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The Nissan Laurel was introduced by Nissan in 1968 as the new model to slot between the 1968 Bluebird 510 & the Nissan Cedric.

The first Laurel was developed by the Prince Motor Company, consisting of both 2-door and 4-door variants. It was released as a Nissan after Prince merged with Nissan. Laurels for years shared many components and architectures with the Skyline range.

Since 1968, ten generations of Laurel have been produced in Japan. Nissan listed the Laurel for sale in only selected Asian and European markets (it was also sold in Chile, as Datsun Laurel, starting in the late seventies), and then discontinued the export of this model from 1989.

[edit] Nissan Laurel (C30) (1968–1972)

In April, 1968 Nissan presented its new Laurel in four-door deLuxe and Super deLuxe versions, both equipped with a 1.8 L inline-four cylinder engine and independent rear suspension. In summer 1970 a hardtop coupé joined the line-up, one year later a 2000 cc engine became available.

[edit] Nissan Laurel (C130) (1972–1977)

In April, 1972 the second Laurel generation appeared, again in four-door saloon and two-door hardtop coupé form affectionately known as the BUTA KETSU Laurel(PIG'S ASS)because of it's "big" rear quarter panels and tail section. The saloon now was endowed with a rear beam axle and leaf springs, while the coupé clung to IRS. In addition to the 1.8 and 2.0 L four cylinder engines, a 2.0 L inline-six was now available, joined, from October, 1973, by a 2.6 L six; the latter was replaced by a 2.8 L six in late 1975.

[edit] Nissan Laurel (C230/C231) (1977–1980)

The third generation appeared in January, 1977. For the first time, the C230 was available in either saloon and hardtop coupé form, but also as a hardtop saloon without B-posts. Buyers could choose between a 1.8 L four, a 2.0 l inline-six (carburetted or fuel-injected), a 2.8 L six or a 2.0 L diesel four. In autumn, 1978 the C230 received a mild facelift (Type C231), marked visually by square instead of round double headlights.

[edit] C31 (1980-1984)

The C31 model, introduced in November, 1980, was the first model that was only available in a four-door form, either as a sedan or hardtop. Engines for the C31 were 1.8 liter, 2.0 liter L20, 2.4 liter L24 gasoline, and 2.8 liter diesel.

[edit] Nissan Laurel (C32) (1984-1989)

The C32 were fitted with three gasoline engines. The CA20S (which were the only four-cylinder to be seen in the C32), The L24E and the VG30E. It also came with the LD28 diesel. In 1987 there were a minor facelift which basically were bigger bumpers, new grilles, and new lights in the front and back. The LD28 diesel engine were swapped out in favor for the RD28

The C32 was the last model to be sold outside Japan.

[edit] Nissan Laurel (C33) (1989-1993)

In January, 1989 the Laurel C33 was introduced, and it was only available as a hardtop four-door. Base engine offering again was a 1.8 L four, options consisted of a 2.0 L six (SOHC, DOHC or DOHC Turbo) and a 2.8 L diesel six. Early in 1991 a 2.5 L DOHC inline-six coupled to a 5-speed automatic became available.

The Laurel was one of the few Nissan vehicles which still used the rear wheel drive layout, making it popular as a car to modify, particularly this generation.

[edit] Nissan Laurel (C34) (1993-1997)

The Laurel C34 was no longer available in hardtop sedan configuration; the single body style offered was the regular saloon with B-posts. Gone as well was the four cylinder engine. Available engines included a 2.0 L six (SOHC or DOHC), a 2.5 L DOHC six and a 2.8 L diesel six.

Some of the later models featured more sophistication such as Nissan's proprietary 4-wheel steering (HICAS) and 4-wheel drive (ATTESA) systems, which were based on the Skyline models.

[edit] Nissan Laurel (C35) (1997-2002)

The eighth and last generation debuted in June, 1997. The available number of models was further reduced and was comprised of versions with a DOHC two-liter engine, a 2.5 L six or a 2.8 L diesel six. In late 2002 Laurel production was ended.

[edit] References

• Automobil Revue, catalogue editions 1969, 1973, 1975, 1979, 2001.

[edit] External links

Template:Classicpow-auto-stubde:Nissan Laurel ja:日産・ローレル no:Nissan Laurel pt:Nissan Laurel