1983 Datsun Laurel

Basic information and History

The Laurel model was under development at the Prince Motor Company when the company merged with Nissan in 1966. Introduced as the Nissan Laurel in early 1968, the car shared much of the technology with the larger Nissan Skyline, including individual suspension all around. The model was exported under the Datsun name and sold new here in Sweden by the general agent Philipsons, but is today just as then a very unusual wagon on our Swedish and European roads.

This item is a Laurel “C31” that was only available as a rear wheel drive four-door sedan or hardtop. The simpler variants still had a rigid rear axle, while the stronger sixes had a four-link rear axle. This was the last Laurel model brought to Sweden, either with the 2.4-liter straight six of 113 hp or like this one with the 2.8-liter diesel of 82 hp. A Swedish-sold example that has only had 3 owners since new!


Equipment and Options

Condition

Exterior: The car is in an ok used condition and has been well taken care of over the years. There are various minor marks on, among other things, the bumper and the lower part of the body. The seller says that the car has some rust behind the front wheel arches, some surface rust under the hood and under the rear bumper. Moldings and glass parts are in good condition, as are the aluminum wheels. There are also a couple of stone chips and other minor marks, but apart from that the car presents itself well. The car was rustproofed in the early 90s. Please see the photos in the album and feel free to ask questions in the comment field!


Interior: The luxurious interior is in very nice used condition with minor wear in exposed areas. The dashboard is in very good condition, as are all controls, buttons, carpets and headliner. The seller says that all functions work except for the electrical antenna for the radio. See the photos in the album for more info and feel free to ask questions in the comment field!


Mechanically: The seller says that the car runs fine mechanically and mechanically and electrically works as it should. It shifts distinctly between gears, the engine pulls nicely and there are no known leaks under the car other than in the exhaust system. The tires are of an older model and have approx. 3mm tire pattern. The car has not been inspected since 1998, the read odometer reading is only 87390km which is guaranteed by the seller and the car is also now a vintage car and tax exempt. Service has been handled by the seller himself. See the photos in the album for more info and feel free to ask questions in the comment field!


Summary

A very rare model that is now becoming sought after! A nice rear wheel drive sedan model that deserves to be fixed up a bit and saved for the future.