Nissan Cedric VII (Y31) photos

Introduced in 1987, the seventh-generation Nissan Cedric (Y31) shifted toward a more driver-oriented and technologically sophisticated formula during the height of Japan's late-1980s automotive boom. Departing from the boxy aesthetics of the previous Y30 generation, the Y31 split its identity between a sleek, rounded four-door pillarless hardtop and a formal four-door pillared sedan, while wagon variants continued on the older platform architecture. Higher-specification Y31 models replaced the traditional live rear axle with a semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension, significantly improving ride quality and handling, especially on the newly introduced sporty Gran Turismo trim and luxury Brougham variants equipped with electronically controlled air suspension. The powertrain lineup featured updated 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter VG-series V6 engines, newly enhanced with twin-cam 24-valve cylinder heads and ceramic turbochargers, alongside reliable diesel and LPG engines for commercial operators. Initially paired with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, the Y31 received a major facelift in 1989 that updated the grille, bumpers, and cabin electronics while introducing an industry-first five-speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox. Sold predominantly in the Japanese domestic market, the Y31 hardtop served private buyers until 1991, whereas the durable sedan variant remained in fleet production for decades.