The Nissan Cedric was a large executive car available in 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon variants, produced mainly from 1960 to 2004. The Y31 commercial model continued production until 2015 in limited capacity.
Nissan Cedric Design and Introduction
The Cedric was developed by Nissan to provide an upscale transportation option, competing with the Prince Skyline and Gloria which later became part of the Nissan family, as well as the Toyota Comfort and Crown. The first generation Nissan Cedric 30 was released in 1960 as a six-seater, sold exclusively at Nissan Cedric Store dealerships in Japan. It was the first usage of the Nissan name, although it shared many parts with other Datsun automobiles. The Cedric replied the Austin A50 which Nissan had been producing under license from the Austin Motor Company of England. The Cedric was Nissan’s first monocoque body and featured a wrap-around windshield providing an excellent field of view. Some styling points were taken from Japanese commuter trains, especially the large front grille with double pairs of headlights stacked on top. Engine choices for the first generation Cedric included 1.5L and 1.9L inline-4s, and a 2.8L inline-6 in the Cedric Special. A 4-speed manual transmission was used. A slightly updated 31 series was released in 1962, bringing in a 2.0L inline-4 diesel engine option and 3-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission.
Second and Third Generation Updates
In 1965, the second generation Cedric 130 was introduced, using bodywork designed from the famous Pininfarina Italian coachbuilder. The modernized look with angular sections was matched with Nissan’s first OHC engine offering, the 2.0L L20 inline-6. A 2.0L inline-4 was still available, along with a 2.2L diesel and 2.3L/2.4L inline-6 options. The transmission remained a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic.
The third generation Nissan Cedric 230 came out in 1971, although many markets no longer used the Cedric moniker and instead were called the 200C, 220C, 240C, or 260C based on the engine size. Most engines were inline-6 with up to 140 PS, but a 2.0L inline-4 was available in both gasoline and diesel. The larger engine sizes were a response to increased emissions regulations, allowing them to meet the standards without losing performance. The exterior appearance was updated and matched many early 70s vehicles with a long nose and sloping rear, somewhat resembling the “coke bottle” design that became widely popular. A 4-door hardtop was released, which removed the B-pillar and gave it a sleek look.
70s Emissions Changes: Fourth and Fifth Generations
In 1975, the fourth generation Cedric 330 debuted. The engine offerings remained similar, although the diesel was primarily used for taxi purposes. Additional emissions regulations required Nissan to introduce the NAPS (Nissan Anti Pollution System) on later models. The Cedric had reached vast popularity and in 1977, the 1 millionth Cedric was produced, showcasing just how high the demand for this long-running vehicle became. The fifth generation Cedric 430 was unveiled in 1979. While the engines were mostly carried over, the exterior look was dramatically different with a boxy front end. Many exported models used a 2.8L L28 inline-6 engine. A new inline-6 diesel was also made available. A turbocharged inline-6 offered forced induction for the first time, mainly sold on the Excellence trim level.
Refined Style, Driving Upmarket
More changes came in 1983 when the Cedric Y30 started production. The boxy styling was continued, but became slightly more elegant and refined from the past generation. The VG series V6 engine was introduced, offered in 2.0L and 3.0L options, with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants available. 3 or 4-speed automatic and 4 or 5-speed manual transmissions were featured. This marked a new era for the Cedric as it was meant to compete with the German luxury cars of the era. Adjustable seats, adjustable steering wheel, power steering, air conditioning, tinted windows, and a five-link “Super Sonic Suspension” all added to the luxury. The options were seemingly limitless, even including a recording function in its cassette player that could be used as a dictaphone. In 1987, the Y31 Nissan Cedric hit the market, available as a 4-door hardtop and sedan. Being released in Japan’s late 80s economic peak before the 90s crisis, this model was one of Nissan’s most popular series that was targeted at the more affluent market, similar to the previous generation. The styling was slightly rounded off, but engine sizes remained similar, adding in DOHC V6 options, plus 2.0L LPG variants, producing up to 210 PS. Options now included a broadcast TV tuner, Sony CD player, and height-controlled air suspension. An integrated steering wheel keypad allowed for handsfree use of the built-in cellular phone. The eighth generation Nissan Cedric Y32 was released in 1991, only available as a 4-door hardtop and aimed at an exclusive private buyer market. The Y31 continued production alongside of the Y32, which was only available with V6 engines and featured a performance Gran Turismo version that mimicked the BMW 7 Series.
The Final Ninth Generation Nissan Cedric
By 1995, the ninth generation Cedric Y33 came to the market. It featured a newly developed VQ engine series, offering 2.0L, 2.5L, and 3.0L V6 options, with a 3.0L turbocharged V6 producing 266 horsepower and 271 lb ft of torque. The final iteration of the Nissan Cedric Y34 came in 1999 and was produced until 2004. The styling was made slightly more round and stuck with the 2.5L and 3.0L VQ V6 engine options, which a 2.5L inline-6 and 3.0L V6 were available with turbocharged forced induction. Direct injection was added to all V6 engines, and the transmission could be a 4-speed automatic or a CVT.