Nissan Laurel II (C130) photos

Launched in 1972, the second-generation Nissan Laurel (C130) marked a significant step upmarket compared to its predecessor, featuring a longer wheelbase, wider track, and a much more imposing road presence. Its exterior design embraced early-1970s sculptural trends with pronounced body contours and distinctive rear treatments, especially on the two-door pillarless hardtop coupe, which housed its taillights within the rear bumper and earned lasting popularity in Japanese car culture. The body lineup continued to consist of a four-door sedan and a two-door hardtop. Under the skin, the rear-wheel-drive chassis was revised: standard sedans switched to a durable leaf-sprung solid rear axle, whereas higher-spec variants and hardtops retained independent semi-trailing arm rear suspension. A major mechanical upgrade over the C30 was the introduction of six-cylinder powerplants alongside the 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter inline-fours. Buyers could choose inline-six engines of 2.0, 2.6, and later 2.8 liters, including fuel-injected variants paired with four- or five-speed manual transmissions or a three-speed automatic. Facelifts and mechanical revisions during the production run updated the grille, lighting, and emission control systems to meet tightening Japanese regulations, while exports expanded under Datsun badging across Europe and selected overseas markets.