Datsun DS series
The Datsun DS series was introduced in 1950 as the replacement for the Datsun DA. It was based on pre-war Datsun designs, themselves closely based on the Austin Seven. A more luxurious range with the same underpinnings, called the DB series, was sold in parallel.
| Datsun DS series | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Also called | Datsun Thrift (DS-2/DS-4/DS-5) Datsun Convar (DS-6) |
| Production | 1950-1954 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Datsun DB series |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Datsun DA |
| Successor | Datsun 110 |
Datsun DS
| Datsun DS | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1950 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door sedan |
| Related | Datsun 4146 Pickup |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 722 cc Type 7 SV I4 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,005 mm (78.9 in) |
| Length | 3,185 mm (125.4 in) |
| Width | 1,380 mm (54.3 in) |
The Datsun DS (Datsun DS-1) was introduced in late 1949 or 1950 as the replacement for the Datsun DA. It was essentially a DA, but with more comfortable bodywork and a chrome grille similar to that of the Datsun 17T truck except the center strip was chromed instead of painted. The same engine was used, producing 15 PS (11 kW). The DS was in production until August 1950, after which it was replaced by the Datsun DS-2.
Datsun DS-2
| Datsun DS-2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1950-1952 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door sedan |
| Related | Datsun DB-2 Datsun 5147 Pickup |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 860 cc Type 10 SV I4 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,005 mm (78.9 in) |
| Length | 3,500 mm (137.8 in) |
| Width | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Height | 1,550 mm (61.0 in) |
| Curb weight | 770 kg (1,698 lb) |
The Datsun DS-2 was released in August 1950 and was completely redesigned with modern styling (the front end resembled a scaled-down Willys Jeep). The DS-2 was based on the Datsun 5147 truck and the drivetrain was the same new 860 cc engine as used in the DB-2. The DS-2 and later DS models were marketed as a less expensive (and basic) alternative to the more upscale DB. The DS-2 was known in Japan as the "Square Dandy" thanks to its square and boxy Jeeplike styling; the DS-2 was replaced by the Datsun DS-4 in August 1951, although at least one remaining DS-2 is referred to as a "1952".
Datsun DS-4
| Datsun DS-4 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1951-1953 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 860 cc Type 10 SV I4 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,150 mm (84.6 in) |
| Length | 3,750 mm (147.6 in) |
| Width | 1,458 mm (57.4 in) |
| Height | 1,535 mm (60.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 930 kg (2,050 lb) |
The Datsun DS-4 (the DS-3 designation was skipped) was released in August 1951 and was the first four-door car (along with the DB-4) to have the Datsun name. The styling was a nightmare (it looked like five different cars put together). The drivetrain carried over from the DS-2, although the chassis was lengthened to enable a larger passenger compartment.[1] The front doors were rear-hinged while the rear doors were front-hinged. The front end was similar to the DS-2 but with a different grille; the front of the hood spelled out "DATSUN" in individual chrome letters. The DS-4 was in production until early 1953, when it was replaced by the Datsun DS-5.
Datsun DS-5
| Datsun DS-5 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1953-1954 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 860 cc Type 10 SV I4 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,150 mm (84.6 in) |
| Length | 3,815 mm (150.2 in) |
| Width | 1,458 mm (57.4 in) |
| Height | 1,545 mm (60.8 in) |
| Curb weight | 930 kg (2,050 lb) |
The Datsun DS-5 was released in 1953 and was largely the same as the DS-4, with a new grille design and with the engine upgraded to produce 25 PS (18 kW). The DS-5 was in production until 1954, when it was replaced by the completely redesigned Datsun DS-6.
Datsun DS-6
| Datsun DS-6 Convar | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1954 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 860 cc Type 10 SV I4 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
The Datsun DS-6 Convar was released in July 1954 and was more modern and attractive compared to the DS-4 and DS-5. The DS-6 was based on the DS-5 and used its drivetrain. The front-end was unique with a flat panel (with "DATSUN" in individual letters) between the hood opening and the grille, which was oval-shaped that was split by the bumper bar. The trunk lid lifted up rather than folded down. The DS-6 was only in production until the end of the year, when it was replaced by the all new Datsun 110 which went on sale in January 1955.
References
- "昭和20年代のダットサン デラックスセダンDBとスリフトDS" [Showa '20s Datsun Deluxe Sedan DB and Thrift DS]. 自動車カタログ棚から [Off the Car Catalog Shelf] (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2016-06-01.