Save Remove Download Share Subscribe January 1, 1960 – , Thu Jun 10 00:00:00 -0500 2010 Toward the end of this decade of change, Nissan has built a strong reputation in both the American and the Japanese markets. The Datsun 2000 roadster, valued both for its style and performance, becomes synonymous with early Nissan design. Soon after, the Datsun "Z" changes the way people think of sports cars. 1960 Nissan Motor Corporation USA (NMC) is established in Gardena, California. The model year witnesses the birth of Datsun’s first sports car, the SPL 210. This high, narrow 4-seat roadster features a fold-down soft-top with side curtains, “4 on the floor,” and a 48-hp 1200-cc engine that was soon replaced by a more powerful 85-hp version. In June, Nissan wins the 10th Annual Deming Prize for excellence in industrial engineering. 1961 Nissan Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. is established. Production begins in July 1966. 1962 Focused in American driving need, the Bluebird is the first Datsun with a fully-synchronized 3-speed transmission. It also sports classic two-tone paint, wide white-walls and optional bucket seats. Off the road, Nissan’s first utility vehicle, Patrol, makes its debut, with TV hero Roy Rogers as its spokesperson. Pitched as the world’s most powerful, most advanced 4-wheel drive vehicle, the Patrol’s brawny 145-hp 4000-cc 6-cylinder engine develops enough torque “to climb trees.” In March, construction of the Oppama Plant is completed (partial operations began in October 1961). 1965 Construction of the Zama Plant is completed (partial operations began in December 1964). 1966 The first Japanese-owned production facility in North America, Nissan Mexicana (NMEX), manufacturers its first vehicle. Nissan Motor Co. (Australia) Pty. Ltd. is established. In August, Nissan merges with Prince Motors, Ltd. of Japan; the Murayama Plant is acquired by Nissan. 1967 The Datsun that is most desired by collectors, the 2000 Roadster, is also the first Japanese production sports car to come with a 5-speed transmission. That, plus its robust 150-hp engine, make it extra fun to drive. Production is limited to 1,000 and the first 10 are lightweight versions for racing. The 2000 Roadster wins 10 SCCA National Championships between 1967 and 1987. 1968 Datsun launches the first car styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 5100. Headquarters operations are moved to the Company's new building in the Ginza area of Tokyo. In October, a business cooperation agreement is concluded with Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. 1969 Datsun introduces the “Z” as a 1970 model. By offering European performance plus creature comforts like roll-up windows and a heater, all at an affordable price, the 240Z becomes the best-selling sports car in the world. The Corvette took nearly 25 years to sell 500,000 units; the Z does it in fewer than 10. Cumulative exports surpass 1,000,000 units. Issued by Nissan Save Remove Download Share Subscribe to Email Alerts