1960s

1960's

Datsun Bluebird 510

This decade saw Japan's road network undergo rapid development in preparation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and the 1970 World Expo in Osaka, with new expressways opening. Automakers released mass-market models in rapid succession to popularize private car ownership. In particular, the Datsun Sunny 1000 — a sedan launched by Nissan in 1966 — opened the door in earnest to a new era of private car ownership. An innovative product ahead of its time, the Sunny became a social phenomenon.

The first Japanese Grand Prix car race was held at the Suzuka Circuit in 1963. This triggered increased interest in sports cars and spurred on competition for higher performance automobiles.

Nissan's new Datsun Fairlady and the Prince Skyline GT were notable high-performance cars in the mid-1960s.

As part of an industry reorganization by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Prince Motors — which excelled in technological development — merged with Nissan in 1966. The move not only brought the Skyline and Gloria into Nissan's lineup but allowed it to hone its strengths in product planning and development. From that time on, Nissan’s technological prowess became well known and respected.

1960

January

Datsun Fairlady SPL212 (for export only)

Datsun Fairlady SPL212 (for export only)

Datsun Fairlady SPL212 (for export only)

March

Echo Model GC140

The technological cooperation agreement with Austin Motor expires.

April

Caball Model C140
Cedric Model 30
Junior Model B140

Cedric Model 30

Cedric Model 30

June

Nissan wins the 10th Annual Deming Prize for excellence in industrial engineering.

September

Nissan Motor Corporation in U.S.A. is established.

October

Patrol Model 60
Datsun Cablight Model A120

Patrol Model 60

Patrol Model 60

-

Prince Light Coach Model BQVH-2

1961

August

Datsun Truck Model 320

Datsun Truck Model 320

Datsun Truck Model 320

September

Nissan Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. is established. (Production begins in July 1966.)

1962

January

Junior Model 40

February

Cedric Special Model 50

March

Construction of the Oppama Plant is completed. (Partial operations begin in October 1961.)

Construction of the Oppama Plant is completed.
August

Prince Miller Model T430

September

Prince Gloria Model S40

Prince Gloria Model S40

Prince Gloria Model S40

October

Datsun Fairlady Model SP310

Datsun Fairlady Model SP310

Datsun Fairlady Model SP310

1963

March

Prince Clipper Model T631

September

Datsun Bluebird Model 410

Datsun Bluebird Model 410

Datsun Bluebird Model 410

October

Prince Light Coach Model B632

November

Prince Skyline Model S50

Prince Skyline Model S50

Prince Skyline Model S50

1964

March

Datsun Cablight Model A220

September

Prince Homer Model T640

1965

April

Silvia Model CSP311

May

Datsun Truck Model 520

Construction of the Zama Plant is completed. (Partial operations begin in December 1964.)

Datsun Truck Model 520

Datsun Truck Model 520

August

Prince Homy Model B640

October

President Model 150
Cedric Model 130

Cedric Model 130

Cedric Model 130

1966

April

Datsun Sunny Model B10

Datsun Sunny Model B10

Datsun Sunny Model B10

May

Nissan Motor Co. (Australia) Pty. Ltd. is established.

August

Echo Model GC240
Caball Model C240

Nissan merges with Prince Motors, Ltd. of Japan; the Murayama Plant is acquired by Nissan.

1967

February

Datsun Sunny Truck Model B20

April

Gloria Model A30

Gloria Model A30

Gloria Model A30

July

Construction of the Honmoku Wharf is completed.

August

Datsun Bluebird Model 510

Datsun Bluebird Model 510

Datsun Bluebird Model 510

-

Prince Miller Model T446

1968

January

Headquarters operations are moved to the Company's new building in the Ginza area of Tokyo.

April

Laurel Model C30

Laurel Model C30

Laurel Model C30

July

Skyline Model C10

Skyline Model C10

Skyline Model C10

October

Datsun Cabstar Model A320

A business cooperation agreement is concluded with Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.

1969

February

Skyline 2000GT-R Model C10

 ↳ World-first: Four-valve DOHC in a mass-produced vehicle

Skyline 2000GT-R Model C10

Skyline 2000GT-R Model C10

June

Truck Model 780

August

Datsun Sunny Cab Model C20

October

Fairlady Z Model S30

Fairlady Z Model S30

Fairlady Z Model S30

November

Cumulative exports surpass 1,000,000 units.