Datsun Laurel Six

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

The Datsun Laurel, or Nissan Laurel as it was known in most markets was made between 1968 and 2002 in no fewer than eight different series. Positioned in the market between the smaller Bluebird and top-of-the-range Cedric, their engines ranged from a 1.8-litre four- to a 3-litre six-cylinder.

Datsun UK brought the 2-litre six-cylinder version into the UK. The import company was set up by Octav Botnar in 1970, its owner becoming infamous for fleeing the country owing £200 million in taxes. During his iron-fist reign, it became a phenomenally successful business, making him a multi-millionaire by exploiting the lack-lustre offerings from the UK manufacturers and aggressive marketing.

Never a seller in massive numbers, the Laurel was nevertheless a civilised upmarket offering, its silky six-cylinder engine adding a level of refinement to its high level of standard equipment that Granada-man could only dream of.

According to the website ‘How many left?’ there are only 45 Laurels left registered in the UK. Garaged since it was taken off the road in 1996, it was put away because of a worn clutch and the use of another vehicle. Purchased by the vendor in 1990, it shows two previous owners and has now covered 80,149 miles. It has an old-style V5 document.

The Japanese classic car scene in the UK seems to be rapidly gaining in momentum, the more obscure and rare models gaining special status amongst the various clubs. Thanks to its modest mileage and long term garage storage, this example appears to have escaped the tin-worm associated with Datsuns of this era and should make a relatively straighforward recommissioning project.