From the South East Queensland Correspondent: Nissan Cedric Custom Six

It's confession time! There's a possibility - slim, admittedly - that my tastes are maturing. Broadening, at least.

My preference has always been for Japanese hardtops, coupes and other sporty variants from the 1970s, along with Italian marques from the late 1950s to the mid-'80s. I also like modded cars; engine upgrades, rortier exhausts, tightened suspension and aftermarket wheels all do it for me. This is unlikely to change substantially.

So why do I find this circa 1966 Nissan Cedric Custom Six so damned appealing? It's certainly not down to the model's name! Cedric, FFS! (Apologies to Uncle Ced!) What other monikers were they considering? The Nigel? The Algernon??

It's unlikely to be because of the car's performance, either; an archaic 2.0 litre six coupled to a sludge-box is not going to set the world on fire. Handling probably isn't up to much, nor can I imagine that its braking is anything but average 1960s' fare.

It seems to me that the only two factors left are its oh-so-elegant styling and the quality of its appointments. Taking the subject of style first, I'd argue there's a hint of the Mk1 Triumph 2000 about the Cedric's lines. Nothing too obvious, mind you; just a few influences like the side profile, very upright, glass-house style cabin, C-pillars, slight overhang at the rear of the roof, and the tail lights. All very Michelotti, I reckon!

Both cars hail from the early- to mid-60s, are powered by small-displacement sixes and are what was, then, considered to be towards the larger end of the sizes offered in their respective main markets. A coincidence?

The question of appointments is best answered by checking out the SEQC's lovely photos - taken at a cars and coffee in Brisbane, Australia - especially those of the interior. The dash has gauges galore, the seats are sumptuous and equipped with centre armrests and nets on the rear of the front bench seat, along with its own cigarette lighter and radio controls for back seat passengers. There are also abundant interior lights - possibly including courtesy lamps built into the door armrests (?) - which are set against door cards that are trimmed to match the rest of the decor.

All this leads me to believe that the Cedric could not be anything but a delight to cruise in. Refined. Luxurious, even! Like a Toyota Crown. And those wheels do do it for me!

For anyone wondering where the Cedric fits into Nissan’s line-up - especially vis a vis their more widely-known Skyline - Wikipedia explains that the former was originally the latter's market competitor, until Nissan subsumed the Prince Motor Company - the original makers of the Skyline - and began selling them as their own sports sedan and coupe variant. This left the Cedric to compete against Toyota's Crown as a luxury vehicle, alongside its twin-sister, the Nissan Gloria, which was given a slightly sportier treatment than her staid brother (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Cedric - accessed 10 JUN 22).

Thanks go to fellow former forensic photographer Peter R, aka the SEQC, for his excellent photos. Sincere appreciation also to the Cedric's owner.

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U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

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Random # 301: Nanna-Spec KE36 Corolla

Once upon a time - six or seven years ago, actually - there was a lovely pale yellow GC Galant station wagon getting around Hobart. It was totally nanna-spec; its paint was umarked, the chrome work and hubcaps were immaculate, and its very original interior was pristine. Then someone stuck feathers in its dashboard. Next, the windows were adorned with Tibetan prayer flags. And a hubcap went missing. And the the rear bumper was pushed in, mangling the bodywork behind it. And a mudguard got dented. And rust set in. I fear for this sweet, innocent KE36 Corolla. Somebody please save it before it's too late. Nanna needs you to do it. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) Photos by GlamRock.

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