THE RAREST CARS IN THE UK: DATSUN 280C

In the late 1970s, any Datsun larger than a Laurel was a rare sight in the UK. You might occasionally find a 280C in major dealerships, but you were more likely to see them in brochures than on the road in the main. They seemed more exotic than a Ford Granada Ghia or a Rover SD1, the sort of big saloon that would turn heads in the office car park. And today, Stewart Finnie's 1979 example is one of a handful left on the road.

The 280C's origins date back to the 30 Series Cedric of 19x0, which replaced the Austin A50 Cambridge built by Nissan under licence. 1965 marked the debut of the elegant Pininfarina styled 130 versions, and two years later, the firm no longer used on their overseas models. Apparently, the result in English speaking markets was often one of hilarity.

British Datsun sales began in 1968, with the flagship models sold as the 2000. Three years later, the 230 looked imposing still with its 'Coke Bottle' lines, and by 1975 the 330 range appeared positively flamboyant. The later 280 versions were powered by a 2,753cc OHC six-cylinder engine, which only enhanced their appeal.

Datsun's publicity heavily emphasised the 280C's high levels of equipment, which was a significant selling point. To appreciate how decadent it must have appeared to the average Briton, just consider the lack of fittings in the average entry-level saloon. For anyone used to driving a Ford Escort Popular that lacked virtually everything bar a steering wheel, the Datsun's electric windows would have been the height of luxury.

And then there were the 280C's distinctive looks. As with the rival Toyota Crown, its bodywork is uncompromisingly Pan Pacific with slight overtones of a late 1970s Buick. The overall effect is distinctive, pleasing and undoubtedly unlikely to be mistaken for any other company car at the 'Senior Executive's Sales Conference'.

British road tests of the 330 range are few and far between in the UK, but when Auto Sport evaluated the 280C, they were highly impressed. The reviewer found it 'quicker in the curves than some lighter cars with distinctly sporting pretentions' while the engine possessed massive torque'. But, most importantly, the Cedric was 'one of the best general-purpose family cars I've tested in a long time, and enjoyable to drive, too'.

The 430 replaced the 330 series in 1979, and Stewart's saloon is currently for sale. The 1978 sales copy claimed that the 280C was 'a prestige family car combining style and luxury with the quality of manufacturing that produces the REAL economy of trouble-free Datsun motoring'. Thousands of owners would agree with that statement.

With Thanks To: Stewart Finnie