By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
It’s the Festival of the Unexceptional in Lincolnshire this weekend (26 July) and my pick to take along would be the Datsun 100A (or Cherry). A special car for me as I learnt to drive in this little Datsun.
The car debuted 55 years ago and in export markets Nissan sold it as a Datsun, mainly to boost sales as a known name already in Europe and the US.
In 1971, the Datsun Cherry became the first Japanese car to break into the UK in a big way.
It was a compact, quirky-looking, lively and reliable. The Cherry was Nissan’s first front-wheel-drive car with an all-independent suspension. Under the bonnet was a 998cc four-cylinder engine.
Interestingly, the Cherry was initially aimed at a younger market, using the tagline ‘Love Cherry’.
It came with two and four-door options, but it’s Japanese makers also gave us a Coupe version – the 120A – which would certainly turn heads, if only for its bizarre look.
The 100A also had an impressive list of standard features that would challenge rivals at the time, like the Hillman Avenger. They included a fitted radio, two-speed wipers and electric windscreen washers.
It did have its faults – a cramped back seat and rust issues stood out.
The Cherry developed into a larger second generation model (from 1974). A third generation followed in 1978 and a fourth, four years later.
But, it was the early 100A that brought Datsun to prominence in the UK and Europe. Over 73,000 Cherry’s were sold here.
By the time production ended, the Cherry had captured an impressive 6% of the UK car market. Eventually, it would make way for the Nissan Sunny.
Today, the 100A is a rare car with a distinctive look. I guess you could call it an ‘unexceptional’ classic!