Nissan Cedric II (130) photos

Unveiled in October 1965, the 130-series Nissan Cedric departed sharply from the ornate American-influenced aesthetics of the original 30 series, adopting a sleek, understated three-box silhouette penned by the Italian design house Pininfarina. Utilizing an updated rear-wheel-drive monocoque platform with double-wishbone front suspension and a leaf-sprung rear axle, the new generation offered a lower profile and a more refined ride. The lineup consisted of a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon (as well as a commercial van variant), while the ultra-luxury role previously held by the stretched Cedric Special was handed over to the newly introduced Nissan President. Under the hood, the 130 series emphasized smooth six-cylinder power, introducing 2.0-liter inline-six engines—including the advanced OHC L20 unit—and later adding a 2.4-liter inline-six, while fleet and entry-level versions offered 2.0-liter inline-four petrol, LPG, and 2.0- to 2.2-liter diesel engines. Transmission choices encompassed three- and four-speed manuals (with column or floor shifters) alongside a three-speed automatic gearbox. The model underwent annual refinements and a substantial facelift in 1968 that reshaped the grille, hood, and taillight clusters while upgrading interior ergonomics and safety features to remove the slightly drooping rear-end look of early cars. Widely used in Japan by private buyers, executives, police forces, and taxi companies, the 130 series also expanded Nissan's international footprint, selling in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other export markets as the Datsun 2000, Datsun 2200, and Datsun 2400.