The History of Nissan Navara
Nissan Navara, despite being a relatively new player in the Japanese automotive industry, has roots that trace back to the early 1930s when Datsun began producing small trucks (pickups). With a strong lineage and eight decades of development, the Navara stands as a champion of the story with multiple identities, providing a strong response to competitors like the Toyota Hilux.
1930s
In 1933, the Datsun 12 was manufactured, marking the first commercial vehicle to enter the market. With a length of 2,770 mm, the Datsun 12 was not just small in dimensions. It had a 748 cc engine that produced a mere 12 horsepower, coupled with a 3-speed transmission.
By the end of the 1930s, Datsun had produced three commercial vehicles, including the Pickup 17T and 15T. The only difference between them was the grille design, with the 17T remaining in production until 1943.
1940s
Due to the outbreak of war in 1943, production was halted until 1946. With limited materials available post-war, Nissan opted to manufacture a modified version of the Datsun 17T, naming it Datsun 1121. The chrome grille was replaced with a steel plate, and the front bumper was made from a simple steel bar.
As the economic situation improved by the late 1940s, there was a noticeable change in the pickup design, featuring rounded body lines and increased chrome usage. Mechanically, it remained similar to the pre-war Datsun 17 pickup, equipped with a side-valve engine of 722 cc generating 15 horsepower.
1950s
Following the economic recovery, Nissan was in a position to produce a new and improved engine. The D10 engine (860 cc) produced between 20-25 horsepower, with Datsun producing models named 6147 and Datsun 120.
The introduction of the Datsun 220 in 1957 marked a significant step towards international success. It was the first pickup to feature a modern engine that produced 34 horsepower, and it was also the first pickup equipped with a 12-volt electrical system.
1960s
The Datsun 320, equipped with a powerful 60-horsepower, 1,189 cc engine and independent front suspension, achieved remarkable sales, establishing an unbreakable reputation for Datsun.
In 1965, the Datsun 520 was produced, representing another step towards creating a beautifully modern pickup. It was the first to feature a padded dashboard, a new 520 body structure, improved steering, and a transmission, along with a 1,299 cc engine producing 67 horsepower.
1970s
In 1972, the Datsun 620 became the first Datsun pickup to offer a king cab and double cab design. With a gasoline engine producing 77 horsepower, the 620 could reach speeds of up to 135 km/h. Some markets also produced a 2.2-liter diesel engine generating 66 horsepower.
Seven years later, the Datsun 720 was launched with a (standard/king) cab design, making it the first pickup to offer four-wheel drive.
1980s
In 1980, the Nissan D21, also known as Navara, was produced, featuring a V6 (6-cylinder) engine. It was available with either a 5-speed or a 4-speed transmission.
Further developments included an easy steering system, rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive, which were sold in large quantities.
1990s
In 1997, Nissan launched the small truck class D22 with designs available in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, equipped with one of the following engines: a 2.0-liter gasoline engine or a 3.2-liter diesel engine.
The Early 21st Century
The D40 class was produced in 2005, featuring a mid-size pickup that was significantly larger than its predecessors. The D22 shared its foundations with the third-generation Pathfinder (R51). The D40 class achieved great success despite not being released in the Japanese domestic market.
In 2016, Nissan introduced the new third-generation Navara.
