and is sold there as the Nissan Bluebird.
Yulon Motor, the Taiwan-based automaker, developed this variant of the U13, called the EQ7200-II series, in 2001. This featured a U13 central section but heavily revised front and rear ends. However, the centre of the car remains the same, and the 2,620 mm wheelbase is retained. No mention of the Taiwanese connection was made in advertising in mainland China.
The EQ7200-II was built until 2003, when it was replaced by a revised EQ7200-III model.
The car is considerably longer at 4,664 mm, as opposed to the original U13's 4,585 mm.
These Chinese models used a Chinese built SR20DE.[1]
[edit] U14 series
Nissan switched to boxy styling for the U14 Bluebird for January 1996. The American Altima had different front and rear ends, in keeping with its sports sedan positioning. But in its home market, the Bluebird was targeted more at buyers who favoured the formality of larger Japanese sedans. However, the SSS trim was retained, though it no longer referred to a truly sporting model in the range. To fit in with a lower bracket in Japanese taxation legislation, the U14 retained a 1,700 mm width.
Only a four-door sedan was offered. The hardtop, and the option of a 1.6 L engine, were removed. The Nissan Hyper CVT automatic transmission was available in this generation.
This was the final appearance of the Bluebird as a separate line in Japan. The series received a facelift in September 1998. The range was deleted in August 2001. Officially, there was no U15 series, according to Nissan.
After this, Bluebird production continued solely in China (v.s.), and the Altima line continued in the United States.
[edit] External links
- antrx.com ~ An Australian Based U12 & U13 Bluebird Enthusiast Community
- http://www.bluebirdcarclub.co.nz/
- http://www.zxoc.co.uk - 1980's four cylinder performance Nissans, catering for U11 and T12/T72 models
[edit] Notes
| Part of the Nissan series | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles | 100NX | 1200 | 200SX | B210 | 240SX | 240Z | 280ZX | 300ZX | 350Z | 510 | 720 | R89 | R390 GT1 | Almera | Altima | Armada | Avenir | AZEAL |Be-1 | Bluebird | Caravan | Cedric | Cefiro | Cima | Crew | Cube | Elgrand | Fairlady | Figaro | Frontier | Fuga | Gazelle | Gloria | Hardbody Truck | Laurel | Leopard | Lafesta | Liberty | Livina Geniss | Maxima | Micra | Multi | Murano | Navara | Note | NX | Pao | Pathfinder | Patrol | Pintara | Platina | Prairie | Presea | Primera | President | Pulsar | Qashqai | Quest | R'nessa | Rasheen |S-Cargo | Saurus Jr | Sentra | Serena | Silvia | Skyline | Skyline GT-R | Stanza | Stagea | Sunny | Teana | Tiida | Titan | Urge | Versa | Wingroad | X-Trail | Xterra | |
| Engines | 4 cylinder | D | C | G | J | H | L | A | Z | CA | CG | CR | E | FJ | GA | KA | SR | QG | QR | YD | HR | MR | MA |
| Inline 6 | L | H | S20 | P | RB | TB | RD | SD | |
| V6 | VG | VE | VQ | |
| V8 | Y | VH | VK | |
| See also: Infiniti division | Edit this template | |
