Nissan Laurel III (C230) photos

Unveiled in early 1977, the third-generation Nissan Laurel (C230) replaced the curvy silhouettes of the C130 series with formal, rectilinear styling inspired by contemporary luxury sedans of the late 1970s. A major evolution over the previous generation was the expansion of the body lineup: alongside the conventional four-door pillared sedan and two-door hardtop coupe, Nissan introduced a stylish four-door pillarless hardtop, which quickly became a signature configuration for the Laurel nameplate. Built on an updated rear-wheel-drive platform, the C230 abandoned rear leaf springs entirely, utilizing either a four-link coil-sprung solid axle or an independent semi-trailing arm rear suspension paired with front MacPherson struts. The powertrain range encompassed 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engines, smooth L-series inline-six engines in 2.0-liter, 2.4-liter, and 2.8-liter capacities with carburetor or electronic fuel injection, and, for the first time in Laurel history, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine aimed at economy-minded buyers and fleet operators. Transmission options remained four- and five-speed manuals and a three-speed automatic. A major late-1978 facelift replaced the quad round headlights with rectangular units and refreshed the trim. The C230 was sold domestically in Japan and exported widely to Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.