Nissan · 1958-1965
Datsun 220 & 320
The Datsun 220 and 320 were the small Japanese pickups that first put Datsun on American roads, arriving from 1958-59 after a Los Angeles Auto Show debut. They were half-ton trucks with 1.0-1.2 L four-cylinders, four-speed manuals and a strictly utilitarian brief.
- Years
- 1958-1965
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Engines
- C (988 cc) - 220/221/222 · E / E-1 1.2 L - 223 and 320 series
- Sold in
- Japan · US (from 1958-59) · Export
Spec sheet
- Production
- 1958–1965
The 220 was built in Japan from November 1957; the 320 from August 1961 to 1965.
- Assembly
- Nissan Shatai, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, JapanSamut Prakan, Thailand (320)
- Sold in
- JapanUS (from 1958-59)Export
- Codes
- 220/221/222/223 (1957-61)320/321/322 (1961-65)G320 (long wheelbase)U320 (double cab)N320 "Sports Pick-Up" (1963-65, ~1,000 built)
- Body styles
- Single-cab pickupLong-wheelbase single cab (G320)Double cab (U320, Japan/export)Three-door van (V320)N320 "Sports Pick-Up" with integrated cab/bed
- Drivetrains
- RWD
- Transmissions
- 4-speed manual
- Wheelbase
- 97.2 in
- Payload
- 1,870 lb (US 320 "½ ton pickup", undated Datsun brochure filed as 1965); 220: 850 kg (1,874 lb) per Wikipedia (export spec)
Engines
- Displacement
- 988 cc
- Config
- I4
- Years
- 1957-1960
- Notes
- power not given in fetched source
- Displacement
- 1,189 cc
- Config
- I4
- HP
- 60 hp
- Years
- 1960-1965
- Notes
- 60 PS (Japanese-market 320 rated 55 PS); the "Datsun 1200" and "60 HP" fender badges
Highlights
- 01
- The 220 was the first Datsun truck exported to the US and "officially established Datsun in the American market" after its 1958 Los Angeles show appearance
- 02
- 221 (Oct 1958) moved the fender-top turn signals beside the grille because US rules did not permit the original layout; also gained a stronger rear axle for sustained highway speeds
- 03
- 223 introduced the 1.2 L E-1 engine, independent front suspension with torsion bars and power-assisted brakes
- 04
- 320 used Bluebird 310 styling cues; rear axle ratio of 4.875:1 made it uncomfortable above ~60 mph
Photos
Nissan Datsun 220 & 320 1958-1965
Related
Overview
Datsun's first US-market truck was the 220 series, introduced in Japan in November 1957 and exhibited in Los Angeles in 1958 alongside the 210 sedan. It carried over the cab of the 120-series and was powered by a 988 cc four-cylinder; the 221 of October 1958 moved the turn signals to comply with US rules and received a stronger rear axle after Datsun learned how American highways would treat it.
The 223 brought the first real mechanical step forward: the 1.2-liter E-1 engine (60 PS), an independent front end with torsion bars, a worm-and-roller steering box and power-assisted brakes, borrowing hardware developed for the forthcoming Cedric. The 320 series followed in August 1961, taking Bluebird 310 styling cues and the same E-1 engine, and remained on sale through 1965.
Body styles included standard and long-wheelbase single cabs, a flush-sided double cab, a three-door van and, from 1963, the rare N320 "Sports Pick-Up" with an integrated cab and bed (about 1,000 built). All were half-ton trucks with four-speed manuals and very low gearing; a 4.875:1 rear axle made sustained speeds above roughly 60 mph a chore.
They are scarce now, but they matter: this is the beachhead from which the 520, 620 and Hardbody lines grew.