It may not seem like much, but 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the arrival of an all-new Datsun Cedric in Australia.
Despite the off-putting name, the Cedric was the start of an effort by Datsun (Nissan) to increase its local market share, with cars that offered luxury inclusions at a super competitive price.
And with the Cedric, they captured the attention of the local motoring media.
Released at the same time as the HR Holden, the Cedric pushed “Australia’s Own Car” off the cover of the June, 1966 edition of Wheels.
Wheels road tested the car and called it a “most impressive luxury flagship” with a “smooth, silent running six.”
Modern Motor also did a test, of the same car as Wheels.
Their headline read “Datsun’s Dapper 6”.
Modern Motor said that “the engine is particularly smooth”.
Both magazines raved over the “luxury” inclusions: self-seeking, radio, carpets, cloth-covered seats, heater, armrests on all doors, two cigarette lighters, clock, power radio aerial, courtesy lights everywhere, seat armrests, map pockets and crash padding.
In fact, Wheels said had everything “shy of a TV set and air-conditioning”.
And all of this for the same approximate price as a Valiant Regal, Holden Premier or Ford Fairmont.
Both commented that the power of the Datsun’s 2.0-litre six was much less than Holden/Valiant/Ford, impacting performance.
In its August, 1966 edition Wheels did a four-car test of the then new VC Valiant, HR Holden, Toyota Crown and Cedric.
The Cedric and Toyota were praised for fit, finish and value for money, with the Toyota just edging the Cedric.
The Valiant was the power choice and the Holden for those who wanted options.
Wheels then did its usual thing and said “you choose”.
No help at all, really.
The Cedric did not trouble the volume selling models of the Big Three, but it was an attractive alternative to BMC’s Austin 1800, and siphoned off a few sales from the Premier, Regal and Fairmont.
What it did do was lay a foundation for Datsun over the next two years to cover the market with value for money models.
In 1967 the small, attractively styled Datsun 1000 sedan and wagon appeared here.
A year later the mid-sized Datusn 1600 made its debut, boasting an OHC engine, independent rear suspension and front disc brakes as standard.
Datsun was on its way to success in Australia.
David Burrell is the editor of retroautos
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