Datsun Bluebird Tyres

History of the Datsun Bluebird

The Datsun Bluebird hit the market in 1960 and was available in Japan as the P310 originally before additional models, the WP310 station wagon model in 1960, P311 in 1961, the P312 in 1962, and the smaller 310 came out before the models ceased production in 1963. This model was a big step forward in exportation for both Nissan and the Japanese automobile manufacturing business with the P310. Sales performance in Europe were brilliant in Europe especially considering this was a competitor to Ford Cortinas and Series 5 Morris Oxfords which were released around the same time. Exports to New Zealand and Finland were very successful, being breakout car models in both countries, with the 310 performing better than both SAAB and Triumph in new vehicle registrations.

In 1963 the Bluebird was given a more (at the time) modern styling by Pininfarina, having a very Lancia Fulvia-esque appearance. This model was developed by Nissan so they would have a modern-looking car available in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. This generation brought about the SSS (Super Sports Sedan) sports model of Bluebird, the first of which, was the 410 1.6L SSS, which was a more powerful adaptation of the Bluebird SS, which following the 410 series, was discontinued in the 510 series due to Chevrolet having their performance models called the SuperSport. This series was discontinued in 1967 as the 510 was coming to market.

The 510 was launched in August 1967, featuring an array of body styles, a two-door and four-door saloon, a 5 door station wagon and a two-door coupe which was added later in 1968. This car is very popular in the United States due to its affordable performance and modifiability due to largely interchangeable parts being used in its construction. The car is very popular in the American Trans-Am series under 2500cc Class, winning the 1972 Trans AM 2.5 Championship and back-to-back Australian Rally Championships. The overwhelming popularity of the 510 in North America lead to the 510 being further continued there from 1974 to 1981, albeit with updated styling.

The 610 Bluebirds hit the market in 1971 and used the "coke bottle" styling that was becoming ever more popular in the 70s after its already large success in the 60s as a design. The 610 was a hit in the UK and Europe, badged as the 160B and 180B, referring to the engine displacement of the cars, this led to Datsun becoming the leading car importer in the UK. The production run of these cars lasted from 1971 to 1976.

The 810 was introduced in 1976, retaining some aspects of the 610's "coke-bottle" styling, the 2-door saloon was not sold in this generation of Bluebird, Nissan instead, opted for the 4-door saloon, 5-door estate, and 2-door Coupe (SSS) as their models for the Bluebird 810 generation. The Bluebird retained its title as the leading car importer at the time but faced tough competition such as the Ford Cortina and Morris Marina, which were compared with a Datsun 180B in an Autocar article as 3 popular saloons in the UK at the time. The production run of the 810 lasted from 1976-1979.

In 1979 the Bluebird 910 was released in home markets, and later in 1980, it was sent out to export markets. In Europe, the Bluebird faced competition from other rear-wheel-drive saloons, such as its long time competitor the Ford Cortina, Vauxhall Cavalier, and Renault 18. These were the last Bluebirds to be named with the Datsun brand as they soon switched over to the Nissan name, alongside this all Bluebirds would switch to Front-wheel drive, starting with the Nissan Bluebird U11, signalling a stark change in what the Bluebird was.

1977 Michelin Datsun Fitment Guide

1972 Datsun Bluebird 1400DX

1978 Datsun Fitment Guide by Michelin

1979 Datsun Fitment Guide by Michelin

1980 Datsun Fitment Guide by Michelin

1982 Datsun Fitment Guide by Michelin

1982 Datsun Fitment Guide by Michelin - KEY

1984-85 Datsun Fitment Guide by Michelin