Stanza (1973-92)

COMMON FAULTS

The Nissan Stanza, introduced in 1973, was conceived as a strategic evolution of the Datsun 1600 (510), aiming to blend fuel efficiency, engineering refinement, and global market adaptability. Here's a breakdown of its concept and intention:

🎯 Strategic Objectives

• Fuel Economy Focus: In response to the 1973 oil crisis, Nissan sought a lighter, more efficient alternative to the heavier 200B. The Stanza weighed 235 kg less yet retained similar power, improving fuel consumption dramatically.

• Reviving a Legend: Nissan aimed to recapture the spirit of the Datsun 1600, a car praised for its handling and engineering. The Stanza was seen as a modern reinterpretation, though it lacked independent rear suspension and some of the 1600’s dynamic flair.

🛠️ Engineering Philosophy

• Shared Components: The Stanza used many interchangeable parts with the 200B, including engine blocks, helping Nissan achieve economies of scale.

• Simplified Design: It featured a live rear axle and a recirculating ball steering system—cost-effective but less precise than rack-and-pinion setups.

🌍 Market Positioning

• Global Identity: Known as the Violet, Auster, 160J, or 510 depending on the market, the Stanza was tailored to regional preferences while maintaining a unified engineering base.

• Affordable Performance: Positioned between the 120Y and 200B, it offered a compelling mix of price, equipment, and reliability, especially in SSS trim, which added sportier suspension and a 5-speed gearbox.

🧭 Legacy Intent

• Bridge to Modernity: The Stanza helped Nissan transition from its Datsun branding to a more cohesive global identity, eventually leading to models like the Altima and Primera.

• Consumer Feedback Loop: Nissan responded to dealer and customer requests to “bring back the 1600,” using the Stanza as a platform to test what a modern successor could look like.

In essence, the Stanza was Nissan’s attempt to balance nostalgia with pragmatism—reviving a beloved formula while adapting to the economic and regulatory realities of the 1970s. 

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Generations/Trim Levels

The Nissan Stanza evolved through three main generations between 1973 and 1992, with a variety of trim levels tailored to different markets. Here's a structured overview:

🕰️ Generations Overview

GenerationYearsKey Features   1st Gen1973–1981Rear-wheel drive; sold as Datsun 510 in the U.S.; multiple body styles including saloon, coupé, estate 2nd Gen1982–1986Front-wheel drive introduced; fuel injection became standard by 1984; known as T11 series 3rd Gen1987–1992Squared-off styling; heavier build; KA24E engine with improved power and torque; final generation before Altima

🚗 Trim Levels by Generation

1st Generation (1973–1981)

• GL / GX / SSS (Australia): SSS featured sportier suspension and 5-speed gearbox

• 160J / Violet / 510 (Global): Market-specific naming and equipment

• SSS Rally Spec: Used in motorsport, especially Safari Rally wins

2nd Generation (1982–1986)

• GL / G: Basic trims with carbureted or fuel-injected 2.0L engines

• Stanza FX (Japan): Offered with 1.6L and 1.8L engines

• Liftback / Hatchback / Saloon: Multiple body styles available

3rd Generation (1987–1992)

• XE / GXE / E / SE:XE: Entry-level with basic features
  GXE: Higher trim with more equipment
  E: Budget variant (dropped in 1990)
  SE: Sportier trim added in 1992 with upgraded styling
  

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Where Manufactured

The Nissan Stanza was manufactured in multiple locations across the globe, reflecting Nissan’s expanding international footprint during its production years (1973–1992). Here's a breakdown by region:

🏭 Japan

• Oppama Plant (Yokosuka, Kanagawa): One of Nissan’s primary domestic factories, responsible for early Stanza production.

• Tochigi Plant: Known for producing higher-end and performance models; some later Stanza variants may have passed through here.

• Kyushu Plant: Began operations in 1975 and contributed to volume production for domestic and export markets.

🇺🇸 United States

• Smyrna, Tennessee: From the mid-1980s, Nissan began producing the Stanza domestically to serve the North American market more efficiently. This helped reduce import costs and meet local demand.

🇲🇽 Mexico

• Aguascalientes Plant: Played a role in manufacturing components and assembling vehicles for Latin American markets and export to North America.

🌍 Other Global Sites

• United Kingdom (Sunderland Plant): While primarily focused on models like the Bluebird and later the Primera, the UK plant supported Nissan’s European operations during the Stanza’s final years.

• Australia & New Zealand: Assembly was often done locally using CKD (completely knocked down) kits imported from Japan.

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Designer/Dimensions

The Nissan Stanza’s design was a collaborative effort within Nissan’s internal styling and engineering teams, rather than the work of a single named designer. Like many Japanese cars of the era, it reflected a function-first philosophy, with styling shaped by aerodynamic efficiency, packaging needs, and cost-effective manufacturing. The early models leaned on conservative lines, while later generations adopted more squared-off, modern aesthetics to align with global trends in the 1980s and early ’90s.

Here’s a breakdown of its dimensions, focusing on the first-generation (1973–1981) Stanza/Violet 710 series:

📏 Nissan Stanza (1973–1977) – 710 Series

Dimension / Measurement   

Wheelbase / 2,450 mm (96.5 in) 

Length / 4,120 mm (162.2 in) 

Width / 1,580 mm (62.2 in) 

Height / 1,375 mm (54.1 in) 

Curb Weight / Approx. 1,005 kg (2,216 lb)

These figures varied slightly depending on body style—sedan, coupé, or estate—and regional market adaptations.

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Most Favoured Colour

For the Nissan Stanza, especially across its 1980s and early 1990s production years, white consistently emerged as the most favoured colour among owners and dealerships. Specifically:

🎨 Most Popular Colours by Frequency

• Blue – 9 recorded instances

• White – 6

• Gray – 6

• Green – 4

These figures reflect surviving vehicles on the road, suggesting that blue and white were particularly popular choices, likely due to their broad appeal and availability across trim levels.

🧾 Notable Paint Codes

• Super White (326) – Widely used from 1985 through the early ’90s

• Silver Frost Metallic (549) – A premium option in later models

• Thunder Black (505) – Offered with dark pewter accents

• Cabernet Pearl (624) – A rich, deep red popular in 1989

• Blue Sage Metallic (514) – A standout shade from 1987–1989

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Production Total: 

The first-generation Nissan Stanza (T10 series), produced from 1977 to 1981, had a total production volume of approximately 131,345 units. This figure includes models sold under various names such as the Datsun Stanza, Datsun 510, and Nissan Violet, depending on the market.

It's worth noting:

• This total may include some overlap with second-generation vehicles in transitional markets.

• The number reflects global sales, with notable assembly operations in Japan, Australia, and Mexico.

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Price New

In the UK, the 1973 Nissan Stanza—marketed as the Datsun 160J—launched with a starting price of approximately £1,295 for the base saloon model. This positioned it competitively against rivals like the Ford Cortina Mk III and Hillman Avenger, offering Japanese reliability and equipment at a modest premium.

A few contextual notes:

• The SSS trim, with sportier suspension and a 5-speed gearbox, typically cost around £1,450–£1,500, depending on dealer options.

• These prices were inclusive of VAT and reflected Nissan’s aggressive pricing strategy to gain traction in the UK market during the oil crisis era.

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Sales

The Nissan Stanza was not a major sales success, despite being a technically competent and well-priced compact car. Here's a breakdown of why it underperformed:

📉 Sales Performance

• In 1982, Nissan sold 59,152 Stanzas in the U.S.—a 27% improvement over the outgoing Datsun 510.

• By 1985, sales had only modestly increased to 64,398 units, while rivals surged ahead:Honda Accord: 268,420 units
  Toyota Camry: 128,132 units
  Mazda 626: 92,839 units
  

Even Nissan’s own Maxima outsold the Stanza by around 30,000 units, and its sports models (SX and ZX) performed better in the same period.

🧭 Contributing Factors

• Brand Confusion: The transition from Datsun to Nissan created marketing challenges. Many consumers still recognized the Datsun name years after it was phased out.

• Lack of Identity: The Stanza was seen as “good enough” but lacked a unique selling proposition. It didn’t offer a sporty variant like rivals did, and its styling was considered conservative.

• Internal Competition: Nissan’s own lineup, including the Bluebird and Maxima, often overshadowed the Stanza in both Japan and export markets.

🏁 Legacy

While the Stanza didn’t dominate sales charts, it laid the groundwork for the Altima, which eventually became a top contender in the mid-size sedan segment by the early 2000s.

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Historical Pricing Comparisons

To give you a meaningful historical pricing comparison for the Nissan Stanza, let’s look at how its launch and resale values evolved across key markets and years:

💷 UK Pricing Overview

Year/ Model Variant / Launch Price (Approx.) / Notes   

1973 / Datsun 160J GL / £1,295 / Base saloon; competitive against Cortina Mk III 

1973 / Datsun 160J SSS / £1,450–£1,500 / Sportier trim with 5-speed gearbox 

1982 / Nissan Stanza GL / £4,995–£5,295 / Front-wheel drive T11 series 

1986 / Nissan Stanza SGL / £6,495–£6,995 / Final UK iteration before Primera

🇺🇸 U.S. Pricing Overview

Year / Trim Level / MSRP (USD) / Notes   

1982 / Base / $7,999 / First FWD Stanza in the U.S. 

1985 / XE / $9,499 / Mid-range trim 

1992 / GXE / $17,370 / Final year; fully equipped

📉 Used Market Snapshot (UK)

According to Parkers and CarSite, used Nissan Stanza prices today vary widely:

• Early models (1973–1981): £1,000–£3,000 depending on condition and rarity

• Late models (1987–1992): £500–£1,500, with GXE trims fetching slightly more

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Main Rivals (Prices/Performances)

To assess the Nissan Stanza’s competitive standing in 1973, let’s compare its launch pricing and performance with key rivals in the UK compact saloon segment:

💷 Launch Price Comparison (UK, 1973)

Model / Launch Price (Approx.) / Notes   

Datsun 160J (Stanza) / £1,295–£1,500 / Base GL to SSS trim 

Ford Cortina Mk III / £1,200–£1,600 / Wide range of trims; strong UK sales 

Hillman Avenger / £1,150–£1,400 / Competitive pricing; British-built 

Toyota Corolla KE20 / £1,250–£1,400 / Japanese rival; smaller engine 

Mazda 818 (Grand Familia) / £1,295–£1,495 / Similar spec and pricing

🏁 Performance Comparison

Model / Engine (cc) / Power (bhp) / 0–60 mph (sec) / Top Speed (mph)   

Datsun 160J SSS / 1595/ 95 / ~12.5 / ~100 

Ford Cortina 1600L / 1599 / 72 / ~14.0 / ~93 

Hillman Avenger 1600 / 1598 / 75 /~13.5 / ~95 

Toyota Corolla KE20 / 1166 / 73 / ~15.0 / ~90 

Mazda 818 1600 / 1586 / 88 / ~13.0 / ~98

🧭 Observations

• The Stanza SSS offered one of the highest power outputs and quickest acceleration in its class, thanks to its twin-carb setup and 5-speed gearbox.

• Its pricing was competitive, especially considering the equipment levels and Japanese build quality.

• Rivals like the Cortina had broader trim ranges and stronger brand loyalty in the UK, but the Stanza appealed to buyers seeking reliability and value.

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Engine/s 

The first-generation Nissan Stanza, introduced in 1973 and known in many markets as the Datsun Violet, offered a range of inline-four petrol engines tailored to regional needs and body styles. Here's a breakdown of the available options:

🛠️ Engine Options for the 1973 Nissan Stanza (710 Series)

Engine Code / Displacement / Configuration / Power Output / Notes   

L14 / 1428 cc / SOHC I4 / ~85 PS / Base engine in Japan and select export markets 

L16 / L16E / L16P / 1595 cc / SOHC I4 / 95–110 PS / Most common; twin-carb SSS trim offered 95 PS DIN; EFI version (L16E) available in Japan 

L18 / L18P / 1770 cc / SOHC I4 / ~105 PS / Offered in export markets; LPG version (L18P) used for taxis in Japan 

L20B / 1952 cc / SOHC I4 / ~97–110 PS / Available in North America and select export markets; higher torque 

J16 OHV / 1567 cc / OHV I4 / ~75 PS / Used in Taiwan (Yue Loong Violet 707)

🔍 Notable Variants

• SSS-E (Japan): Featured fuel injection and produced up to 110 PS at 6,200 rpm.

• 160J SSS (Export): Twin-carb setup delivering 95 PS DIN, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

• LPG Taxi Spec: The 1800 cc engine (L18P) was tuned for liquefied petroleum gas, used primarily in Japanese taxis.

These engines were paired with 4- or 5-speed manual gearboxes, and in some markets, a 3-speed automatic was optional. The diversity of engine offerings reflected Nissan’s global ambitions and its strategy to tailor vehicles to local fuel types, emissions standards, and driving preferences.

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Performance

The 1973 Nissan Stanza—marketed in the UK as the Datsun 160J and globally as the Violet 710 series—offered respectable performance for a compact saloon of its era, especially in SSS trim. Here's a breakdown of its key performance metrics:

🏁 Performance Figures (1973 Datsun 160J SSS / Stanza)

Specification / Value   

Engine / 1595 cc L16 SOHC I4 

Power Output~95 PS DIN (twin-carb setup) 

0–60 mph~12.5 seconds 

Top Speed~100 mph (160 km/h) 

Transmission5-speed manual (SSS); 4-speed or 3-speed auto in other trims 

Fuel Economy~30–35 mpg (imperial) 

Kerb Weight~1,005 kg (2,216 lb)

🔍 Notes on Driving Dynamics

• The SSS variant featured sportier suspension and tighter gear ratios, giving it a more engaging feel than base models.

• While not a performance car by modern standards, the Stanza’s lightweight construction and responsive steering made it nimble and enjoyable on twisty roads.

• The recirculating ball steering system was a weak point, offering vague feedback compared to rack-and-pinion setups.

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Historical Advertisements & Marketing Strategy

The Nissan Stanza’s advertising and marketing strategy evolved significantly across its lifespan, reflecting broader shifts in branding, consumer expectations, and Nissan’s own identity transition from Datsun. Here's a structured overview:

📺 Historical Advertisements

1. Early 1980s – Datsun to Nissan Transition

• Ads often featured taglines like “No Other Car This Big” to emphasize interior space and value.

• Commercials from 1982–1983 leaned into the “Product of Nissan” phrasing, bridging the Datsun legacy with the new Nissan identity.

• TV spots showcased family-friendly features, fuel economy, and reliability—positioning the Stanza as a sensible alternative to domestic sedans.

2. Mid-1980s – Competitive Positioning

• A 1983 ad campaign featured the slogan “Love is Stanza” in Japan, tapping into emotional appeal.

• U.S. commercials highlighted the Stanza’s power windows, cassette stereo, and fold-down rear seats, comparing favorably to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

• Humorous ads like the David Ruprecht commercial played on neighborhood envy, portraying the Stanza as a smart, stylish choice.

3. Print Advertising

• Magazine ads from 1982 emphasized “No Other Car This Big”, focusing on cabin space and comfort.

• Imagery often showed families, clean interiors, and modern dashboards—underscoring practicality and refinement.

📈 Marketing Strategy

🧭 Brand Transition

• The Stanza was central to Nissan’s rebranding from Datsun, especially in North America.

• Ads and brochures used dual branding (“Datsun by Nissan”) to ease consumer confusion during the name change.

🎯 Target Audience

• Aimed at middle-income families aged 25–45, seeking reliability and value.

• Later models targeted urban professionals with GXE and SE trims offering more equipment and styling.

💡 Strategic Positioning

• Positioned as a mid-size sedan with better equipment and pricing than rivals.

• Nissan emphasized Japanese engineering and fuel efficiency, especially during the oil-conscious 1980s.

📊 Competitive Messaging

• Compared favorably to the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Mazda 626 in terms of price and performance.

• Nissan’s marketing leaned on performance stats, such as quicker 0–60 times and better fuel economy.

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Rarity & Collector Appeal

The Nissan Stanza occupies a curious niche in the collector car world—rare but not yet widely coveted, with appeal rooted more in nostalgia and historical significance than in performance or prestige. Here's a breakdown of its rarity and collector potential:

🧭 Rarity Today

• Survivor Scarcity: Most Stanzas have vanished from roads due to rust, neglect, or being scrapped. Survivors—especially early 1973–1977 models—are increasingly rare.

• Low Enthusiast Visibility: Unlike the Datsun 510 or Z-cars, the Stanza never developed a strong enthusiast base, making it a sleeper in the classic car scene.

• Trim-Specific Rarity: The SSS variants, especially with twin-carb setups and 5-speed manuals, are the most desirable and least common.

🏁 Collector Appeal

• Historical Bridge: The Stanza links the Datsun era to Nissan’s modern identity, making it a compelling piece for brand historians.

• Affordable Entry Point: Prices remain modest—often under £3,000 for usable examples—making it attractive for collectors seeking Japanese classics without the premium of a 240Z or Skyline.

• Restoration Simplicity: Shared components with the 200B and Sunny make parts sourcing easier than expected, especially in Australia and the UK.

🔍 Enthusiast Sentiment

• Some collectors appreciate the Stanza for its understated charm, reliability, and role in Nissan’s global expansion.

• Others view it as a footnote, overshadowed by the Altima and Maxima, with limited motorsport pedigree and conservative styling.

📈 Investment Outlook

• Modest Growth Potential: While unlikely to skyrocket in value, clean, low-mileage examples—especially SSS trims—may appreciate as interest in obscure Japanese classics grows.

• Best Bets: Look for early models with original paint, documentation, and manual gearboxes. These offer the best blend of rarity and historical interest.

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Recorded in UK 2025

As of 2025, there are 9 Nissan Stanzas recorded with a valid MOT in the UK. That’s a vanishingly small number—just 0.0000% of all UK vehicles—highlighting its rarity and near-extinct status on British roads.

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Target Age Group

The Nissan Stanza was primarily targeted at middle-income adults aged 25 to 45, especially those seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient family car during the oil-conscious 1970s and 1980s. Here's how its appeal was shaped across generations:

🎯 Target Demographics by Era

1973–1981 (First Generation)

• Young families and professionals looking for a practical saloon with Japanese reliability

• Buyers downsizing from larger British or American cars due to fuel costs

• Enthusiasts drawn to the SSS trim for its sportier suspension and 5-speed gearbox

1982–1986 (Second Generation)

• Urban commuters and small families wanting front-wheel drive and better fuel economy

• Buyers aged 30–50 seeking comfort and value over performance

• Those transitioning from Datsun branding to Nissan, often loyal to Japanese marques

1987–1992 (Third Generation)

• Suburban households needing a mid-size sedan with modern features

• Professionals aged 35–55 who valued equipment like power windows, air conditioning, and cassette stereos

• Budget-conscious buyers comparing it to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord

📺 Marketing Reflections

• Ads emphasized space, comfort, and practicality, not youth or sportiness

• The Stanza was rarely positioned as aspirational—it was the sensible choice, ideal for buyers prioritizing reliability and value

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Influence of Target Age Group

The target age group for the Nissan Stanza—primarily middle-income adults aged 25 to 45—had a direct influence on its design, features, and marketing strategy. Here's how that demographic shaped the car’s development and positioning:

🧠 Design & Engineering Choices

• Practicality over performance: Buyers in this age range were typically focused on family needs, commuting, and reliability. As a result, the Stanza emphasized interior space, fuel economy, and ease of maintenance.

• Conservative styling: To appeal to a broad, sensible audience, Nissan opted for understated aesthetics rather than sporty or avant-garde designs.

• Comfort features: Later models included power windows, air conditioning, and cassette stereos, reflecting the expectations of professionals and families in this bracket.

📈 Marketing Strategy

• Family-oriented messaging: Ads often depicted young families or professionals, highlighting the Stanza’s spaciousness and dependability.

• Value proposition: The car was positioned as a smart financial choice—affordable to buy, economical to run, and durable over time.

• Brand transition: During the Datsun-to-Nissan rebranding, the Stanza helped reassure loyal customers that the new name still stood for quality and trust.

🧭 Impact on Legacy

• The Stanza’s appeal to this age group helped Nissan establish credibility in the mid-size sedan segment, even if it didn’t dominate sales charts.

• Its successor, the Altima, built on this foundation but shifted toward a younger, more style-conscious audience, reflecting changing consumer priorities in the 1990s.

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Parts Bin Engineering

The Nissan Stanza is a textbook example of parts-bin engineering done with strategic intent—especially in its first and second generations. Nissan leveraged existing components across its lineup to reduce costs, streamline production, and simplify servicing. Here's how it played out:

🧰 Key Examples of Parts-Bin Engineering

1. Shared Engine Families

• The L-series engines (L14, L16, L18, L20B) used in the Stanza were also found in:Datsun 510
  Datsun 610 and 710
  Early Bluebird and 200B models
  

• This meant interchangeable blocks, heads, and ancillaries, making repairs and upgrades easier for owners and mechanics.

2. Suspension & Steering Components

• The live rear axle and recirculating ball steering were carried over from the 200B and Sunny platforms.

• Front struts and control arms were often interchangeable with other Nissan saloons of the era.

3. Interior & Electrical Systems

• Switchgear, dashboard layouts, and HVAC controls were reused across:Sunny B310
  Bluebird 910
  Cherry N10
  

• This helped Nissan maintain a consistent supplier base and reduce tooling costs.

4. Gearboxes & Drivetrain

• Manual and automatic transmissions were shared with the 200B and later Bluebird models.

• The 5-speed gearbox in SSS trims was also used in sportier variants of the Sunny and 510.

🔍 Why It Mattered

• Cost Efficiency: Allowed Nissan to offer competitive pricing, especially in export markets like the UK and Australia.

• Simplified Servicing: Mechanics could source parts from multiple donor models, reducing downtime and repair costs.

• Global Scalability: Enabled Nissan to tailor the Stanza to local regulations and preferences without reinventing core systems.

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Spares

If you're hunting for Nissan Stanza spares in the UK and Ireland, you're in luck—there are several reliable sources offering both new and used parts, often with delivery options and compatibility guarantees. Here's a curated list to get you started:

🛠️ Online Retailers for New Parts

SupplierHighlightsLink   AutoPartsProWide range of mechanical, electrical, and body components for T11 saloon and hatchback modelsautopartspro.co.uk EU SparesOE-branded parts with VAT-inclusive pricing and free delivery over £140euspares.co.uk Online AutomotiveUp to 80% off RRP, with next-day delivery and phone/email supportonlineautomotive.co.uk Euro Car PartsStocking parts for various Stanza trims; free UK deliveryeurocarparts.com

🔧 Used & Refurbished Parts

SupplierHighlightsLink   BreakeryardSearches UK breaker yards for refurbished original parts; up to 85% off dealer pricesbreakeryard.com

🧭 Tips for Sourcing

• Use VIN or reg number when searching to ensure compatibility.

• Check for SSS-specific parts if you're restoring a sportier variant—these are rarer.

• Consider donor vehicles like the Datsun 510 or Bluebird 910 for mechanical interchangeability.

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Racing

It did more than just compete. The first-generation Nissan Stanza (also known as the Datsun Violet 710 series) became one of Nissan’s most successful rally cars, especially in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

🏁 Rallying Pedigree

• World Rally Championship (WRC): The Stanza won six WRC rounds, including:Rally New Zealand (1980)
  Ivory Coast Rally (1981)
  Safari Rally: Dominated with four consecutive wins from 1979 to 1982, driven by Shekhar Mehta and Mike Doughty.
  

• Australian Rally Championship (ARC):Won three consecutive titles from 1979 to 1981
  Also claimed three Southern Cross International Rally victories between 1978 and 1980
  

🔧 Race-Spec Engineering

• Group 2 & Group 4 FIA Specs:Early cars used the L20B SOHC 2.0L engine, producing up to 190–200 bhp
  Later models featured the LZ20B DOHC 16-valve engine with dry sump lubrication, pushing up to 220 bhp
  

• Lightweight & Durable:Rally-prepped Stanzas weighed around 1,080–1,100 kg
  Reinforced suspension towers and filtered carburettors made them ideal for brutal terrain
  

🌍 Global Impact

• The Stanza’s rally success helped Nissan build a reputation for durability and engineering excellence, especially in harsh conditions like the African Safari Rally.

• It was one of the few Japanese cars to consistently outperform European rivals like the Peugeot 504 and Fiat 131 Abarth in endurance events

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Valuation

As of 2025, a first-generation Nissan Stanza (1973–1981) in the UK is valued at approximately £1,000 to £3,000, depending on condition, originality, and trim level. Here's how that breaks down:

💷 Valuation Guide (UK, 2025)

Condition / Estimated Value / Notes   

Concours/Showroom / £3,000+Rare; likely SSS trim with full restoration 

Good/Usable / £1,800–£2,500MOT’d, mechanically sound, some cosmetic wear 

Project/Non-runner / £800–£1,200May require welding, engine work, or parts sourcing

🔍 Influencing Factors

• Trim Rarity: SSS variants with twin carbs and 5-speed gearboxes command a premium.

• Survivor Status: Only 9 examples are currently MOT’d in the UK, making any roadworthy car a rarity.

• Parts Availability: Thanks to parts-bin engineering, mechanical spares are easier to source than body panels or trim.

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Investment Assessment

I'd rate the first-generation Nissan Stanza as a 2 out of 5 for financial investment potential in 2025.

Here’s why:

📉 Why It Scores Low

• Limited Enthusiast Demand: Unlike the Datsun 510 or 240Z, the Stanza lacks a strong collector following.

• Modest Appreciation: Values remain flat—typically £1,000–£3,000 in the UK—even for well-preserved SSS trims.

• Sparse Survivors: Only 9 MOT’d examples remain in the UK, which adds rarity but not necessarily desirability.

• Conservative Styling: Its understated design doesn’t command premiums at auction or in enthusiast circles.

🛠️ Offsetting Positives

• Parts-Bin Engineering: Shared components with the 200B and Sunny make restoration more affordable.

• Rally Pedigree: The SSS variants have historical motorsport success, especially in Safari Rally events.

• Historical Bridge: It represents a key transition from Datsun to Nissan branding, which may appeal to marque historians.

🧭 Verdict

While it’s a charming survivor and a great conversation piece, the Stanza is best suited to nostalgic ownership rather than speculative investment. If you're restoring one for personal enjoyment or historical interest, it's a rewarding project—but not one likely to yield strong financial returns.

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Clubs

While there isn’t a dedicated Nissan Stanza owners’ club specifically based in Northern Ireland, there are a few broader communities where Stanza enthusiasts are welcome—and where you might find fellow owners or restoration allies:

🚗 Relevant Clubs & Communities

• Nissan Owners Club UK
  A national forum with sections for classic models like the Sunny, Cherry, and Almera. While the Stanza isn’t a headline model, you’ll find helpful advice and parts sourcing tips from long-time Nissan enthusiasts.

• Nissan Stanza/Bluebird/Sentra Owners Club on Facebook
  An international group with nearly 900 members. It’s a great place to share photos, ask technical questions, and connect with owners across the UK and Ireland.

• StillMotoring.co.uk
  A niche site listing Datsun and Nissan models, including the Stanza. While not a club per se, it’s a useful resource for tracking UK survivors and connecting with like-minded collectors.

🧭 Local Events & Classic Car Networks

• Northern Ireland Classic Car Clubs often welcome Japanese classics at shows and meets. While not Stanza-specific, groups like the Ulster Vintage Car Club or NI Classic Car Club may host events where a Stanza would be a rare and welcome sight.

• Church-linked car events in Northern Ireland sometimes feature obscure classics—your Stanza could be a standout.

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