The Datsun DA was a small automobile produced by Nissan and sold under the Datsun brand as Nissan's first post-war passenger car. The DA was introduced in November 1947, a direct result of the occupying Allied command once again allowing production of passenger cars.[1] As the tooling for the pre-war Datsun Type 17 was no longer available, the DA was based on the Datsun 1121 truck (which itself was based on the pre-war 17T truck); it used the 722 cc Type 7 side valve engine from the 17T as well as its floor-shifted 3-speed manual transmission and front clip, including a pressed steel grille and nearly no brightwork.[1]
| Datsun DA | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Production | 1947-1950 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Datsun 1121 truck |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 722 cc Type 7 SV I4 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,006 mm (79.0 in) |
| Length | 3,150 mm (124.0 in) |
| Width | 1,330 mm (52.4 in) |
| Height | 1,570 mm (61.8 in) |
| Curb weight | 520 kg (1,146 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Datsun Type 17 |
| Successor | Datsun DS series |
Datsun also offered the Deluxe Sedan (DB) with more modern ponton bodywork alongside the lower cost DA Standard Sedan. The DA had a simple pressed metal grille when first introduced; by 1949 this had been replaced by a more ornate chromed unit. The DA also received a redesigned, less boxy rear section in 1948. The DA was in production until 1950 when it was replaced by the Datsun DS Series (later also marketed as the "Thrift").